The best walks and hikes around Melchet Park And Plaitford
4.5
(1106)
7,377
hikers
426
hikes
Hiking around Melchet Park And Plaitford offers diverse landscapes on the northern edge of the New Forest National Park. The region features a mix of quiet field paths, ancient woodlands, and open heathland, including the 450-acre Plaitford Common. Trails provide views across the Avon Valley and follow the River Blackwater, with elevations generally between 50 and 250 feet above sea level. The terrain is mostly gentle, with sandy and loam soil that dries quickly.
Best hiking trails around Melchet Park And Plaitford
- The most popular hiking route is Half Moon Common loop - New Forest National Park, a 3.3 miles (5.3 km) trail that takes 1 hour 23 minutes to complete, traversing open common land within the New Forest.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Landford and Hampforth — New Forest National Park, an easy 4.7 miles (7.6 km) path. This route explores the northern tip of the New Forest, featuring woodlands and fields.
- Local hikers also love the Nomansland, Bramshaw Wood & Eyeworth Pond loop — New Forest National Park, a 6.6 miles (10.6 km) trail leading through woodlands and past historical water features, often completed in about 2 hours 53 minutes.
- Hiking around Melchet Park And Plaitford is defined by quiet woodlands, open heathland, and gentle river valleys. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to moderate walks.
- The routes in Melchet Park And Plaitford are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from nearly 1000 reviews. More than 7000 hikers have used komoot to explore Melchet Park And Plaitford's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
4.6
(11)
54
hikers
5.29km
01:23
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.8
(11)
51
hikers
7.56km
01:59
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
4.5
(8)
36
hikers
10.6km
02:53
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(10)
41
hikers
4.41km
01:09
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(7)
25
hikers
8.18km
02:11
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Despite the seemingly unpromising name, "Nomansland" is a fine village along the boundaries of the Hampshire and Wiltshire county borders. Nowadays this runs along this road in front of the Lamb Inn. Local legend has it that the border formerly ran through the pub itself and as closing time was earlier in Hampshire, there was a quick move into the Wiltshire bar to get extra drinking time at the end of the evening! New Forest ponies also visit for refreshment and can be found grazing on the green alongside the road.
0
0
The nature reserve was part of a group of Royal Forests until the 16th century when, unlike the New Forest, they declined and reverted to farmland and landscaped parks. The reserve's ancient woodlands have a long history of management and would have provided local people with a valuable source of timber, wood fuel, forage for pigs (known as pannage) and grazing for livestock. Coppicing was particularly important, and as you walk through the reserve look for old banks and ditches that mark the boundary of coppice enclosures. Coppicing is the method of cutting trees such as hazel or oak to ground level on a regular cycle. This produces fast-growing shoots for fodder, firewood and making charcoal.
1
0
The River Blackwater begins just north of Redlynch in Wiltshire and flows eastwards to join the River Test near Totton in Hampshire.
1
0
Visit Fritham and Eyeworth Pond, take a moment to wander through history Walk around the man-made gunpowder mill pond or take a walk through the woodland. Keep an eye out for the old black post box near the entrance to Fritham car park, there for the workers of the mill. Wander through the woodlands full of Roman remains. Fritham is a small village with the village green at it's heart. Visit the pub, named after the ancient oak opposite (over 1000 years old), or join the cycle trail network and ride over to Ogdens. You are likely to see the New Forest's ponies and cattle. Please treat these animals with care, don’t feed or pet the livestock – keep your distance.
1
0
Half Moon Common is now owned by the National Trust and was originally one of the Bramshaw Commons. The National Trust is attempting to clear invasive species such as rhododendron, so that the native heathland and woodland can recover.
1
0
The Nomansland War Memorial is a Grade II listed building commemorating the local men who served in both WW1 and WW2. The memorial is situated on the common green area in the village and is situated just across the way from The Lamb Inn, a cosy country pub serving up delicious food & refreshing drinks.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes around Melchet Park and Plaitford?
The area features a mix of quiet field paths, ancient woodlands, and open heathland, including the 450-acre Plaitford Common. You'll find gentle undulations rather than steep hills, with elevations mostly between 50 and 250 feet above sea level. The sandy and loam soil tends to dry quickly, making for pleasant walking conditions.
Are there many hiking trails available in Melchet Park and Plaitford?
Yes, komoot offers over 400 hiking routes in the Melchet Park and Plaitford area. These range from easy strolls to more moderate walks, ensuring options for various fitness levels.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options in the area?
Absolutely. The trails in Melchet Park and Plaitford are generally easy to moderate with no steep hills, making them suitable for families. Many routes traverse woodlands and open commons, offering engaging scenery for all ages. An easy option is the Half Moon Common loop - New Forest National Park, which is about 5.3 km long.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Yes, many trails in Melchet Park and Plaitford are dog-friendly. As the area is part of the New Forest National Park, you might encounter grazing New Forest ponies and cattle, especially on commons like Plaitford Common. Always keep your dog under close control, preferably on a lead, to protect wildlife and livestock.
What historical sites or natural landmarks can I see while hiking?
The region is rich in history and natural beauty. You can explore woodlands with evidence of Iron Age hill forts and Roman remains. Notable natural features include the wildlife-rich Avon Valley, the River Blackwater, and historical water features like Eyeworth Pond, a former gunpowder mill pond. Melchet Pond is also known for its yellow water lilies in summer.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, many of the routes in Melchet Park and Plaitford are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Nomansland, Bramshaw Wood & Eyeworth Pond loop — New Forest National Park is a moderate circular trail that takes you through woodlands and past a historical pond.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Melchet Park and Plaitford?
The hiking trails in Melchet Park and Plaitford are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from nearly 1000 reviews. Hikers often praise the quiet woodlands, open heathland, and the gentle nature of the routes, making them enjoyable for various abilities.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots along the trails?
Yes, many routes offer scenic views, particularly across the beautiful Avon Valley with its water meadows. Open heathland areas like Plaitford Common provide expansive vistas. While not a specific viewpoint on a trail, Bolton's Bench is a well-known scenic spot in the wider New Forest area that can be accessed from nearby trails.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Melchet Park and Plaitford?
The area is enjoyable year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and fresh greenery to the woodlands, while summer offers pleasant walks with yellow water lilies on Melchet Pond. Autumn showcases vibrant foliage, and even in winter, the sandy and loam soil means trails tend to dry quickly after rain, making for less muddy conditions than in other regions.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes in the area?
While the terrain is generally gentle, there are longer routes that offer a more extended experience. The Nomansland, Bramshaw Wood & Eyeworth Pond loop — New Forest National Park is a moderate 10.6 km trail, providing a good challenge while exploring diverse landscapes.
Are there any specific routes that explore the ancient woodlands?
Many routes in the area traverse ancient woodlands, some of which were historically Royal Forests and still show signs of traditional management like coppicing. The Landford and Hampforth — New Forest National Park route, for instance, explores the northern tip of the New Forest, featuring lovely woodland sections.
Most popular routes around Melchet Park And Plaitford
Most popular attractions around Melchet Park And Plaitford
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
