New Forest Winter Walks – Our Guide….

Choosing where you go for a winter walk is important. Windy? Head for the protection of the trees in the forest. Sunny? Head to the beach. Want silence? Go to the firs... Need to rid yourself of 'cobwebs in the brain'? We love Hurst Spit.

"There's no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing".

The winter walks and ares for exploring that we’ve chosen here, are well worth the dressing up. Wellies are a good idea because the soil here holds water close to the surface, though rarely gets deeply muddy, unless you’re on well worn animal tracks. Most of the paths here are sandy and well drained thanks to many years of good care by the National Parks and Forestry England teams.

Head out and explore – you’ll be sure to blow your cobwebs away and see some amazing sites.

Walk along the coast

The coastal path from Lymington to Keyhaven is a fantastic route. You’ll find views of the Isle of Wight, the many marinas along the coast, great cafes and pubs and plenty of benches to sit on and while away your time.

We love starting in Lymington town and walking east toward Milford on Sea. Stop for coffee at Lymington Yacht haven (and warm up by their wood burner) before heading out to the most exposed part of the coastal path toward Keyhaven, the bird reserves and marshes. We love eating at Salt Rock in Milford, which is informal and vibrant. If you don’t make it that far, or want a more formal lunch setting, then the nearest best alternative is Yacht haven. Their restaurant is on the first floor and has floor to ceiling glass windows. It looks over the large marina and the food is excellent.

- Lymington Sea Wall -

Beach walks with kids & dogs

We are lucky that most local beaches allow dogs (only a few have seasonal restrictions). For a shorter walk with kids and dogs we recommend people walk from Tanners Lane towards Lymington. This isn’t a long walk, but once you walk away from the (small) lane parking area you’ll very quickly (in about 100 metres) find yourself with only the views as company.  For longer walks, on never ending beaches, visit Milford on Sea…. 

Rhinefield walk and the area to the north of Brockenhurst

One of the most lovely areas of the forest… The trees here are amazing. Huge firs, streams to jump and wild animals to spot. 

Get off the beaten track and come here for some ‘forest bathing‘ and plug into the strongest vibes for a natural-healing session.

Bucklers Hard to Beaulieu Village (for hot choc) and back again.

A charming 3 (ish) mile walk along the river. There are lots of boats to spot along the way and tons of wildlife both on land and in the water. Get to Beaulieu for lunch and a hot choc – perfect. The whole place is slow and pretty. On most days you’ll find donkeys and ponies throughout the village. Read our Insiders Guide to Beaulieu here. 

Wonderful pictures by Steve Elson, Henry Szwinto and Nick Lucas