Boldre Village

This 5.1-mile loop starts outside the Red Lion in Boldre, follows the lane to Boldre Bridge, then takes a mapped circuit via St John the Baptist Church and Roydon Woods before returning beside the Lymington River. The total includes the repeated Red Lion–bridge access on the outward and return legs; the circuit from the bridge itself measures about 4.3 miles. Allow around 2½ hours for the full walk.

Expect country lanes and field paths leading to a short rise through woodland, then a bridleway in Roydon Woods. The reserve sits within the national park but outside the traditional Forest boundary. Old boundary banks and coppice stools show where hazel was cut and regrown for poles and charcoal; bluebells may flower in spring. A flooded pit marks a former brickworks associated with Roydon Manor. The route includes a ford and footbridges over the Lymington River, then returns along its meandering banks to Boldre Bridge.

This is an easy walk with gentle gradients and one short uphill and downhill section. Gates, two stiles, a ford and footbridges make the ground less straightforward than the grade suggests, and the reserve bridleway can be very muddy. Start outside the Red Lion (SO41 8NE); the pub offers parking and refreshments, and parking is also available at Boldre Parish Church. Keep dogs on a lead through Roydon Woods.