Lady and man walking along a paved pathway in the forest

Avon Tyrrell

Walks to Enjoy in the New Forest

Want some inspiration of different walks to enjoy in the New Forest ready for Walk Outdoors Day?

We’ve got you covered! From wildlife walks to strolls along the beach, there is so much to enjoy in the New Forest.

Walks in the New Forest National Park to enjoy on Take a Walk Outside Day

Tomorrow is Take a Walk Outside Day and we’re here to let you know some of the best walks in the New Forest National Park, so you can enjoy a weekend in nature with friends or family.

Walking outdoors comes with lots of health benefits; from increasing physical health to improving mental health by reducing feelings of stress and anger, as walking outdoors allows your body to absorb vitamin D, which is also good for bones and muscle growth. For best results, we recommend walking outdoors in the morning, because only the morning sun offers this additional benefit of Vitamin D (who would have thought?!).

Take a Walk Outside Day has more purpose than getting you outdoors:

Encourages outdoor physical activity to improve health and well-being
Counters a sedentary lifestyle – especially in a world where a lot of us are sat in front of a computer for many hours a day!
Promotes the joy of walking and enjoying natural surroundings whilst connecting with nature
Raises the importance of regular physical activity
Promotes the importance of social interaction whilst enjoying a healthy activity
Strengthens the appreciation for being outdoors

1. Tall Trees Trail, Rhinefield Ornamental Drive

Take a stroll around Rhinefield, under the canopy of some of the oldest Douglas Fir Trees in Britian, planted in the 1850s. The pathways are flat and therefore easy to enjoy for all walking abilities, you’ll be able to stare at the redwoods, whilst keeping eyes peeled for a roe deer, commonly spotted in this area.

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.5 miles

2. Old Railway Bridge, Bransgore

A loop walk, where you can enjoy the Old Railway Bridge, and disused railway line whilst also basking in nature of the New Forest.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 1.5 hours

3. Wilverley Inclosure

If you’re looking for some of the famous New Forest wildlife, then Wilverley Inclosure is the place for you! Stroll through open fields and woodlands, you’re sure to come across cattle, deer and maybe some of the famous New Forest ponies.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 3.5 miles.

4. Keyhaven Marshes

This is a great walk with beautiful breathtaking scenery along the New Forest coastline. You will enjoy views of Hurst Castle and stroll along the Solent, the circular route is a feast for the eyes!

Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 4 hours

5. Avon Valley Path

This is for real walking lovers, where you’ll enjoy 34 miles of New Forest views starting in Salisbury and ending in Christchurch, following a well-signed pathway opened in 1992. You can expect to see New Forest ponies, stunning views and even take your pick from a few local New Forest pubs along the way.

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 34 miles

Want to make a weekend of it? Book into one of our forest lodges sleeping 6, 12 and 14 people or opt to sleep out under the stars from March – to November with a stay on one of our forest or lakeview camping pitches, with access to hot shower facilities. Find out more about breaks away with Avon Tyrrell in the New Forest.