Accessible Walks

Whether you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the coastline, the stunning heathland or the magical forest we have made every effort to make sure that everyone can enjoy The New Forest regardless of their mobility.

Throughout The New Forest, there are designated accessible footpaths provided by the Forestry Commission. Details of these way-marked walks can be found below.

These routes take a variety of distances from the 300 metre Janesmoor Pond route to the longer Hordle Cliffs routes.

Here are some of our most accessible walks:
 

Janesmoor Pond

This 300 metre route takes you around Janesmoor Pond, just south of Fritham. The walk is on firm, slightly undulating grass and has a difficulty level of 1.

Nearby to this location you will find what was the Stoney Cross airfield, a former WW2 airfield that was used by USAF bombers and later RAF transport planes. Today most of the airfield concrete has been removed and the forest restored. At the Stoney Cross Plain car park you will find a memorial plaque and a large map of how the huge airfield was laid out.

Rufus Stone

The Rufus Stone marks the alleged site of the demise of King William II (Rufus) by arrow. It is a very short walk from the car park on a good gravel path and the legend on the iron-clad stone is worth the effort.

Knightwood Oak

Knightwood Oak is believed to be the oldest oak tree in the New Forest. Near to Lyndhurst, follow onto the Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Drive and the Knightwood Oak car park is a little way up on the left. There is one space here for Blue Badge holders. There are also several seats along the way. Should you wish to extend your visit then it could be combined with a trip to the nearby deer-viewing platform at Bolderwood.

Cadman’s Pool

There are two options for routes at Cadman’s Pool; a shorter 500 metre walk from the car park and around the pool on firm grass, gravel and a concrete path or the longer 0.9 mile route.  The longer route is also an easy walk and is from the car park, across the road to Ocknell Pond, a seasonal waterhole. Once across the road follow the path on the left.

Slightly longer accessible walks:

Blackwater

There are several circular easy-going walking trails from the car park. They are all very pleasant woodland walks on a good gravel or firm grass/gravel surface. The main route is 1.4 miles long.

The Reptile Centre

The Reptile Centre is off the A35, 2 miles southwest of Lyndhurst. The Centre is accessible on good, compacted gravel paths. The reptile pits are easy to view for small children and from a wheelchair. Best visited on a warm summer day when the reptiles, which are all found in the UK, are more active and easier to spot. You can either do a 1.1 mile or 1.4 mile route here.

Keyhaven

New Forest Access For All created this 1.9 mile easy-going walk which runs from Keyhaven’s car park. Take in views of Keyhaven harbour, the Solent and see how many species of wetland bird you can spot.

Hatchet Pond

Hatchet Pond is the largest area of fresh water in the New Forest and is located near to Beaulieu. Here, you can enjoy a 1 or 1.9 mile route along the edges of the pond.   

Sturt Pond

This is another easy-going walk in the Milford-on-Sea area. The route is 1.9 miles and follows by Sturt Pond, a tidal inlet that is a haven for coastal birds.

Accessible routes over two miles:
 

Hordle Cliffs

Hordle Cliffs is found west of the centre of Milford-on-Sea. There are two easy-going walks here, one two miles and the other 2.6 miles. One of the walks has a difficulty level of 1 whereas the second walk is graded at level 3.

Additional information on accessibility in The New Forest
 

Additional accessible walks can be found on The New Forest National Park Authority’s website.

For further details on accessibility in The New Forest, including things to do, accommodation and more click here.