The New Forest is one of 10 National Parks in the UK. It covers over 140,000 acres in land and is famous for its wildlife, cattle and history. There are plenty of circular walks in the New Forest for those wanting to leave the car and explore the area for a while.
Parking in the New Forest along the trails is plentiful and the majority of time you can find parking spots in the New Forest carparks. Alternatively there are spaces along the roadside available which makes it a great place to explore.
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Rockford Common Circular Walk
Distance: 3 miles
Rockford Common (BH24 3LZ) is one of my favourite New Forest walking routes. The common is a large expanse of heathland in Linwood in Hampshire. There is a small National Trust car park at the entrance to the common near the sand pits, however you can access the huge space via many of the parking inlets including Appleslade.
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As you reach the open heathland, the paths are very apparent as you are quite high up. You can see a circular walk as you begin your walk, and can make the walk shorter or longer by taking one of the different paths as you walk.
There are some lovely views from the top of Rockford Common, fast becoming one of my favourite New Forest walks, including sights of the New Forest ponies grazing in the middle.
Tall Trees Trail Walk
Distance 1.5 miles circular
The Tall Trees Walk in New Forest National Park is home to some of the tallest trees in England. This family-friendly route takes you through majestic redwoods and Douglas firs.
Located near Blackwater Arboretum, the walk is around 1.5 miles long, making it an easy walk for all ages. With well-marked paths and informative signs about the trees, it’s perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Hatchet Pond Circular Walk
Distance 2 miles
Hatchet Pond (SO42 7WD) is near Beaulieu in the New Forest. There is a large car park on the east side of the pond, with a lovely footpath around the water.
You stand a good chance of spotting some New Forest ponies if you walk around Hatchet Pond.
The walk is suitable for all, however some parts can become boggy so good footwear is a must.
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Keyhaven Marshes Circular Walk
Distance: 4 miles
Keyhaven is a small coastal village in the New Forest. This 4 mile circular walk will showcase some stunning views on a nice day. The walk takes you along the sea wall with open sea to one side and the marshes on the other.
The walk begins near the harbour at the public car park, SO41 0TG. From the car park. From the car park, take the north exit turning right along the road by the sea wall. You will pass the water on your left and can continue along the path with amazing views of the Isle of Wight as you walk.
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You could continue along the sea wall for around six miles to Lymington, but to make the circular walk back to the car park, take the path inland behind the nature reserve. This is one of the best walks in the New Forest for bird spotting.
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Lyndhurst Heath and Forest Circular Walk
Distance: 3.5 miles
Parking at Boltons Bench (SO40), this is the closest car park to Lyndhurst village centre. If you follow the track across heathland for almost a mile, you will come across two paths which lead to the road. Either can be used, and as you reach the road, cross over and follow the left hand lane to Pondhead Farm.
Once you spot the farm, take the right hand path and follow towards the woods. Turning right onto a cycle track will lead you back towards Lyndhurst village and the carpark.
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Brockenhurst Village Circular Walk
Distance: 5 miles
Brockenhurst village walk starts from Brockenhurst Railway Station (SO42 7TW). The walk is an easy to follow route, passing Balmer Lawn and entering forest and heathland. You will no doubt come across plenty of ponies and cattle during this 5 mile walk before walking back around the edge of the Brockenhurst Village to the car park.
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Ashurst and Deerleap Enclosure Circular Walk
Distance: 3.5 miles
Starting from Deerleap car park (SO40 4UH) take the path to the left to begin your circular walk loop. As the name suggests you may spot some deer along your walk. Dogs are fine off lead on this walk, however you may wish to keep them on leads around the live stock.
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Burley Village Circular Walk
Distance: 4 miles
Starting from Burley village (BH24 4AB), you begin your walk near the village bus stop. As you leave the village via Castle Hill lane, you will spot some lovely views across Avon Valley. You will continue across Castle Hill before returning back into the village.
Along the way you will pass an Iron Age hillfort which is a must see for any history buffs. It’s worth noting that some of this walk is along the road with limited pavements.
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