The best walks and hikes around Lyndhurst

Face to face with ancients and giants

The New Forest has over 1,000 ancient trees, believed to be the highest concentration in Western Europe. Some of the best hiking trails around Lyndhurst take you into their austere company. A number of short trails begin in nearby Bolderwood, which boasts the 500-year-old Knightwood Oak and is one of the best places to spot wild deer in the New Forest. Venture deeper into the woods to discover the ancient yew trees, some of which are 1,000 years old.

Other trails explore the forest’s arboretums, featuring some of the tallest, toughest and heaviest trees in the World. Stroll beneath towering redwoods and marvel at England’s tallest sequoia, standing proud at 167 feet (51 m). The forest’s unique habitat is rich with wildlife, from rare moths and butterflies to marvellously patterned species of fungi. Study closely, but make sure you do not pick them.

Exploring the open heathland

However, there’s more to hikes around Lyndhurst than forest trails. The national park is also home to the most extensive area of open heathland remaining in Europe. Semi-wild ponies roam freely across a landscape of yellow flowering gorse and heather under huge blue skies. There are hundreds of miles of trails and footpaths to explore.

It is worth noting that between March and the end of July it is important to stick to the main trails, as ground-nesting birds, such as the snipe, curlew and redshank need to rear their young safely during this time. Trails that are out of bounds should be signposted.

A village steeped in folklore and Royal tradition

Ever since William the Conqueror set up hunting grounds here, Lyndhurst has been a haunt for Royals, attracted by the surrounding natural beauty. It is also steeped in folklore. Shorter walks around Lyndhurst include nearby hill Bolton’s Bench, said to be the remains of the Bisterne Dragon, slain by a valiant knight and his trusty hounds.

The Dragon was said to have lived on nearby Burley Beacon, a small hill above Burley – a picturesque traditional village of thatched cottages and old-world charm. Break your hikes up by sampling some of the local produce, such as New Forest apple juice or cider, before exploring the nearby historical sites.