Maps

If you visit the New Forest a map is an essential accessory. The best all-round map is definitely the 1:25,000 scale Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map 22 - New Forest. This covers all of the New Forest and surrounding places, including Bournemouth, Southampton, the Solent and the coast.

Walking

The New Forest is ideal for casual rambling. There are many paths, mostly very easy going and with beautiful scenery.

There are several national trails and recreational paths around the New Forest. The Avon Valley path is just outside the park to the west, following the River Avon down to Christchurch. The Solent Way follows the coastline from Milford-on-Sea to Hythe; from here you can catch a ferry across and continue the Solent Way or follow the Itchen Way north.

Cycling

Cycling in the New Forest is a pleasant experience but a limited one. There are virtually no official bridleways (which allow both cycles and horses) and so the cyclist has to stick to the roads, which are very busy in the summer, and to gravelled tracks, which are difficult to cycle on. Having said that, it is still a very nice place to cycle in, but after a few days you will have exhausted the possibilities.

If you don't have a bike with you you can hire one in Burley, Brockenhurst or Lyndhurst.

• Burley - Forest Leisure Cycling - Tel: 01425 403585
• Brockenhurst - Cycle Experience -Tel: 01590 624204
• Lyndhurst - AA Cycle Hire - Tel: 02380 283349

By Car

There are plenty of roads in the New Forest, in fact too many roads. Parking places are frequent due to the massive tourist trade. The main roads - the A35 and the A337, and the A31 dual carriageway - cut through the heart of the New Forest. However, the New Forest is a mandatory 40mph zone.

By Train

There are stations at Ashurst, Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst and Sway, which provide excellent access to the east and south parts of the New Forest.

Riding

The New Forest is a fantastic place for horse riding. The possibilities are far greater than cycling. As there are so many wild ponies anyway, the authorities don't mind extra horses wandering around the paths. There are good facilities for both beginners and experienced riders.

There are plenty of riding centres around; look in Beaulieu, Bramshaw, Bransgore, Brockenhurst, Burley, Dibden, Fordingbridge, Minstead, New Milton and Sway.

Maps and Guide Books

Maps and guidebooks available by post, if you would like to receive any of these items please make your cheque/postal order payable to New Forest District Council and send to: Lymington VIC, New Street, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 9BH. Please note: prices can change at any time so it is advisable to check the prices by telephone 01590 689 000 prior to ordering.

• New Forest Official Map - £2.00
• Ordnance Survey Leisure No.22 New Forest Map - £7.49
• New Forest Cycling Map Pack - £3.99
• Forestry Commission Cycling Route Planning Map - £1.00
• Walk the New Forest - £5.99
• Walks in the New Forest - £3.50
• Avon Valley Path Book - £3.50

Postage Charges:

• Orders under £5.00 ex postage - 75p
• Orders over £5.00 ex postage - £1.50

How To Get Here
 

RAIL	FERRIES	AIRPORTS	BY CAR
Southwest Trains	Wight Link	Southampton International	Junction 1 off M27
Virgin Trains	Brittany Ferries	Bournemouth International
Railtrack	P&O Ferries