Discovering New Forest trails

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Our view

"Ancient oaks, historic enclosures and exotic towering conifers in the New Forest"

Walk directions

Locate the Tall Trees Trail post at the southern end of the car park and follow the path to the road and cross straight over. Keep to the gravel trail (marked by white-banded posts) as it curves right and runs parallel with the road. Pass through an impressive mixed wooded area. The path meanders gently downhill to Blackwater car park, passing several sculptured information panels along the way. At the car park turn right through the rustic arch, cross the road and follow the track towards the arboretum. Go through a gate into the arboretum. Exit by the far gate and keep to the gravel track to a crossing of tracks. Turn right at waymarker post 244 and keep ahead on this track, ignoring paths left and right.

As the path bends to the right, take the grassy path on the left, emerging at the junction of roads. Cross over the A35 (take care), go through a gate and follow the road to a car park. Turn right, opposite the car park and follow the well-defined path to the Knightwood Oak.

Return through the gate to the triangle of tracks. Bear left and follow this to the New Forest Reptile Centre (seasonal opening). Walk along the access drive past a cottage dated 1811 then, at a barrier on your left 0.5 miles (800m) further on, drop down onto a path and follow it across a bridge.

Return through the gate to the triangle of tracks. Bear left and follow this to the New Forest Reptile Centre. Walk along the access drive past a cottage dated 1811 then, at a barrier on your left 0.5 miles (800m) further on, drop down onto a path and follow it across a bridge.

Keep to the main path for 0.75 miles (1.2km), skirting the walls to Allum Green. Keeping right, cross deeply rutted old forestry tracks in a clearing, and follow a wide grassy path that narrows and gently climbs through trees to a defined crossing of paths and turn right just beyond a large, scorched fallen tree and a ford. Bear slightly right across a clearing and concrete footbridge, then continue through the woodland to a stile beside a gate. Cross the stile to reach the A35.

Cross the road and take the lane into Bank to reach The Oak Inn. Continue on the lane through the hamlet.

Just beyond the cattle grid, turn right through a gate onto a gravelled cycle track. Follow this track for nearly a mile (1.6km) through a gate to an open area. Continue ahead on main track as it bears right to a junction at a small green.

Fork right, and enter Hursthill Inclosure at a gate. Drop down past a turning on the right, then climb again and bear left at a fork. Keep to the waymarked track as it drops past another turning on the right and leaves the inclosure at a gate. Walk over a large wooden bridge next to a ‘dead’ forest on your left and along the straight track to the bridges over Highland Water, and follow the track around to the right. Soon a gate leads into Poundhill Inclosure, and another straight section brings you to a five-way junction at waymarker post 250.

Turn right here. Ignore all turnings and follow the track as it turns sharp right and winds its way to a junction with Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. Turn left for the last 100yds (91m) back to the car park.

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Location

Nearest postcode:

Additional information

Terrain - Grass and gravel forest tracks, heathland paths, some roads

Landscape - Ornamental Drive, ancient forest inclosures and heathland

Dog friendliness - Keep dogs under control at all times

Parking - Brock Hill Forestry Commission car park, just off A35

Toilets en route - Blackwater car park

Walks in Hampshire Dog-friendly walks in Hampshire

About the walk

A short drive southwest of Lyndhurst are ancient woods of oak and beech, notably Bolderwood, and the 19th-century conifer plantation of the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. You are in the heart of the New Forest and this walk explores these contrasting landscapes. A stroll through the rhododendron...

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Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more

About the area

Hampshire’s varied landscape of hills and heaths, downlands and forests, valleys and coast are without rival in southern England. Hike across the chalk downland of the north Hampshire ‘highlands’, meander along peaceful paths through unspoilt river valleys of the Test, Itchen, Avon and Meon, or explore the lonely salt marshes and the beautiful medieval forest and heathland of the New Forest.