Picket Post Walk

Picket Post Walk is a 2-mile circular walk from Picket Post Car Park near Burley, crossing open heath and returning to the same lot. The route is listed as easy and takes about one hour; it suits a short outing rather than a destination hike. Open ground gives the walk its feel, with views across heath and the chance of seeing New Forest ponies. The A31 runs close to one section, so expect traffic noise around the underpass.

From the car park, cross the road to the small path over the heath and turn left onto the main track. Near the underpass, take the right branch rather than dropping left into it. Bear right at the next fork, continue straight across the crossroads, and go straight again at the later crossing; turn left at the T-junction to return to the car park. The loop follows a network of paths, so keep a map handy at the junctions. The gentle rises are short; the main challenge is choosing the right path.

Picket Post Car Park, at Picket Post in Burley (BH24 4HH), is the start and finish; the route crosses the road at both ends. The lot has no toilets. Dogs are allowed on this walk, but keep them on a lead in the car park and alongside roads, under close control near ponies, and never feed or approach the animals.