Walking and Dog Walking
If you are looking for a set route to walk we have provided a number of way-marked walks from our favourite spots. These walks are also suitable for those who are less able and for pushchairs and buggies as they are on gravel tracks. Map reading is not required, just follow the wooden posts with the coloured markers on.
Please click on the links below for full details of these walks.
Start point: Bolderwood
Deer Watch Trail (0.5 miles)
Radnor Trail (1.5 miles) starting at Bolderwood
Jubilee Trail (1 miles)
Start Point Whitefield Moor
Ober water Walk (red route) (1.5 miles)
Ober Water Walk (yellow route) (1 miles)
Start Point Knightwood Oak
Knightwood Oak Stroll (0.25 miles)
Start Point – Blackwater
Arboretum Sensory Trail (0.5 miles)
Tall Trees Trail (1.5 miles)
Start Point Wilverley
Wilverley Wander (2 miles)
Dogs
Well behaved dogs are welcome throughout the New Forest, so get out and enjoy the fresh air together. Remember, your dog must not be allowed to disturb or chase livestock or wildlife. On the Open Forest, you must keep yourself and your dog to the main tracks from 1st March- 31st July, when rare birds nest on the ground. And please 'bag and bin' dog poo near car parks and on footpaths- it can be deposited in any litter bin.
Cani Card for Dogs:
See the Cani- Card (PDF 120k) created for New Forest dog owners
This business card-size document fits easily in a pocket or handbag, and has space for a passport-style photograph and detailed description of an owner’s pet. Forestry Commission rangers say; “You need to find a dog quickly if it gets lost. The big problem we have if we’re asked to keep an eye out for an animal is not knowing exactly what it looks like. Dog walking here is so popular that there’s almost bound to be several other pets of the same breed in the area.
“But if an owner shows us a picture of the dog at the outset we have a much better chance of success. This applies no matter who they may ask to help find their pet.”
The cani-card contains important telephone numbers too, including the Hampshire police, Lost Paws (the stray dog collection service), dog wardens, and the Forestry Commission, so people will know who to contact in any emergency.”
Cani-cards are available free from rangers and the Forestry Commission offices, Lyndhurst, libraries and vets, and the local New Forest District Council dog wardens
CYCLING
Exploring this truly ancient Forest by bicycle is the ideal way to discover the magnificent beauty and fascinating wildlife that can easily be missed by car. To help protect this unique environment and improve visitor enjoyment an off-road and road-based cycle network has been created.
The network covers over 100 miles and links the main New Forest villages and the railway at Brockenhurst, by the safest and most attractive routes.
A map of the cycle network along with cycling codes of conduct can be downloaded for free by clicking here
You can only cycle on these way-marked routes. It is against the byelaws to cycle off these approved routes as this activity can:
Disturb wildlife – Wild animals can be startled by the sudden appearance of bikes. Ground nesting birds may be frightened off their nests and not return.
Disturb Commoner’s stock – the ponies and cattle in the forest are owned by local commoners but are wild and should be left alone
Disturb other forest users – Walkers and horse riders have the legal right to go anywhere in the forest. They do not expect to meet cyclists off way-marked routes.
Localised erosion – many wheels can churn up soft paths, create water channels and cause soil erosion.
HORSERIDING
Horse riders have always enjoyed open access to the forest, which is well furnished with suitable tracks. Seeing the forest from the back of a horse is an excellent way to see the forest’s mature woods, shady streams, dappled glades and beautiful open heathland.
You can ride a horse in the New forest without a Forestry Commission riding permit. However we request that you adhere to all warning signs and the advice given on them. Please refer to our Horse Riding Guide for further information.
If you wish to drive a pony and cart on Forestry Commission land you will need to purchase a New Forest Driving Permit. For further details of where you can use a pony and cart and prices please phone 023 8028 6838 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm)
For details of riding stables in the New Forest please click here. (http://www.thenewforest.co.uk/horseriding/index.html)
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