With its 140,000 acres of heathland and forests and 40 miles of coast – not to mention all our rivers, streams and 140-miles of waymarked tracks – the magical New Forest is the doggy equivalent of paradise on earth.

If you don’t want your pet to miss out, why not make this summer the time you treat him to some of the top dog walks in the New Forest?

You can enjoy easy-to-follow walking routes, short strolls or long-distance trails, through the woodland, over our heaths or on the beach, taking in everything from Iron Age settlements to plenty of welcoming pubs and hotels along the way.

dog walks collection

We have too many great dog walks to list, but here are a few of our favourites, all chosen with pets in mind, to get you going!

Walk with views and history…The Ashley Walk starts at the car-park on Roger Penny Way, Godshill, and takes you on a 3.6 mile route, taking in views of the northern Forest and some sites with World War military links.

Walk which starts and ends at a pub…Start at Appleslade Inclosure Car-Park near Ringwood and take a 3-mile circular route under tall trees and through grassland. Keep an eye out for deer and our roaming ponies and donkeys. This walk start is very close to the Red Shoot pub, so consider stopping off for a cooling drink or more at the end!

Walk to and from a dragon’s tomb…OK, we can’t actually guarantee there is a dragon buried under Bolton’s Bench (legend has it that this is why this little hill outside of Lyndhurst got its shape!) but that’s where this walk starts, from the car-park in Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst. Bolton's Bench is known as 'the New Forest's gateway' and has lots of excellent pathways, leading through varied natural terrain. On this 3-mile walk, you'll see picturesque views across heathland and grassland, and lots of wildlife, including free-roaming ponies and cattle.

Dog walking in woodland in the New Forest

Walk a classic river route…This 5.7 miler starts at Woodfalls Bus Stop and takes you along a section of the Avon Valley Path through fields and woods to the charming village of Hatchet Green. You then pass Hale House and St Mary's Church before walking alongside the peaceful River Avon to return through shady woodlands.

Walk to a monument…This 3.2-mile walk starts at Lymington Town Railway Station (so you can arrive by train) and takes you past the monument to Admiral Sir Harry Burrard-Neale (1765-1835), a prominent Naval officer and former MP for Lymington, who was greatly admired for the changes he brought to the town. You’ll also be able to take in excellent Solent views.

Walk with the movies…The 2-mile route from Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard starts in the village centre and is one of the most beautiful in the entire New Forest. You’ll go past the area made famous in the Oscar-winning movie A Man For All Seasons as well as enjoying the beauty of the Beaulieu River and, if you fancy it, a pint or a snack at the Master Builder’s Hotel.

Montagu Arms - Dog walking at Buckler's Hard

Walking with waves… This 2-mile stroll starts at Keyhaven car park and takes you along the sea wall, with views of Keyhaven Harbour, the Isle of Wight and Hurst Spit. The area is an excellent spot for bird watching, too.

Walking with a hillfort…Start this 2.6-mile walk at Godshill Cricket Pitch, before going along quiet field and woodland paths to the site of a Frankenbury Iron Age hill fort. Continue to a stream-side hamlet on the edge of Castle Hill with views across the beautiful Avon Valley with its wildlife-rich water meadows and pasture before returning along field and woodland paths to Godshill.

Man walking with his dog on path in the New Forest

All these routes are suitable for a day visit but, if you’d like to see and do more, why not treat your furry friend to a short break?

Dogs are welcome at a large number of New Forest hotels, B&Bs, self-catering homes and camp-sites.

With more than 20 dog-friendly hotels, along with holiday parks, campsites and cafes and pubs where well-behaved hounds are welcome, there are places to suit all budgets and owners.

Balmer Lawn near Brockenhurst goes the extra mile for four-legged guests, with dog treats and availability for your pet to stay with you in standard, superior and family rooms.

Montagu Arms - Dog Friendly AccommodationImage - Montagu Arms Hotel

Meanwhile, the splendid stone dog statues outside the Montagu Arms Hotel in Beaulieu are a giant clue that your pet will be welcome there – visiting hounds even get their own doggie hamper!