Enter into the wooded landscape of Hurn Forest. Skim the busy Bournemouth International Airport, where the growl of the engines can shake the trees. Ride or walk along the ridge as it rises up above the hidden Moors River valley. Weave between the towering trunks merging on to tracks coming from many different directions. Curve around the forest’s northern edge, with the option to visit a might oak tree planted by President Dwight D. Eisenhower (as a General) to commemorate the end of the war. Return along the main track, dividing the trees in two, listening and watching for any landing plane.
Distance: 5.5miles/ 9km
Time: 1-3 hours – depending if traveling on wheel or foot.
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 78ft
Min height: 33ft
Total climb: 61ft
Terrain: gravel and sand tracks and paths, perfect for bikes,
Start Point Matchams Lane Forest car park. (Postcode: BH23 6LP, Grid Reference: SZ128989, What Three Words: supported.undertone.glitz).
Map: OS Explorer OL22 New Forest
How to get there: From Bournemouth Airport, on the B3073, head east to the little roundabout on the edge of Hurn village. Take the first exit then turn left onto Matchams Lane. After following the road for just over a mile, turn left into the car park for the forest.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.
Refreshments: None on route but a number of options surround the woodland in the more urban areas.
Neighbouring Walks: Ferndown, Verwood, Iford, Throop and Christchurch.
Subscribe to get access
Read more of this content when you subscribe today.