New Forest Dog Walks

Bring your dogs to the place of their dreams… the New Forest!

We truly are a doggy paradise here in the New Forest, with over 140 miles of safe off-road tracks, 40 miles of coast to explore and lots of different sights and smells for them to enjoy, there is no better place for a dog walk. Let them burn off some of that energy on a walk in the New Forest – there’s something to suit you and your pooch’s fitness level, whether it’s an exhilarating trek or a short, chilled stroll, we have some fantastic walks that you can follow with your best friend.

For a longer walk, why don’t you try out our Buckland Rings Trail, where you’ll walk through Roydon Woods Nature Reserve (where dogs are allowed to walk through on a lead) over the beautiful Setley Plain and then onto Buckland Rings, which is the site of a former Iron Age hill fort!

Another longer walk, perfect for taking the dogs, is High Corner Walk. Stroll along the gravel track through tall trees and see how many roaming animals you pass along the way. Plus, there's a dog friendly pub along the route too!

Or for a shorter walk, which is great for our more senior or slower companions, or for young families, follow our Whitefield Moor route, which is just 1.6 miles long (there is a shorter loop you can follow too if you wish). On this route you can enjoy the gorgeous Ober Water, where a stream runs through the forest, take in the beautiful scenery and you are likely to spot some wildlife on this walk too.

For a proper good day out in the New Forest for you and your dog, take on the Lyndhurst Parish Walk. An 8.5 mile circular route taking you around the outside of the ‘capital’ of the New Forest and past some of our gorgeous (and very dog friendly) pubs, including The Waterloo Arms and The New Forest Inn, which are perfect for a stop on your walk to grab a drink and a bite to eat – these pubs are dog-friendly and will make sure your dog is looked after too, with water bowls and treats, so no-one goes hungry or thirsty. On this walk you’ll see the huge diversity of what this wonderful village and its surrounding has to offer, you’ll get to walk over the famous Bolton’s Bench, head through beautiful inclosures, over open heathland and through the bustling high street and onto quiet country lanes. We have lots of other brilliant pub walks for you to choose from too.

If coastal walks are your preference, we have miles of coastline which will not disappoint. Most of our beaches only allow dogs during the winter months, but a few allow them to have fun in the sea and on the sand all year round (except the main UK summer holiday) - you can find out more information about the rules for each beach on our dedicated page. But as well as the beaches themselves, our coastal paths and sea walls are also perfect for a walk with your dog, in most places you will need to keep your dog on a lead, but the coast is a great place for you and your pooch to enjoy the fresh air and a little bit of exercise.

While your dog is enjoying its walks in the forest, it is important to remember to keep your dogs under close control, or on a lead if necessary, to minimise the disturbance to wildlife, livestock and other people. Please also remember to pick up after your dog, especially around car parks, on paths and where people play or picnic, and take bagged waste home if there is no bin nearby.

Residents and visitors of the New Forest can take a look at and join the New Forest Dog Owners Group. This Group promote responsible dog ownership in the New Forest and have a brilliant Dog Walking Code for all dog owners/walkers in the New Forest to follow, to ensure the safety of the dogs and our unique wildlife and nature in the New Forest.

As well as being the perfect place to bring your dog for a walk, we are also home to loads of dog friendly cafes, pubs and restaurants so your dog can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or just chilling out somewhere local for a drink with you. There are also plenty of attractions and activities in the New Forest that welcome dogs and if you want to stay over, there are lots of dog friendly places to stay here too.

