Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst Circular

This 10.1-mile circular walk starts at Brockenhurst Village Car Park, crosses open heath and woodland, reaches Lyndhurst’s high street, and returns through the forest to Brockenhurst. It suits walkers who want both village stops and a long stretch on the New Forest tracks; it is not a quick woodland loop. Allow around four to four and a half hours, before time for lunch. The ground is mostly firm gravel, with village pavement and short lanes. The distance, more than any sustained climb, makes this a steady half-day outing.

From the car park, head through Brockenhurst to the Lymington River at the Watersplash ford, then make for Meerut Road and cross the straight open track across Black Knowl. The woodland turn leads to Bolderford Bridge: cross the river, pass through the gate and enter New Park Plantation. Numbered cycle-track posts mark several turns through the inclosures, so follow the route line rather than assuming every path junction is obvious. In spring, bluebells are a good reason to slow down here. Bolderford Bridge is the walk’s best photo stop; include the river and wooded banks around it, not only the railings.

Gravel paths continue across Butts Lawn and Brick Kiln Inclosure before a gentle climb leads out to Pinkney Lane. There is no footpath along this lane, and the route crosses the A35 into Lyndhurst, so take care with traffic. The high street makes a useful midway pause. The return leaves town for Hollands Wood and follows forest tracks back toward Brockenhurst. Forest gravel can be rough or muddy after rain, and the open ground at Black Knowl can get cut up.

Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst have pubs, cafés, shops and public toilets; there is little to rely on through the wooded middle, so carry what you need and use one of the villages for a proper break. Dogs are allowed, but keep them close and use a lead when needed around ponies, cattle or wildlife. From March to August, stay on the main tracks across heathland for ground-nesting birds. A similarly named cycling circuit is a different route; this is the walking loop.