Top 7 Dog-Friendly Walks in the New Forest
The New Forest is a haven for nature lovers and dog owners alike. With its ancient woodlands, heathlands, and stunning coastline, it offers a variety of scenic walks perfect for both you and your furry companion. Whether you're looking for peaceful woodland trails, coastal views, or open heath, there's a walk in the New Forest for every type of explorer.
In this guide, I wanted to share some of our favourite dog-friendly walks in the area. Grab your lead, pack some treats, and let's explore the New Forest together with your adventure pal!
1. Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard
This beautiful riverside walk follows the path between the historic village of Beaulieu and the maritime hamlet of Buckler’s Hard. The route is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it a great choice for a leisurely walk. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Beaulieu River and may even spot some wildlife. Dogs will love the open spaces and the chance to paddle in the water.
Our favourite thing about this walk is the chance to stroll along the boardwalks and take in all of the nature views and watch the creatures around the water.
Distance: 4 miles (round trip)
Terrain: Easy, mostly flat paths
Dog-friendly features: Shaded areas, water access, and picnic spots
2. Norley Wood
Tucked away in a quieter part of the forest, Norley Wood offers peaceful woodland trails where you can enjoy nature without the crowds. This is an excellent location for off-lead walking, provided your dog has good recall. Expect winding paths through ancient trees, occasional clearings, and a variety of birdlife.
Our favourite thing about this walk is the large amounts of routes and space to explore, every time we visit there we take a new route and (even though we usually get lost) that makes it a lot more fun and offers lots of new sniffs.
Distance: Various circular routes available
Terrain: Moderate, forest paths
Dog-friendly features: Off-lead areas, shaded routes
3. Setthorns
Setthorns Enclosure, near Brockenhurst, is a fantastic spot for a tranquil forest walk. The trails here are well-maintained, offering a mix of dense woodland and open heathland. It’s particularly stunning in autumn when the leaves change color. Keep an eye out for New Forest ponies and deer too.
Our favourite thing about this walk is the lake that you get to when walking through the forest, it’s a lovely place to stop for a picnic and paddle.
Distance: 3-5 miles depending on route
Terrain: Mostly flat with some gentle inclines
Dog-friendly features: Off-lead opportunities, well-marked trails
4. Burley
Burley is a charming village surrounded by excellent walking trails. You can explore a mix of woodland, heathland, and scenic village paths. The area is rich in history, with links to smuggling and witchcraft folklore. After your walk, you can stop by one of the many dog-friendly cafés or pubs in the village.
Our favourite thing about this walk is the varied route opportunities that are available, chances are you will also come across some lovely wild flowers and maybe even some of the New Forest ponies.
Distance: 2-6 miles depending on route
Terrain: Varied, mix of forest tracks and open paths
Dog-friendly features: Dog-friendly pubs, varied landscapes
5. Barton on Sea
If you’re looking for a coastal adventure, Barton on Sea provides a wonderful blend of sea views and grassy cliff-top paths. The fresh sea air and wide-open spaces make it a great choice for dogs that love to run. Be mindful of cliff edges and check tide times if you plan to access the beach.
Our favourite thing about this walk is the chance to walk along the cliffs looking out at the lovely sea-views, combined with a walk along the beach and paddle in the sea. There’s some busy parts but you can also find some quieter spots further along. Also look out for views of the Isle of Wight!
Distance: 2-4 miles
Terrain: Coastal paths, some inclines
Dog-friendly features: Beach access, open spaces
6. Wilverley Enclosure
Wilverley Enclosure is one of the most popular forest walks for dog owners, thanks to its well-maintained gravel paths and beautiful woodland scenery. There are several trails to choose from, making it suitable for all fitness levels. You’ll also find plenty of shaded spots, making it a great option for warmer days.
Our favourite thing about this walk is the scenery that is all around, each route takes you through some beautiful nature spots and there’s some great photography opportunities.
Distance: 2-5 miles depending on route
Terrain: Well-marked gravel paths
Dog-friendly features: Off-lead areas, picnic spots, shaded routes
7. Broadley
Broadley is a hidden gem in the New Forest, offering peaceful and scenic trails through a mix of heathland and ancient woodland. This area is great for a relaxed stroll with your dog, providing plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The paths are mostly easy to navigate, making it suitable for all fitness levels.
Our favourite thing about this walk is being able to stroll through lovely woodland and often you get the chance to spot some great wildlife such as rabbits, squirrels and maybe even deers.
Distance: 2-4 miles
Terrain: Mostly flat with some uneven sections
Dog-friendly features: Off-lead areas, quiet trails, shaded paths
Tips for Walking Dogs in the New Forest
Always keep dogs under control, especially around wildlife and New Forest ponies.
Bring water and waste bags to keep the forest clean.
Check for seasonal restrictions, as some areas may have leash requirements at certain times of the year.
Be mindful of ground-nesting birds and avoid disturbing them during spring and summer months.
The New Forest is a fantastic place to explore with your dog, offering a diverse range of landscapes and walking routes. Whether you prefer woodland trails, riverside paths, or coastal scenery, there’s something for every dog and owner to enjoy.
Have you visited any of these locations with your pup? Share your experiences in the comments!