Bolderwood: Radnor Trail

Distance: 1.9 mile (3.1 km) Start: Bolderwood car park, grid ref SU 243 086, no postcode. what3words ///shell.frog.reserving Once past the Radnor Stone, this trail passes through sweet chestnut, oak and beech dating from the 1860s. It then skirts the fenced boundary of…

Blackwater: Tall Trees Arboretum

PLEASE NOTE, there is currently no walking access through the back of the Blackwater Arboretum until mid August. Distance: 1.1 miles (1.8 km) Start: Blackwater car park, Grid ref. SU 268 047 what3words ///crawler.secure.respected This is an easy walk through…

Ashurst Stroll

Distance: 2.8 miles (4.5 km) Start: Ashurst New Forest railway station or bus stop; Grid SU334 101, Postcode SO40 7AA. what3words ///choirs.haircuts.pictured From Ashurst railway station this short and easy walk explores a variety of landscapes that…

Janesmoor Pond

300 Metres This is a New Forest Access For All route. This is an easy walk around the Pond, enjoying the views of the water. Janesmoor Pond is located just south of Fritham on the road to Stoney Cross. what3words ///bachelor.tilting.gong Click for PDF of route and more…

Copythorne and Cadnam Common

Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km) Start: Pollards Moor Road bus stop, Copythorne Grid ref. SU 303145, Post code SO40 2NZ what3words ///pink.confronts.songbook This walk starts by passing St Mary's Church before winding through Copythorne Common and its interesting mix of…

Blackwater: Heartwood Trail

Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km) Start: Blackwater car park, Grid ref. SU 268 047 what3words ///crawler.secure.respected An easy waymarked circular walk through the Arboretum to experience the woodland and take in the variety of tree species. There are regular seats with…

Reptile Centre Discovery Trail

1.1 Miles Starting point from the New Forest Reptile Centre Car Park what3words ///oldest.brambles.bared The New Forest Reptile Centre is open all summer until the end of September Opening times of the Reptile Centre are seasonal. Please see the Forestry England website for…

Rockford Common Walk

Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km) Start: Rockford Common Car Park, Grid reference – SU164083, BH24 3NF what3words ///spillage.spacing.legal Rockford Common is an area of open heathland and woodland, grazed by livestock belonging to local commoners. The area is…

Whitefield Moor : Short Loop

Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) Start: Whitefield Moor car park, grid ref SU 274 026, no postcode. what3words ///ideas.dinner.ascendant Starting from Whitefield Moor car park, this walk passes along gravel tracks through a variety of habitats around Ober Water…

Hatchet Pond

1.9 Miles This is a New Forest Access For All route. Hatchet Pond is the largest area of fresh water in the New Forest, which is located just outside the quaint village of Beaulieu. It is very beautiful and can be enjoyed on this easy trail. There are benches along the way…

Godshill and Castle Hill (Frankenbury Hill Fort)

Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km) Start: Godshill Cricket Pitch, Postcode SP6 2LL what3words ///steadier.tingled.thanks This walk takes you along quiet field and woodland paths to the site of an Iron Age hill fort. It then continues to a stream-side hamlet on the edge…

Bolderwood: Jubilee Grove Trail

Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) Start: Bolderwood car park, grid ref SU 243 086, no postcode. what3words ///shell.frog.reserving Starting from Bolderwood car park this meandering route leads you past the deer fields and some majestic trees, the oldest of which date…

Keyhaven Walk

1.9 Miles Keyhaven is approached from Milford on Sea. It is a small village with a very pretty harbour. There are easy walks along the sea wall with views of Keyhaven harbour, the Isle of Wight and Hurst Spit. The area is a good spot for bird watching. Keyhaven Car Park…

Cadmans Pool

500 Metres Cadman's Pool : what3words ///resurgent.bitter.flamenco This is a New Forest Access for All route. Great for picnics during your gentle walk, or just to sit and enjoy the view of the Pool. Take a short stroll around Cadmans Pool and enjoy the…

Setthorns Loop

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) Start: Setthorns Car Park, Brighton Road, Sway, SO41 6EB what3words ///sideboard.tripods.entitle Enjoy a relaxed walk through this wonderful inclosure. Follow winding pathways through woodlands, and head through the local campsite!

