Best Circular Walks in The New Forest

The New Forest is a walker’s paradise. Stretching across Hampshire and Wiltshire, this much-loved national park is home to ancient woodlands, rolling heathlands, crystal-clear streams, and traditional villages where time seems to stand still.

One of the very best ways to experience its beauty is on a circular walk. Unlike one-way hikes, circular routes bring you back to where you started, often a car park, village, or even a welcoming pub, making them easy to plan. They also let you enjoy a constantly changing landscape without retracing your steps. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best circular walks in the New Forest, from short, family-friendly strolls to longer rambles for keen hikers. Whether you’re looking for dog-friendly wooded loops, wildlife watching, or a walk with a historical twist, you’ll find plenty of inspiration before you return to Green Hill Farm Holiday Village, our holiday park in the New Forest.

Top Circular Walks for All Abilities

Tall Trees Trail (Blackwater Arboretum)

• Location: Blackwater Arboretum car park, near Lyndhurst
  
• Length & Estimated Time: 2.5 miles / ~1 hour
  
• Difficulty: Easy
  
• Key Features: This gentle woodland trail is perfect for families and first-time visitors. Wander among towering conifers(Douglas firs and redwoods) that were planted in the 1850s and now soar high above you. It’s a wonderfully peaceful spot for an afternoon stroll.
  
• Amenities: Car park, picnic benches, and cafés nearby in Lyndhurst.
  

This short New Forest circular walk is ideal for stretching your legs without venturing too far, and it’s easily accessible from main roads.

Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary Loop

• Location: Bolderwood car park (signposted from the A35)
  
• Length & Estimated Time: 3 miles / ~1.5 hours
  
• Difficulty: Moderate
  
• Key Features: A firm favourite among families, this walk combines forest tracks with the chance to spot fallow deer. The Deer Sanctuary has a purpose-built viewing platform overlooking a meadow where the herd often grazes. Combine this with shady woodland paths for a truly rewarding walk.
  
• Amenities: Picnic area, toilets, and an ice cream van in summer.

If you’re visiting with little ones, this is one of the best circular walks in the New Forest for wildlife spotting.

Burley Village Walk

• Location: Burley village centre
  
• Length & Estimated Time: 2 miles / ~1 hour
  
• Difficulty: Easy
  
• Key Features: Burley is famous for its links to folklore and witchcraft, but beyond its quirky charm lies a lovely short circular walk. Wander past thatched cottages, village greens, and spot ponies grazing freely, before looping through surrounding woodland.
  
• Amenities: Several traditional pubs, cafés, and shops in the village.
  

This is also a brilliant New Forest circular pub walk, perfect if you fancy ending with a pint at The Queen’s Head or a cream tea.

Rhinefield Ornamental Drive Walks

• Location: Rhinefield car park, near Brockenhurst
  
• Length & Estimated Time: 2–4 miles / 1–2 hours depending on route
  
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  
• Key Features: This is one of the New Forest’s most beautiful routes, lined with Douglas firs, redwoods, and oak trees. The circular trails here allow you to explore parts of the ornamental arboretum and surrounding forest. It’s especially magical in autumn when the trees are ablaze with colour.
  
• Amenities: Car park, picnic spots.
  

Circular Walks for Nature Lovers

Hatchet Pond Circular Walk

• Location: Hatchet Pond car park, near Beaulieu
  
• Length & Estimated Time: 3.5 miles / ~2 hours
  
• Difficulty: Moderate
  
• Key Features: Hatchet Pond is the largest body of water in the New Forest and a haven for birdlife. This route loops around the pond and through nearby heathlands, where you may spot ponies, donkeys, and even wildfowl on the water.
  
• Amenities: Picnic areas, toilets nearby.
  

A great choice for those looking for a circular dog walk in the New Forest with plenty of space and fresh air.

Longdown Inclosure from Ornamental Drive

• Location: Start at Rhinefield car park
  
• Length & Estimated Time: 4 miles / ~2 hours
  
• Difficulty: Moderate
  
• Key Features: This circular walk blends ornamental woodland with more natural forest habitats, making it excellent for spotting deer and birdlife. The varied scenery and shaded paths make it a rewarding mid-length hike.
  
• Amenities: Car park and picnic spots.
  

Fritham Heathland Loop

Circular Walks with a Historical Twist

Burley Castle Walk

• Location: Burley village centre
  
• Length & Estimated Time: 3 miles / ~1.5 hours
  
• Difficulty: Easy
  
• Key Features: This short circular walk leads to the remains of Burley Castle (also known as Castle Hill), an 11th-century fortification. Combine heritage with forest scenery and village charm for a gentle afternoon wander.
  
• Amenities: Parking and village pubs.
  

Lyndhurst Railway Walk

• Location: Lyndhurst town centre
  
• Length & Estimated Time: 4 miles / ~2 hours
  
• Difficulty: Easy
  
• Key Features: Partly following the route of the old Lyndhurst Road railway, this flat path is a fascinating glimpse into the forest’s industrial past. Today it’s a tranquil green corridor lined with trees and birdsong.
  
• Amenities: Cafés, pubs, and facilities in Lyndhurst.
  

Boldre and Brockenhurst Loop

• Location: Boldre village, near Lymington
  
• Length & Estimated Time: 5 miles / ~2.5 hours
  
• Difficulty: Moderate
  
• Key Features: This scenic loop links the historic churches of Boldre and Brockenhurst, meandering through ancient lanes, fields, and woodland. A fantastic blend of history and nature.
  
• Amenities: Village pubs, parking.
  

Why Choose a Circular Walk?

Circular walks are perfect for both casual strollers and seasoned hikers. They:

• Start and finish in the same place, so you end up back at your car or jumping off point.
  
• Provide a constant change of scenery without retracing steps.
  
• Often begin near car parks, villages, or pubs, making them practical and enjoyable.
  

From short New Forest circular walks to longer rambles, these routes let you make the most of your time outdoors.

Planning Your New Forest Circular Walk

To get the best out of your walk:

• Footwear: Sturdy boots or walking shoes are essential.
  
• Pack essentials: Bring water, snacks, and a map or GPS device.
  
• Respect wildlife: Keep dogs on leads near ponies and cattle. Learn more in our guide to spotting New Forest ponies.
  
• Check conditions: Weather can change quickly; pack a waterproof.
  
• Leave no trace: Take litter home and stay on marked paths.
  

If you’re walking with dogs, explore our best dog friendly walks in the New Forest for more inspiration.

Extend Your Walking Adventure: Stay in the New Forest

After a day exploring, there’s nothing better than returning to a cosy base. Staying in the New Forest means you can enjoy multiple circular walks at your own pace, with time to discover local villages, wildlife, and hidden gems along the way. Explore our 7-day New Forest itinerary for more ideas, or discover the best activities and things to do to combine your walk with other adventures. If you’re visiting in summer, you might even enjoy a dip at one of the top wild swimming locations in the New Forest.

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