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Disabled access on the New Forest

Disabled ramblers event in the New ForestCouple having a rest on a bench along a waymarked trailPlanning and consultation meeting between foresters, recreation rangers and representatives from disabled access group. Rhinefield walks area. New Forest FD

The New Forest offers a number of way-marked trails and over 100 miles of cycle tracks which are suitable for those using wheelchairs or buggies. Download the cycle map (PDF 1.9MB) to plan a route, or click on the way-marked trail links below to find out if they are suitable for you. If you have any queries about accessibility on the forest you can also call our ranger team on 023 8028 3141.

Bolderwood
Situated on an old coaching route, Bolderwood has all the ingredients for a fantastic family day out. A viewing platform overlooks fields where wild herds of fallow deer can be seen. During the summer months the deer are fed between 1.30pm and 2.30pm each day giving everyone the chance to observe more closely these normally secretive creatures. Waymarked trails allow you to wander easily through the woods before enjoying a picnic under the trees - follow the deer watch trail, the radnor trail or the jubilee trail. An information unit is located here during the school holidays and weekends from Easter until the end of October.
Facilities: Toilets; access to cycle network; waymarked trail; disabled facilities; information; picnic area; observation point.
(Download the Guide to Deer at Bolderwood Podcast (MP3 1.7MB) for your MP3 player here so while you are at the Viewing Platform you can also have a commentary about the deer species.)

Knightwood
From this car park a short waymarked trail - the Knightwood Oak Stroll - leads you across the road to one of the most famous trees in the New Forest. Believed to have been planted before 1600, this tree is still going strong and is a spectacular example of the ancient practice of pollarding.
Facilities: Access to cycle route; picnic area.
(Download the Knightwood Oak podcast for your MP3 player)

Blackwater
Located beneath the majestic Douglas firs and redwoods of the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, this car park is the starting point from which to take a stroll around the nationally important collection of trees at Blackwater Arboretum or wander beneath the mighty conifers on the Tall Trees Trail.
Facilities: Toilets; access to cycle network; waymarked trail; disabled facilities; picnic area.

Whitefield Moor
If you are looking for somewhere to picnic or play games this extensive sunny site is ideal. There are also easy walks along the nearby Ober Water - the yellow route and the red route. Please do not feed, touch or scare the ponies and cattle that graze this grassy lawn.
Facilities: Toilets; access to cycle network; waymarked trail; disabled facilities; picnic area.

Wilverley Plain & Inclosure
During World War II Wilverley Plain was ploughed and sown with much needed crops. Today this extensive grassy lawn provides valuable grazing for ponies as well as offering an ideal area for having a picnic or playing games. There is also easy access into the adjoining woodland and its waymarked trails from both ends of the car park.
Facilities: Toilets; access to cycle network; waymarked trail; disabled facilities; picnic area; barbecue for hire.


The New Forest Reptile Centre Enjoy finding out about British reptiles and amphibians, and how they are being conserved in the New Forest. Special display enclosures allow you to safely study these animals, and there is also a reptile themed waymarked trail to follow. The trail has a fairly smooth gravelled surface although the final section is a grassy path which can become muddy during wet weather. The Reptile Centre is open from Easter until the end of September.
Facilities: Toilets, access to the cycle network, waymarked trail, picnic area.

Moors Valley Country Park Home to the famous playtrail with its oversized wooden woodland play structures, this 750 acre site has loads to offer for everyone from families looking for fun to those looking for a more sedate day out. There is cycle hire, orienteering, narrow gauge steam railway, golf course, a visitor centre with restaurant and country shop as well as miles of gravel and dirt tracks for easy exploration.

Download the dog walking (PDF 191K) and out and about (PDF 264K) guides to the New Forest here.