Hawkhill Loop

Distance: 1.7 miles (2.8 km) Start: Hawkhill Car Park, Beaulieu, B3055 what3words///holds.width.aliens This is a wonderful short walk around a beautiful New Forest inclosure. Enjoy walking along winding paths through tall trees - make sure you keep an eye out…

Longslade View Walk

Distance: 1.9 mile (3 km) Start: Longslade View Car Park, Wilverley Road, Brockenhurst, SO42 7UP what3words///proved.amount.outlast This is a wonderful short walk, passing through heathland, under bridges, along ancient woodlands, and you're likely to see…

Knightwood Oak Stroll

0.4 Mile On this walk you will end up at the wonderful Knightwood Oak, this tree is believed to be the largest Oak tree in the New Forest. Knightwood Oak is protected by a traditional cleft oak fence. Enjoy the surroundings on this very easy walk. Knightwood Oak Car Park…

Whitefield Moor : Long Loop

Distance: 1.6 mile (2.6 km) Start: Whitefield Moor car park, grid ref SU 274 026, no postcode. what3words ///ideas.dinner.ascendant Starting from Whitefield Moor car park, this walk takes you further along the Ober Water than the yellow route, giving more time to…

Blackwater: Tall Trees Trail

Distance: 1.4 miles (2.3 km) Start: Blackwater car park, Grid ref. SU 268 047. what3words ///crawler.secure.respected Stimulate your senses on this short but wonderful trail around the Tall Trees Walks. This walk takes you past majestic conifers planted in the…

Deerleap Loop

Distance: 2.8 miles (4.5 km) Start: Deerleap Car Park, Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, SO40 4UH what3words///funny.occurs.strut This circular walk is perfect for a morning stroll or afternoon adventure. Pass through woodlands and alongside grasslands! With a whole network…

Burbush Walk

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) Start: Burbush Car Park, Burley, Ringwood, BH24 4EF what3words ///cinemas.craziest.pranced This is a walk is great for a short stroll or family walk, while taking in beautiful views and coming across wildlife, including our free-roaming…

Beaulieu to Buckler's Hard Walk

Distance: 2 Miles Start: Starting point : Beaulieu Village Centre what3words ///cheetahs.swerving.mammoth One of the most popular routes for families is from beautiful Beaulieu to the historic Buckler’s Hard as the route follows a two mile footpath along fields and…

Pathway amongst heather at Horseshoe Bottom

Horseshoe Bottom Loop

Distance: 1.8 mile (3 km) Start: Horseshoe Bottom Car Park, Burley Road, Brockenhurst, SO42 7UP what3words///archduke.nursery.homelands This excellent walk features grassland, heathland and woodland and is great for a quick forest adventure! Being a shorter walk…

Beaulieu Road Loop

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) Start: Beaulieu Road Station Inclosure Car Park, Beaulieu Road, SO42 7YQ what3words ///branched.joggers.refilled Park up, or enjoy this walk straight from the train getting off at Beaulieu Road Station, and head out on the pathway…

Bolderwood: Deer Watch Trail

Distance: 0.3 miles (0.5 km) Start: Bolderwood car park, grid ref SU 243 086, no postcode. what3words ///shell.frog.reserving This very short stroll from Bolderwood car park leads you to a deer viewing platform overlooking fields where wild herds of fallow deer are…

Keyhaven Marshes

Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) Start: Keyhaven green bus stop, SO41 0TG, Grid Ref: SZ 304 916. what3words ///glitter.courier.emotional Along the route there are views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and the Needles and opportunities to watch the…

Brockenhurst Village Walk

Distance: 5 miles (8.1 km) Start: Brockenhurst railway station Grid ref. SU 301 019 Post code SO42 7TW. what3words ///fulfilled.gladiator.corkscrew Brockenhurst is a picturesque village in the heart of the New Forest surrounded by some of the…

Pathway at Standing Hat in the New Forest

Standing Hat Loop

Distance: 3.1 miles (5 km) Start: Standing Hat Inclosure Car Park, Denny Wood, Brockenhurst SO42 7QJ what3words///lows.miles.tabs This is a wonderful walk amongst nature and wildlife. Expect to see beautiful animals and enjoy walking under the canopy of…

