A Local’s Guide to Walks in the New Forest
Visit for the day or escape for a weekend, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our National Park…
Miles of trails and an abundance of wildlife – the New Forest is a walker’s paradise. Famous for its roaming ponies, quaint villages and miles of ancient trees, the New Forest National Park is home to the largest expanse of heathland in Europe. With such landscapes and space comes wildlife: ponies, Highland cattle, fallow, roe, sika and red deer, all roam freely, as well as an abundance of smaller wildlife including 13 of Britain’s 18 species of bat and a clutch of rare dragonflies.
But where to walk if you’re not here for long or just visiting the National Park for a day?
Recommended Spots
As locals, we asked the team at Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa to share their favourite secret spots so you can enjoy the best walks during your visit to our National Park.
Hatchet Pond
“Travel down the B3055 to Hatchet Pond to admire the parallel reflection of the trees in the lake before watching the sun go down. Or arrive early on a brisk summer’s morning and watch the mist blanketing the tranquil waters.” – Spa Director, Lina Lotto
Puttles Bridge
“Travel through the village of Brockenhurst, along Rhinefield Road and past the Black Knoll House and you will come across the ancient Puttles Bridge. For real peace and quiet, keep walking up the river where you’ll spot a secret, fairy-tale like glen.” – Wedding Coordinator, Françoise Gysemans
Hincheslea
“Located just 1.8 miles from Brockenhurst along Burley Road, park close by and head up the hill at Hincheslea. Rather than taking the tourist routes just keep walking until you get to the very top of the hill. The look back from the top at Hincheslea is beautiful.” – General Manager, Steve Woodrow
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There are plenty of beautiful walks on our doorstep, whether you want to drive and park or set off directly from the hotel.
Circular Walks from Careys Manor Hotel
Brockenhurst Village Walk
5 miles – Start from Brockenhurst Train Station
An easy walk circumnavigating our quaint village of Brockenhurst that starts and finishes at the train station just a 3 minute walk from the hotel, takes you through the village, and then out and around, through marsh, heath and forest where you will have the chance to see the New Forest ponies and donkeys.
Brockenhurst to Blackwater Arboretum
6.12 miles – Start from Whitefield Moor Car Park
8.22 miles – Start from Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa
An intermediate walk that requires a good level of fitness, it is a beautiful trail that takes you through the impressive Blackwater Arboretum and on the ancient Tall Trees Walk.
Download the route to your phone using Komoot here.
Pubs and picnics
No walk is complete without sustenance and many of the walks will start from or take you through local villages with their pubs and cafes being the perfect places to stop, refuel and rehydrate along the way. Or if you prefer, we can pack you a picnic for you to eat among the trees.
Our guests come from all over the country to enjoy walks through our National Park and there is something special about a picnic in the middle of a woodland or on a hilltop overlooking the New Forest heathland. Head Chef of Cambium, Alistair Craig, has created a picnic menu specially for the occasion, so you can set off, find the perfect spot. Book your picnic now.
Plan your walking break in the New Forest, and stay with us for the best of both, nature, and relaxation. Our rooms embrace the calm of the forest, and the comforts of home, so you can escape completely to reset and return home feeling refreshed.
