New Forest National Park – Ancient Woodland, Open Heath, and Grazed Commons

A Working Forest Landscape Shaped by Commoning, Law, and Long Continuity

The New Forest National Park lies in southern England, primarily within Hampshire, with fringes extending into Wiltshire and Dorset. Unlike upland or coastal national parks, the New Forest is defined by a rare combination of ancient woodland, open heathland, grazing lawns, wetlands, and historic commoning landscapes, creating one of the most characterful settings for walking in England.

Walking in the New Forest is shaped by freedom and variety rather than elevation. The terrain is largely flat to gently undulating, allowing walkers to move easily between woodland tracks, open heath, river valleys, and village lanes. This makes the park especially well suited to relaxed, self-guided journeys that favour exploration, wildlife, and atmosphere over physical challenge.

Historic routes give structure to walking across the forest. Long-established tracks and drove roads link open lawns and woodland enclosures, while sections of the Solent Way and inland routes such as the Avon Valley Path connect the forest to surrounding river valleys and the coast. Together, these paths allow walkers to combine woodland walking with waterside and coastal exploration.

The forest’s ancient origins are evident everywhere. Veteran oaks and beech trees line shaded paths, streams wind quietly through wet woodland, and open heath supports rare flora and birdlife. Walking routes often pass seamlessly from dense forest into wide, open grazing land, where ponies, cattle, and deer move freely, reinforcing the sense of a living, working landscape.

Village-based walking is central to the New Forest experience. Routes link settlements such as Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Beaulieu, and Burley, allowing walkers to combine forest tracks with village loops, riverside paths, and open heath. Many walks begin directly from railway stations or village centres, making the park especially accessible for car-free travel.

Beyond walking, the New Forest supports a wide range of outdoor adventures. Cycling follows quiet lanes and forest tracks through woodland and heath, trail running suits the mix of open ground and shaded routes, and wildlife watching is exceptional throughout the year. The forest’s proximity to the coast also allows walkers to combine inland routes with short coastal sections near the Solent.

Accommodation is spread throughout the park, from traditional inns and forest-edge hotels to village B&Bs and rural retreats. Bases such as Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Beaulieu, and villages along the forest fringe provide excellent access to footpaths, cycle routes, and rail connections, making the New Forest one of England’s most accessible national parks for slow, self-guided travel.

For walkers seeking woodland-rich landscapes, open heath, and a sense of freedom rarely found elsewhere in England, the New Forest National Park offers a uniquely rewarding walking destination rooted in history, nature, and living tradition.

Where to Walk and Explore

Ancient Woodland & Ornamental Drives

‍Shaded walking beneath ancient trees, particularly atmospheric around Lyndhurst and the central forest.

Open Heath & Grazing Lawns

‍Wide, open walking across heathland and common land where ponies and cattle roam freely.

Solent Way (Forest & Coastal Sections)

‍Waterside walking linking the New Forest to estuaries, saltmarsh, and the south coast.

River Valleys & Wet Woodland

‍Gentle routes following rivers and streams through wetland, alder carr, and forest edge landscapes.

Adventure Highlights

• Ancient woodland walking beneath veteran trees
• Open heathland and grazing landscapes with free-roaming ponies
• Flat, accessible routes ideal for relaxed walking holidays
• Cycling and trail running on forest tracks and quiet lanes
• Rich wildlife including deer, birds, and seasonal flora
• Excellent rail access for car-free exploration