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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.

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.

Number of results:

Number of results: 18

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Lymington Town Trail

Location:

Lymington

2 miles (3.2 km)
A shorter walk packed full of local history. Visit St Barbe museum, the modern day quay and the bustling high street. See yachts moored in the harbour, the sea water baths and fine coastal views.

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Cadmans Pool

1.4 Miles, 0.9 Mile, 500 Metres
Great for picnics during your gentle walk, or just to sit and enjoy the view of the Pool.

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Reptile Centre

1.4 Miles or 1.1 Miles
The reptile pits are easy to view for small children and from a wheelchair. Best visited on a warm summer day when the reptiles are more active.

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Janesmoor Pond

300 Metres
This is an easy walk around the Pond, enjoying the views of the water. Janesmoor Pond is also a great area to enjoy a picnic.

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Blackwater: Tall Trees Arboretum Link

Location:

Brockenhurst

1.1 miles (1.8 km)
This is an easy walk through woodland, passing through the Arboretum which houses a beautiful collection of trees from many countries. The walk passes Scrag Hill Nursery and ends with a stroll down a short section of the Tall…

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Brockenhurst Village Walk

Location:

Brockenhurst

5 miles (8.1 km)
Brockenhurst is a picturesque village in the heart of the New Forest surrounded by some of the loveliest Forest landscapes. Starting from the village with its famous watersplash, this varied walk takes you across grazed lawns and…

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Hatchet Pond

1.9 Miles or 1 Mile
Hatchet Pond is the largest area of fresh water in the New Forest. It is very beautiful and can be enjoyed on these easy trails.

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Rufus Stone

0.2 Miles
The Rufus Stone is a very short walk from the car park on a good gravel path and the legend on the stone is worth the effort.

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Keyhaven

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…

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Whitefield Moor: Shorter Loop

Location:

Brockenhurst

1 mile (1.6 km)
Starting from Whitefield Moor car park, this walk passes along gravel tracks through a variety of habitats around Ober Water - including heathland with gorse and bog, grassland, natural and formerly enclosed woodland, and Ober Water…

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Bolderwood: Jubilee Grove Trail

1 mile (1.6 km)
Starting from Bolderwood car park this meandering route leads you past the deer fields and some majestic trees, the oldest of which date back to 1860. Unfortunately a large number of trees were lost in the Great Storms of 1987 and…

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Blackwater: Tall Trees Trail

Location:

Brockenhurst

1.4 miles (2.3 km)
Stimulate your senses on this short trail around the Forestry Commission's Blackwater Arboretum, with its small but nationally important collection of trees from all over the world. Sensory information boards along the trail…

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Keyhaven Marshes

Location:

Milford on Sea

3.5 miles (5.6 km)
Along the route there are views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and the Needles and opportunities to watch the ever-changing bird life of Keyhaven Marshes. The path then cuts inland to follow an ancient highway behind the…

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Hordle Cliffs

2 Miles, 2.6 Miles
The Hordle cliffs are just to the west of Milford-on-Sea village centre. There are excellent walks on a sealed surface of fine gravel embedded in tarmac, with wonderful views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight.

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Ashlett Creek to Calshot Spit

Location:

Fawley

2.8 miles (4.5 km)
This walk is great for families with young children, starting from Fawley town centre and following a pretty country lane with views over Southampton Water to the small and historic inlet of Ashlett Creek. It then passes the…

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Sturt Pond

1.9 Miles
This is a great coastal walk from the Hurst Road East car park at Milford on Sea, past Sturt Pond, to Hurst Spit. This is a New Forest Access For All route.

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Ashurst stroll

Location:

SOUTHAMPTON

2.8 miles (4.5 km)
From Ashurst railway station this short and easy walk explores a variety of landscapes that characterise the New Forest. The route first takes you past open Forest lawns where ponies graze and through Churchplace Inclosure, a…

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Knightwood Oak

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.

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