Discover the New Forest National Park through a diverse collection of 30 waymarked walks that reveal the essence of one of England's most historic and enchanting landscapes. Explore iconic areas such as Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Beaulieu, Burley, and Lymington. Ranging from gentle woodland strolls to expansive heathland rambles, these routes weave through the heart of Hampshire and Wiltshire, offering a rich tapestry of open heaths, ancient forests, tranquil rivers, picturesque villages, and the New Forest coastline.

Ideal for both new and experienced walkers, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook suggests 30 manageable day walks in the New Forest, each designed to be completed in two to four hours. Terrain is mostly level and accessible to all ages, with routes ranging from 5 to 17km (3?10 miles), making these walks perfect for families, casual explorers, or ramblers seeking a deeper connection to the Forest's wild character.

• Traverse the varied landscapes of the New Forest: wander through ancient and ornamental woods in Bolderwood and Rhinefield, home to the greatest concentration of veteran trees in western Europe; cross sweeping heaths near Blackwater and Hatchet Pond grazed by wild ponies and deer; and explore stretches of unspoilt coastline and magical valley mires unique to the New Forest National Park.
• Experience the Forest's seasonal beauty: bursts of wildflowers in spring, vibrant foliage in autumn, and abundant wildlife year-round. Birdsong mingles with the rustle of leaves, while glimpses of deer, ponies, and rare plants enhance every outing.
• Walks can be tailored to suit your schedule, combine routes for a full day's exploration or select shorter loops for a leisurely afternoon. The guide highlights which walks can be easily linked together.
• Each route features a detailed summary box with start and finish points, OS Explorer map references, parking, estimated walking time, and information on nearby pubs and cafés in villages such as Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Beaulieu, Burley, and Lymington. Refreshment and transport options are included for every walk, with guidance on public transport links to key New Forest locations.
• Extracts from 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey maps accompany every route, and free GPX tracks are available for download, making navigation simple and reliable whether you're on a well-marked track or a hidden forest path.

Plan your New Forest adventure with confidence and immerse yourself in landscapes shaped by nearly a thousand years of history, from William the Conqueror's royal hunting ground to Britain's smallest national park. With the definitive Cicerone's guidebook, discover the Forest's captivating blend of wildlife, heritage, and natural beauty at your own pace, in every season.

Steve Davison is a freelance writer and photographer who has written several walking guides. He has also written for a number of outdoor magazines and other publications, including local and national newspapers, specialising in hill walking and European travel, with interests in nature, geology and the countryside. A keen hill walker for many years and a Mountain Leader, Steve has also worked as a part-time outdoor education instructor. He is also a member of the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild. Find out more about him out at www.steve-davison.co.uk.

This guidebook presents 30 walks in the New Forest in Hampshire and Wiltshire, Britain's smallest National Park. Easily accessible from Southampton, Bournemouth, Salisbury and Winchester, the New Forest encompasses varied landscapes, from ancient woodlands to open heaths, rivers and coastline. Routes of between 5 and 16km (3 and 10 miles) explore the Forest, mainly on fairly flat terrain, often on well-defined tracks and paths. Most walks are suitable for all the family and many can be combined to make longer outings. Each walk is described in detail, highlighting the many points of interest in this area - ancient sites and castles, picture postcard villages with thatched cottages or historic churches - with fascinating background detail. An extract of 1:25,000 OS mapping makes each route easy to follow, and suggestions for refreshment stops like pubs and tea rooms are included. All walks offer a good chance of seeing wildlife, including the famous New Forest ponies. This area has been protected and nurtured by ancient laws for over 900 years, and is the largest remaining area of lowland heath in Europe. It is this sense of history and the unique patchwork of habitats that make walking in the New Forest National Park such a rewarding experience.

Contents Map key Overview map Introduction Plants and wildlife Geology History of the New Forest Walking in the New Forest Getting to the New Forest Getting around the New Forest Food and drink Where to stay Countryside codes Your safety Access and rights of way The New Forest online Longer walks and long-distance routes Maps Using this guide Walk 1 Langley Wood and Hamptworth Walk 2 Godshill and Castle Hill Walk 3 Hatchet Green and Woodgreen Walk 4 Bramshaw Telegraph and Eyeworth Pond Walk 5 Bramshaw Church and Nomansland Walk 6 Abbots Well and Alderhill Inclosure Walk 7 Fritham and Cadman's Pool Walk 8 Janesmoor Pond and the Rufus Stone Walk 9 High Corner Inn and Ogden's Purlieu Walk 10 Appleslade Bottom to Rockford via Ibsley Common Walk 11 Castle Piece and Linford Brook Walk 12 Exploring Bolderwood Walk 13 Minstead and Furzey Gardens Walk 14 Portuguese Fireplace and the Knightwood Oak Walk 15 Bank and Gritnam Walk 16 Ober Water and Blackwater Arboretum Walk 17 Holmsley Walk and Burley Walk 18 Wilverley Inclosure and Castleman's Corkscrew Walk 19 Lyndhurst and Bolton's Bench Walk 20 Ashurst figure-of-eight Walk 21 Beaulieu Road and Bishop's Dyke Walk 22 King's Hat, Dibden Bottom and the Beaulieu River Walk 23 Stubby Copse Inclosure and Balmer Lawn Walk 24 Brockenhurst and Dilton Walk 25 Hatchet Pond and Hawkhill Inclosure Walk 26 Beaulieu River from Beaulieu to Buckler's Hard Walk 27 Setley Common and Boldre Church Walk 28 Exploring the coastline from Lymington to Keyhaven Walk 29 Milford on Sea and Hurst Castle Walk 30 Lepe and Exbury Appendix A Route summary table Appendix B Useful contact information Appendix C Glossary Appendix D Bibliography