Bolton’s Bench Loop

Bolton’s Bench Loop is a 3.1-mile circular walk from Lyndhurst War Memorial, beside the named hill. It mixes sandy and gravel tracks, open heath, grass paths and small copses, with the yew-topped mound as its landmark. Allow about 1.5 hours. It’s a good choice for a short forest walk with changing scenery, not a climb or a fully surfaced stroll.

From the memorial, follow the tarmac road uphill to the next car park, then take the gravel track. A gentle descent leads across heath and grass before the route bends back through small stands of trees and open grassland. Near the Beaulieu River, turn left before reaching the water and follow the worn grass line into and out of a copse. The final sandy stretch rises slightly to the main gravel track. Keep an eye on the ground where the grassy path becomes faint. Bolton’s Bench is a natural sandy mound; its bench commemorates the 18th-century Duke of Bolton, a New Forest Master Keeper.

Start and finish at Lyndhurst War Memorial; Bolton’s Bench car park is the nearest practical parking and charges apply. There are no toilets at the lot, but Lyndhurst’s public toilets, cafés and pubs are about a five-minute walk away. Dogs are allowed on the loop. Ponies and cattle graze around the Bench, so give them room and don’t feed or pet them.