Situated in the beautiful New Forest, Sandy Balls is surrounded by a vast number of spectacular walking routes perfect for exploring all year round. From woodland walks to castle trails, you’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding which walking routes to take – so here are our best New Forest walks to get you started!
Ashurst stroll
Distance: 2.8 miles (4.5 km)
Start: Ashurst New Forest railway station or bus stop; Grid SU334 101, Postcode SO40 7AA
This beautiful walk is both short and easy with woodland and gravel walking tracks. Starting at Ashurst railway station, this route explores a wide variety of striking landscapes. From forest lawns where you can spot ponies grazing to historic building remnants, this walking route is both picturesque and ideal for relaxing strolls with the family.
Lymington Town Trail
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Start/End: Lymington Town Railway Station, SO41 9AU
Looking for a simple yet scenic stroll in the local area? The Lymington Town Trail has plenty to keep you interested without walking your socks off! Packed with local history, this route starts and ends at Lymington Town Railway Station, where you’ll be taken through the market town with many sights and attractions along the way – including the St Barbe museum, the modern day quay, and of course the stunning coastal views.
Godshill and Castle Hill
Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km) – 3.6 miles (5.8 km)
Start: Bus stop outside Fighting Cocks, pub, Godshill. Postcode SP6 2LL
This scenic route stretches over multiple terrain including peaceful fields and woodland paths, taking you to the site of an Iron Age hill fort before continuing to a stream-side hamlet on the edge of Castle Hill. With stunning views across the valleys and meadows, this route is both rich in wildlife and beautiful scenery.
Lymington Marshes Trail
Distance: 3.7 miles (6 km)
Start/End: Lymington Town Railway Station, SO41 9AU
One of several Rail Trail routes running from Brockenhurst or Lymington railway stations, this trail is rich in birdlife with river views. As well as its natural scenery, this route also offers fascinating views of the coastal marshes of the Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve.
Exbury Gardens
Location: Summer Lane, Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 1AZ
Perched on the green shores of the Solent, Exbury Gardens offers a beautiful and fascinating escape. Stretching over 200-acres, this woodland estate is home to some of the most famous plant life – including rare, exotic trees that have been imported from all corners of the world. As well as its highly scenic walking routes, Exbury Gardens is also home to a miniature steam railway that provides stunning views of some of the most hidden parts of the grounds.
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
Location: Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Drive, Hampshire, SO43 7GQ
Looking to spot some of these amazing animals during your walks? Well you stand the best possible chance by paying a visit to Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary. Situated at the heart of the New Forest, its frequent feeding times have made it a very popular spot with the deer – and its viewing platforms ensure you get an excellent view. Its wonderful walking routes can be found along marked paths that stretch outwards from the car park and viewing area.
Solent Way Walk
Distance: 60 Miles
Starting point: Milford on Sea/Keyhaven Spit.
One of the most perfect New Forest walking routes all year round, The Solent Way Walk features picturesque views of the Hampshire countryside, Solent and Isle of Wight. Stretching across 60 miles, the route is broken into 8 sections and stretches from Milford on Sea to Emsworth. Feeling peckish? You’re in luck… this route is full of multiple attractions and places to eat along the way!
Beaulieu Food Trail
Distance: 2.2 Miles each way
Start: Beaulieu Village Centre
Rich in wildlife, this trail follows the route of the Beaulieu River with two accessible paths. The main path’s terrain is gravel and grass, with the more uneven side path taking you closer to the river. The trail finishes at the historic shipbuilding village of Bucklers Hard, with many highlighted places along the way to grab a bite to eat or pick up some local produce!
Walhampton Monument Trail
Distance: 3.2 miles (5.1 km)
Start/End: Lymington Town Railway Station, SO41 9AU
Stretching over 6.1km, the Walhampton Monument Trail starts and ends at Lymington Town Railway Station and is part of the rail trail series; offering walks from both Brockenhurst and Lymington railway stations. Surrounded by beautiful views over the Solent, this route takes you to the monument to Admiral Sir Harry Burrard-Neale, a prominent Naval officer and former MP for Lymington who was greatly admired for the changes he brought to the town.
Hordle Cliffs
Distance: 2 miles – 2.6 miles
Start/End: Hordle Cliffs West Car Park
This route is located to the west of Milford-on-Sea village center, on the New Forest boundary. Showcasing stunning views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight, there are two possible Hordle Cliffs walking routes based on difficulty. Looking for an easy walk with lovely views? Follow walk 1 from the Hordle Cliff west car park. Up for more of a challenge? Why not try out walk 2 from the west car park which continues along the promenade to the east.
After your busy day out exploring our top New Forest walks, our Sandy Balls holiday park is the perfect setting to unwind in. Situated in the heart of the New Forest, you’ll love your away-from-it-all Sandy Balls break, and your four-legged friends will too! Find out more about some dog friendly walks in the New Forest.