Tatchbury Mount Walk

Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km) Start: Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Aikman Lane, Totton, SO40 8FT what3words ///conjured.valued.twigs This trail starts at Hanger Farm Arts Centre, a restored Grade II listed timber framed barn, and heads up and around the Iron Age hillfort of…

Walhampton Monument Trail

Distance: 3.2 miles (5.1 km) Start/End: Lymington Town Railway Station, SO41 9AU what3words ///lives.notion.calendars Visit the monument to Admiral Sir Harry Burrard-Neale (1765-1835), a prominent Naval officer and former MP for…

Hale and Woodgreen Walk

Distance: 5.7 miles (9 km) Start: Woodfalls bus stop, near Woodfalls Inn, Grid ref. SU 198 198, Postcode SP5 2NN what3words ///blogs.faced.dumplings The route starts at Woodfalls and follows a section of the Avon Valley Path through fields and woods to the charming…

Brook to Minstead Village Walk

Distance: 7.2 miles (11.6 km) Start: Green Dragon pub and Bell Inn, Brook. Grid ref. SU 273 141 Post code SO43 7HE. what3words ///reframe.sweetener.buzzards Visit the Rufus Stone to discover the mystery surrounding the death of King William II. The route then follows…

Man walking along path past free roaming cows at Bolton's Bench in Lyndhurst in the New Forest

Bolton's Bench Loop

Distance: 3.1 miles (5km) Start: Bolton's Bench, Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst SO43 7DA what3words ///shipwreck.gratitude.afford Bolton's Bench is known as 'the New Forest's gateway' and has lots of excellent path ways, with varied natural terrain. On…

Hockey's Farm Loop

Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km) Start: Hockey's Farm, South Gorley, Fordingbridge, SP6 2PW what3words ///thickens.elevates.glare Base your New Forest adventure around the wonderful Hockey's Farm! This walk starts and ends at Hockey's Farm, giving you the…

Burley Village Walk

Distance: 4.2 miles (6.8 km) Start: Burley Village Bus stop Grid ref. SU 221 031 Postcode BH24 4AB. what3words ///reporting.zealous.cooked This walk starts at the village centre before setting out on a circular walk around the edge of the village. There is a…

Donkey laying down in front of sunset at High Corner Car Park

High Corner Walk

Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5 km) Start: High Corner Car Park, Linwood, Ringwood, BH24 3QY. what3words///sensitive.intention.elephant Explore wonderful woodlands on this moderate walk from High Corner Car Park. Pass by the High Corner Inn (stop in for a drink or a bite to…

Anderwood Walk

Distance: 3.1 miles (5km) Start: Anderwood car park, Lyndhurst Road, Burley, grid ref SU 24894 05782, no postcode what3words///dressings.acrobat.limitless This lovely New Forest walk will take you along gravel tracks, passing by heathlands and into woodlands. Plus…

Pathway at Millyford Bridge in the New Forest on a summers day

Millyford Bridge Walk

Distance: 3.3 mile (5.3 km) Start: Millyford Bridge Car Park, grid ref SU 26780 07859, no postcode. what3words ///weekday.reclining.puffed Follow the pathway through wonderful ancient woodlands, stroll over bridges and under the canopy of trees. This is an easily to…

3 stag deer in the New Forest with heather in the background

Appleslade Walk

Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km) Start: Appleslade Inclosure Car Park, Ringwood, BH24 3QT what3words///abundance.deeply.introduce Enjoy this wonderful walk under tall trees through the inclosure and along beautiful heathland and grassland. You may see some of our free-roaming…

Ashley Walk

Distance: 3.6 miles (5.8 km) Start: Ashley Walk car park, Roger Penny Way, Godshill, SP6 2LN what3words ///outbursts.bolts.bucket Explore the wonderful north of the New Forest on this brilliant walk at Ashley Walk. On this walk, you'll discover beautiful views…

New Forest Dog Walks

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