YHA New Forest
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Café
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.
If you're planning on staying at YHA New Forest, why not download a free map and get out exploring?
All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the area at your own pace.
Bisterne Close
A short circular route taking in pretty lanes and heathland views.
Easy route (PDF, 0.8MB)
2.4 miles, takes 1h - 1h 30m
Burley Village
A walk around the outskirts of the charming village of Burley in the heart of the New Forest
Moderate route (PDF, 1MB)
4.9 miles, takes 2h - 3h 15m
Brockenhurst
This is a beautiful route with open heathland, wooded areas and a disused railway path.
Challenging route (PDF, 1.2MB)
14.8 miles, takes 6h 15m - 10h 30m
All our walking routes are tried and tested to help you explore this beautiful part of England. To assist with route selection and planning, you’ll also find a description of the hazards and facilities, accessibility information and points of interest on the maps
What makes it special
- Explore the local area at your own pace
- Tried and tested walking routes with detailed instructions
- Points of interest highlighted along the way
Useful guides
Want to understand more about our maps or develop your walking skills? Here are some useful guides we have created to help you to prepare for your chosen walk
Hostels nearby
Other things to do nearby
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! Sailing, kayaking, power-boating and jet-skiing...
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). There are also several hundred miles of...
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. Only 10 minutes’...
Nordic social walk from YHA New Forest
Sunday 21st September 2025 Distance: 7-9 miles (12-15 km) Duration: 3-4 hours Led by: Steve Ellis, British Nordic Walking National Trainer Skills and confidence This circular walk on both countryside...
Brockenhurst Riding Stables
Your ride will take you out into the New Forest Country Park to take in the wonderful views and see wild ponies and other animals that live in the forest. Visit the Brockenhurst Riding Stables website
Forest Leisure Cycling
0.1 miles Just 5 minutes walk from the YHA and situated in the traditional village of Burley. We recommend Forest Leisure Cycling for cycle hire, repairs and cycling accessories. Open 7 days, all year...
Liberty's Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre
6 miles Home to a large collection of birds of prey and reptiles. Watch the birds flying free and reptiles up close during the spectacular displays. Visit the website
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.
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.
Go Ape Moors Valley
Nestled between the New Forest and the south coast beaches, Moors Valley Country Park is a picture-perfect location for an active day out near Bournemouth. With plenty of fun-filled outdoor activities...
Buckler's Hard
Discover the important role that Buckler’s Hard played in Britain’s shipbuilding history. Relax on a River Cruise, wander through the Woodland Walk and explore the Maritime Museum. Visit the Maritime...
Fort Victoria Country Park
One of the best vantage points for watching boats, the park has an aquarium & a reptilarium, history of the Sea museum, model railway, and observatory & planetarium. Visit the Fort's website
Yarmouth Harbour
3 miles A lovely seaside harbour, great for boat watching and all things nautical, with cafes and restaurants to while away the day. Visit the website
Totland Bay beach
Great for anyone who enjoys a quiet relaxing time on the beach or wants an easy walk along the promenade to Colwell Bay. Visit the website
Cycling in Totland
There are plenty of good cycle routes marked on the island. Cycle around the island in a day or two or even three or four. There are big hills around Ventnor but there are flatter routes that follow...
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 to...