Exploring the New Forest via circular walks is the best and most convenient way to discover the unique nature and wildlife within. Following circular walks allow you to follow the pathways and truly immerse yourself in nature ending right back to where you started, without having to worry about loosing your way. We have many tried-and-tested circular walking routes to choose from, suitable for all ability levels. Here are some of the top circular walks in the New Forest:
1. Blackwater: Tall Trees Trail
Distance: 1.4 miles (2.3 km)
Starting Point: Blackwater Car Park, Rhinefield Ornamental Drive
What3Words: ///crawler.secure.respected
This easy, short walk guides you through the Tall Trees Walk. One of the most popular walks in the New Forest due to the magic of your surroundings – you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Canadian forest. On this walk, you’ll pass two enormous redwoods and many tall, majestic conifers. Make sure you get your camera at the ready!
2. Whitefield Moor: Long Loop
Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6 km)
Starting Point: Whitefield Moor Car Park (Grid reference - SU 274 026)
What3Words: ///ideas.dinner.ascendant
Starting from Whitefield Moor car park, on this walk you’ll get to enjoy the beauty of ancient woodland, pine forests and open grassland. Cross bridges over flowing water and spot ponies grazing happily (always keep your distance). This path is a waymarked path, making it easy for you to find your way. This route is also relatively flat, making it accessible for most walkers.
3. Rockford Common Walk
Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)
Starting Point: Rockford Common Car Park, BH24 3NF (Grid reference – SU164083)
What3Words: ///spillage.spacing.legal
Rockford Common is a National Trust spot and is also a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to being an area rich in wildlife. On this unique circular route, you’ll wander through heathlands and across grasslands – it’s more than likely that you’ll also see free-roaming ponies and cows here too. Always keep you distance and don’t touch or feed the animals!
4. Setthorns Loop
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Starting Point: Setthorns Car Park, Brighton Road, Sway, SO41 6EB
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This relaxed walk meanders through beautiful woodlands along winding paths and over a calming stream. Keep an eye out for deer hiding behind the trees! On this route, you’ll get a glimpse into the local campsite, too.
5. Anderwood Walk
Distance: 3.1 miles (5 km)
Starting Point: Anderwood Car Park, Lyndhurst Road, Burley
What3Words: ///dressings.acrobat.limitless
Wander along this route which will take you through diverse woodland landscapes. Although this is a moderate walk, the gravel pathways are suitable for most walkers and even pushchairs. Keep an eye out for free-roaming wildlife (keep your distance), and in the summer this is an excellent place to spot butterflies and dragonflies.