Easy Walks in the New Forest

New Forest Walking Holidays

The New Forest is among the most breathtaking areas and the real beauty that can only truly be treasured on foot with an assortment of flora and fauna which is really a pleasure to explore. Take a short break to the New Forest and enjoy all the walks that are available. There are also many self-catering cottages available in the New Forest to make it easier for you to access the walks. Lyndhurst has several holiday cottages offering varied accommodation.

There are many easy walks for the not-too-adventurous walker. The Lymington Keyhaven Nature Reserve, which consists of six routes which range from .9 km to 9.2 km. The nature reserve can be found on the shoreline between the town of Lymington and the village of Keyhaven.

Eight Acre Pond Loop

The shortest circular route walks of .9 km, with sights of the pond, wildlife and salt works heritage. The surface of the path is assorted with sections of compacted gravel, grass or tarmac. There aren’t any facilities on this particular route. There is one .4m wide gate. The path is signposted and there are way markers on the route.

Moses Dock Loop

Moses Dock Loop is a circular route with a length of 1.5 km. It offers parking for 10 vehicles; however, the car park is not signposted from the street. On this particular path you will have views of the dock, salt works heritage as well as wildlife. The track of the route is compacted and loose gravel. The sea wall is surfaced with cement blocks filled up with gravel. There exists a bridge over Moses Dock that features a metallic deck. The path is mainly level. There are four gates, the narrowest of which is 1.2m. There is one bench available for seating. The route features signposts as well as way markers along the path. There is one information board.

Fishtail Lagoon Loop

This circular path is 2.6 km long alongside Pennington Marshes which gives views of wildlife and the sea. There are no amenities on this path. The path surface includes grass, tarmac and compacted gravel. Specific parts of the paths are unequal along with potholes and there are muddy places and protruding rocks. You can find one hand gate that is .85m wide. You can find one bench out there in case you feel the need to rest or see the view. There is an information board near to the gate. The path splits into two and the lower trail to the left is not as steep but is prone to muddiness during wet weather. There is a car park with approximately 10 parking spaces.

Normandy Loop

This trail is 3.5 km in length and offers views of the Solent, the marina and the salt works. You will find a car park with 50 spaces along with 2 spaces for handicapped guests that are signed from the road. The trail is covered with compacted gravel, tarmac and grass. The route is normally flat, yet has short steep portions. You will find three gates on the track. You will find signposts along the route.

Keyhaven Marsh Loop

This amazing route is ideal for both walkers and cyclists. There is a gravel topped car park for 10 vehicles; although there is no signage for this from the street. You will find a tavern called The Gun Inn near to the car park. This 4.3 km route gives you sea views from the ocean wall and views of sea birds. The trail surface is short grass and tarmac as well as compacted gravel. There are three gates of which .85m will be the narrowest one. There is also a bench which has a back. You will find a section along the sea wall that has Solent Way signposting.

Solent Way

The longest route of the easy walks and this one is 9.2 km long. It is made for both walkers and bike riders and is part of the 96.6 km Solent Way. It's got views of the Solent and wildlife, particularly birds. There is a 50 place car park with 2 places reserved for disabled visitors as well as toilets and disabled access toilets. The top of the path is tarmac and gravel and the majority of the path follows the ocean wall. The slope is flat with very brief steep portions. You will find three gates. There is one squeeze stile; however it can be avoided by using the alternative path.

Maps are readily available for any of these walks.

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