Dog Walking in the New Forest

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 Bucklands Ring 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!

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.