The best walks and hikes around Fordingbridge

Many walks in the New Forest have dedicated car parks. For example, trails starting from Godshill Inclosure offer easy and free parking, providing direct access to woodland paths. Similarly, Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary has parking available for its various trails. For walks starting in the town itself, there are public car parks, though they may be pay-and-display.

Yes, the region is great for families. The trails at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary are a popular choice, with several short, well-marked routes and a viewing platform to see fallow deer. For a simple walk from the town, the Great Bridge, Fordingbridge – Fordingbridge Hospital loop is a short, flat route that's perfect for a gentle stroll with children.

Fordingbridge and the New Forest are very dog-friendly. Your dog is welcome on most public footpaths and trails. However, you must keep them under close control, especially around the free-roaming New Forest ponies and other wildlife. During the bird nesting season (March 1st to July 31st), it's particularly important to keep dogs on paths.

The hiking here is defined by its variety. You'll find serene riverside paths along the River Avon, wide-open heathland with roaming ponies in the New Forest National Park, and ancient woodlands with well-maintained trails. The terrain is generally gently undulating, making it accessible for most fitness levels.

The area is excellent for circular walks, meaning you can start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. Many routes are designed this way, such as the Folds Farm Footbridge – Great Bridge loop, which combines riverside sections with paths through fields and woods. Most trails in the New Forest are also loops of varying lengths.

The trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of over 4 stars. Hikers often praise the beautiful and varied scenery, from the peaceful River Avon to the classic New Forest landscapes. The well-marked paths and the chance to see wildlife, especially the famous ponies, are frequently mentioned as highlights.

For wildlife, Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary is a must-visit, offering a dedicated platform to view herds of fallow deer. For expansive views, walks that take you to higher ground like Hyde Common or Godshill Ridge offer far-reaching vistas across the open forest and the Avon Valley's water meadows.

There are over 30 curated hiking routes available around Fordingbridge on komoot. These range from short, easy strolls of just a few kilometres to more challenging moderate day hikes, ensuring there's a trail for every ability and timeframe.

Most trails in the area are on natural, unpaved surfaces. You'll encounter a mix of wide, gravel forest tracks, grassy paths across heathland, and potentially muddy sections through woodlands and along the river, especially after rain. Proper walking shoes are recommended.

Fordingbridge town is served by buses, making it a good starting point for several walks without a car, particularly those following the River Avon. However, reaching trailheads deeper within the New Forest, such as Bolderwood or Eyeworth Pond, is much easier by car as public transport to these more remote spots is limited.

For a more tranquil experience, consider a walk around Eyeworth Pond. It's a highly-regarded peaceful spot, perfect for a quiet stroll and popular with those looking to escape the busier parts of the forest. The trails in the Cranborne Chase AONB to the west of Fordingbridge also tend to be less crowded.