Walking and Rambling in the New Forest
Overview
It’s usual to think of trees when you think of a forest, but the heath land is an equally important landscape in the New Forest National Park. Combining these two elements will give you a great walk, particularly when you add in a sure sighting of some New Forest ponies. Rhinefield Ornamental Drive was planted in the 1800s and features many walking and cycling trails. At the Blackwater Arboretum you’ll find the ‘Tall Trees Trail’ where some of the tallest trees in England reside including Douglas firs and giant redwoods.The footpaths and cycle trails around the picturesque villages of Brook, Cadnam and Bartley are among the least visited in the National Park - perfect if you want a little peace and quiet. The Red Route bus service runs between all three so stop off when you get north of Lyndhurst.
What makes it special
- Explore the New Forest National Park
Hostels nearby
Other things to do nearby
Cowes Maritime Museum
This museum situated in Cowes Library incorporates all aspects of local maritime activity from shipbuilding to sailing.
Beaulieu
There's lots to enjoy at Beaulieu including the world famous National Motor Museum, Palace House, World of Top Gear and the James Bond Exhibition.
Climbing in Totland Bay
There are various indoor and outdoor climbing walls in close proximity to the Youth Hostel. For something a little different, why not try tree climbing?
Cycling in Brighstone
Cycle around the whole island in a day on the Round the Island cycle route. The route is clearly marked and will give you plenty of time to enjoy the stunning scenery that the island has to offer.
Studland Beach and Nature Reserve
One of the UK’s finest beaches and extensive nature reserve. Enid Blyton lived here, so look for Policeman Plod’s thatched cottage!
Walking and Rambling in Brighstone
The Tennyson Downs walk is an amazing walk with great views across the entire island. Watch out for the rare butterfly resident to the Isle of Wight “the Glanville Fritillary”.
Mountain biking in Brighstone
The Tennyson and St Boniface Downs offer some great mountain bike trails.
Watersports in Brighstone
Go up to Cowes - the home of UK sailing. From here you can do whatever sailing course you want, you can even sail around the whole island!
Walking and Rambling in Totland
The hostel is surrounded by National Trust land and footpaths galore. Footpaths go north to Yarmouth, south to Lord Alfred Tennyson's Monument on the Tennyson Trail, east to Freshwater Bay and west
Mountain Biking in Totland
The Isle of Wight is heaven for cycling, both on and off road.
Watersports in Totland
Totland Bay and Freshwater Bay provide surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding and coasteering. Colwell Bay is great for kite surfing and at Compton Bay you can go surfing.
New Forest Water Park
Set in 50 acres of beautiful countryside, the park is a great place to try waterskiing, wakeboarding or you the inflatable banana and tyre rides.
New Forest Tour
See the New Forest National Park like never before! Enjoy grandstand views on an exhilarating, open-top ride through pretty villages and magical landscapes, passing wandering ponies.
Salisbury Cathedral
Discover over 750 years of history, including Britain's tallest spire, the world's best preserved original Magna Carta and Europe's oldest working clock.
Cycling in the New Forest
There are over a hundred miles of way-marked cycle routes in the New Forest which offer safe cycling for all the family (maps are available at the hostel).
Watersports in the New Forest
According to the official Bournemouth website, no area in Europe has such a wide range of watersports in such a condensed area as Bournemouth and Poole!