Busketts Lawn, New Forest

We discovered this walk around Busketts Lawn while staying at Ashurst campsite, next to the train station and across the road from the entrance to these woodlands. The network of criss-crossing paths here are perfect for exploring – you’ll find quaint bridges over trickling streams, lush heathland with grazing New Forest ponies, and the tranquility of the woodland all around. Feel free to adapt this route as you walk, taking whichever turn looks most enticing to you! Four-legged friends can roam off lead here, though be aware of any wildlife – especially the ponies!

We’ve marked the beginning of this route as Ashurst New Forest train station, as it’s the most accessible point for a variety of transport. Trains run from Winchester and Bournemouth to the station, and for those arriving by car there is a small car park. There are also local buses (6 or C5) that serve two bus stops outside the station. It’s worth noting that is the only point along the route where there are poo bins for those bringing dogs on the walk, so take your poo bags with you.

Once you’ve left the station and are heading towards the woodland, the terrain is a dirt path that’s easy underfoot. As you exit Busketts Lawn enclosure you’ll have to cross a main road, and after walking the heathland at Mallard Wood there’s a stretch of pavement walking until you arrive back at the train station, and Ashurst. As this route is mostly in woodland or on natural heathland, there are no facilities along this route, though there are a handful of pubs and cafes in Ashurst that make a great place to refuel after your walk.