With meandering woodland trails, picturesque coastal strolls and rolling heathland as far as the eye can see, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to walks in the New Forest.
And, while stunning at any time of year, the New Forest takes on a particularly enchanting quality in winter – think sparkling frost-touched landscapes, dramatic sunsets and stark natural beauty – making it the perfect time to get out there! Discover some of our favourite New Forest winter walks to make the most of the season.
Lymington to Keyhaven Coastal Path
Clear those cobwebs away with a stroll along the coast, ideal for enjoying a bracing sea breeze and taking in plenty of scenic panoramas across the water. The Lymington to Keyhaven route offers an easy, flat walk with views of the Isle of Wight, Hurst Castle and the Keyhaven Marshes, which are home to abundant birdlife.
We love starting in Lymington town and walking east toward Milford on Sea. Lymington has loads of lovely cafes and eateries to stop by for a coffee and cake before heading out to the most exposed part of the coastal path toward Keyhaven, the bird reserves and marshes.
For some great local recs, see our insider’s guide to Lymington.
Tanners Lane
For a short amble, head to Tanners Lane and enjoy the stroll towards Lymington. This secret coastal spot offers shingle shores, seaside views and lush marshy vistas, great for perking you up on a winter’s day.
The walk along the beach here is perfect for kids and dogs, as there’s plenty to explore. Simply have fun meandering up and down the shore at your leisure or carry on towards Lymington Pier, then through fields and light woodland for an easy two-hour circular route. You could also start in Lymington with the beach as your end goal if you’re planning a longer loop.
Want more beachy insight? Take a look at our New Forest beaches guide.
Blackwater Tall Trees Trail
For a quintessential New Forest walk, Brockenhurst has some lovely spots to strike out from. Walks along Rhinefield Ornamental Drive and the Blackwater Tall Trees Trail takes you to the very heart of the forest, encouraging you to immerse yourself in an unbeatable ancient woodland atmosphere.
Marvel at majestic evergreens like the giant sequoias and Douglas firs, offering impressive scenes throughout the year. The Tall Trees Trail in particular provides a fantastic day out for the whole family, with an easy, flat 1.5-mile stroll amongst the spectacular trees.
Bolderwood
Home to a deer sanctuary and various fabulous walks, Bodlerwood is a brilliant place to visit for an invigorating winter stroll. The deer watch trail, Jubilee trail and Radnor trail each offer something slightly different, but all are circular and lead back to the car park.
Keep your eyes peeled for herds of deer also enjoying an outdoor winter adventure, and admire the ancient woodland scenery as you stroll beneath the changing seasonal canopy. The Radnor trail is the longest of the three walks, but it should still only take around 50 minutes to complete – great for a leisurely afternoon out.
Turf Hill
If you’re staying in or near Burley, the healthland walks around the village offer some wonderful little adventures. Here, you’ll be treated to views of rolling heathland and glorious open vistas, providing some stunning panoramas on a bright, clear winter day!
Set out from the Burley car park and head south down Turf Hill. There are a few bridges to cross before you head back up via the Burbush Hill track to your starting point through light woods and grassland. Once you’re back at the car park, head into Burley to warm up with a well-deserved refreshment!
Ashurst Stroll
The Ashurst Stroll is a pleasant walk, offering a taste of everything that makes the New Forest so unique. Head out from the railway station, where you’ll walk past open lawns and the chance to see New Forest ponies before following the track through Churchplace Inclosure amidst the broadleaf woodland.
The 1-2 hour loop takes you through open forests and grassy lawns as well as past historic remains, condensing a gloriously New Forest experience into one stroll. Finish off your walk with a trip to The New Forest, a family-friendly pub, situated at the start/end of the circular route.
Bucklers Hard to Beaulieu
The route between Bucklers Hard and Beaulieu is a well-trodden, beloved path. The walk runs parallel with the meandering Beaulieu River, giving you the chance to enjoy riverside scenes, along with lush fields and picturesque woodland.
The villages on each side of the walk are dotted with stunning historical buildings, letting you step back in time to enjoy a slower pace of living. Ideal for birdwatchers, history enthusiasts and families, this easy but diverse walk has something for everyone.
Top Tips For Enjoying New Forest Winter Walking Trails
We recommend keeping a few winter walk basics in mind so you can enjoy your time as much as possible.
- Footwear: Wear appropriate footwear, such as walking boots or wellies, to ensure your feet stay warm and dry.
- Wrap up warm: Layer up with three or so layers so you can stay warm or remove a layer as you warm up throughout the walk, especially if it’s a longer one.
- Keep an eye on the weather: Make sure you check the weather before you head out and stay mindful of daylight, as it’ll get dark early.
- Combine your walk with a pub stop: The New Forest is dotted with countless pubs and cafes that intersect with popular walking routes, so drop in and enjoy some refreshments!
- Bring a thermos: If you’re not planning on stopping at a pub or cafe, why not bring a thermos and snacks with you for an impromptu winter picnic?
Enjoy a luxurious getaway this winter with our hot tub breaks in the New Forest, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring all the best woodland trails!
Photo credits: Steve Elson, Henry Szwinto and Nick Lucas
