Lyndhurst - New Forest

Sylvia Saunders

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This is a lovely circular walk in the New Forest for all the family to enjoy. It starts from the Swan Green Forestry Commission car park just a mile from the centre of Lyndhurst. The town is a popular holiday centre and has all the tea shops, pubs and restaurants you could want. The New Forest Museum and Information Centre can be found in the middle of the town; it is well-signed and worth a visit.

The walk has varied scenery, is mainly flat but there is a nice, gentle climb to Acres Down, where you are rewarded with far-reaching views. The New Forest Reptile Centre is a unique place to see close-up all the snakes and lizards found in Britain. You will pass the entrance to it at Waymark 6. Specially created outdoor pens provide a natural home to the rare sand lizard, smooth snake and the poisonous adder. The Centre actively encourages the conservation and re-introduction of these animals across the country and is open 10am - 4.30pm between April and September; telephone 023-8028-3141. Should you decide to visit the Centre by car there is a parking charge, but apart from that it is free entry.

Look out for the Portuguese fireplace at Waymark 8. This is all that remains of the hutted camp which housed a Portuguese army unit during World War 1. It was left as a memorial to the men who helped maintain the forest and provide wood for the war effort when our own workforce was depleted.

Towards the end, the walk brings you through the pretty village of Emery Down and passes the New Forest Inn. It is open 365 days a year, kids are welcome (away from the bar area) and so are dogs. They serve four real ales, a full menu as well as snacks and have four gardens!

England - South England - Hampshire - New Forest

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Museum, Pub, Public Transport, River, Toilets, Wildlife

10/29/2018 - Kieran McMahon

Oct 2018 did walk today and concur it is a lovely walk - to assist people the start of the walk has changed - at way marker 2 - its no longer a cricket field and no Pavilion -from the car park walk diagonally across the field towards the A35 to pick up Cut Walk

7/21/2009 - Cathy Preece

We did this walk again last week and it was gorgeous. Like David we nearly missed the right turn by the metal gate but found our way. The reptile centre was very busy with lizards and snakes sunbathing. The RSPB were there too with a webcam on a hobby's nest, very interesting, and good to have volunteers to answer our questions. We even saw a red deer in the forest, just stood and looked at each other before it wandered off. Special mention must be made of the idyllic pond with its water lilies, where we stopped for afternoon tea (bucks fizz!).

4/2/2009 - Walkingworld Administrator

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Even after a few weeks of dry weather this walk is very muddy! (Sunk up to above my ankles once or twice.) Lovely walk though through forest and heathland. Reptile centre very disappointing with nothing to see!

9/17/2008 - Cathy Preece

Thanks Sylvia, we did this walk yesterday and really loved it. We've been walking in the New Forest each month for several years now and this walk rated very highly. Excellent meal at the pub towards the end of the walk too. Oh, David, you probably didn't miss much at the reptile sanctuary. We did see an adder but most people saw nothing, except the gorgeous pigs over the fence. Rather muddy in parts. Will look up other walks that you have submitted. Thanks very much.

2/20/2008 - David Lawrence

Did this walk yesterday with our young labrador (4mths). Excellent walk - although we got a little 'lost' from the right turn by the metal gate and ended up missing the reptile sanctuary! - Oh well, will try again another time!

3/11/2007 - michelle brakewell

11/03/07 - Geoff & Michelle: We decided to go exploring the New Forest and what better way than to be guided with excellent instructions. Even though I'm not good with maps, the descriptions and pictures really helped. One thing to note though, it was very muddy, and took me back to childhood days of coming back to the car caked from head to toe. Great Fun!! It's a great route but if it has rained, wear some old clothes and decent boots. Thanks alot for helping us with our day out.