Burbush Hill - Dur Hill - Whitten Pond (New Forest)

Sylvia Saunders

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This is a great circular walk suitable for all reasonably fit members of the family. It is a bit hilly in places, but nothing too strenuous and well-rewarded with far-reaching views. Starting from a free Forestry Commission car park, the beginning of the walk runs parallel to a disused railway line. In the 1840s rail travel was becoming very popular and a solicitor, Charles Castleman, brokered a deal to bring the Southampton to Dorchester railway to Wimborne. This sixty-mile route was opened in June 1847 and was famously known as Castleman's Corkscrew because of the way that the line used to weave in and out of the forest. The last train ran along the line in the 1960s and sadly the track was closed in 1964.

Passing closely by Bagnum Bog with its wealth of forest bog plants, birds and butterflies, you will leave the old railway as the route swings south, climbing gentle hillocks with some fine, far-reaching views over the Avon Valley and the New Forest. The route then passes Dur Hill Inclosure, a lot of which has been cleared, leaving just the silver birch trees and greatly improved views! Heathland takes you on to Whitten Pond, a beautiful spot valued by the New Forest wildlife.

There are no stiles nor other difficult obstacles for dogs and my Labrador had the time of his life!

England - South England - Hampshire - New Forest

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Public Transport, Wildlife, Woodland

1/2/2020 - Bridget Clancy

This could be a lovely walk in the dry summer months, however I would not recommend it on a damp January day, as we have just done. Between steps 4 & 5 the path was so muddy it was almost impassable and certainly wouldn't be possible without boots and substantial effort. The mud was over ankle-deep in places with no possibility to detour around some of the worst areas and it extended to probably over a mile of the walk. On a sunny day this would be great with dogs, with the added bonus of the pond to cool off in at the end, but I won't be attempting it again until at least July!

6/1/2013 - CLAIRE SCAMMELL

I loved this walk. Picked a great day weather wise, hot sunny day. Apart from the two roads to cross this was very dog friendly and my Poppy dog loved being off the lead running around. Directions were simple to follow. Great views from the top of the hills. Didn't meet another person the whole way round! The pond at the end was great for the dog to cool off. In regard to the directions the sign at Thorney cross in reference to not feeding the animals is no longer there, however makes no difference to the navigation path clear enough to see. I will definitely do this one again. We popped into Burley for a pint afterwards which was not even 5 minutes drive away

8/13/2011 - Lyn Lovell

Lovely walk to do with the family. Very clear directions and dog friendly. Didn't see anyone during the whole walk which was surprising considering how busy the car park was.

5/1/2010 - Clive Butcher

A lovely walk with the middle part feeling surprisingly isolated. As with other walks near here, even after a dry April, short stretches were quite boggy so stout footwear needed. The "feeding of animals" sign at Thorney Hill crossroads has disappeared but the directions are still fairly clear.

12/5/2009 - Kaye Faiers

15.11.2009 A beautiful walk with varied scenery which we and the dogs thoroughly enjoyed. The pond near the end allowed dogs to clean off/swim. Our early start ensured space in carpark which was full on our return! One walk we will repeat. Directions yet again very clear and easy to follow.