The New Forest is a beautiful national park located in Hampshire, UK. It is famous for its wild ponies, stunning landscapes and fantastic riding opportunities. As a horse rider, exploring the New Forest on horseback is a must-do experience. In this guide, we will take a look at some of the best places to hack in the New Forest, including the locations of car parks, the length of hack, difficulty level, features/things to see and the best time to do it.
Boldrewood to Rhinefield
Boldrewood is a popular spot for horse riders in the New Forest. The car park is situated off the A35, just west of Lyndhurst. From Boldrewood, you can take a beautiful ride through the forest to Rhinefield. The route is approximately 10 miles long and takes around 3 hours to complete. The terrain is relatively flat, making it an easy ride for both horses and riders. Along the way, you will see the beautiful Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, which features majestic redwoods and Douglas Firs.
Beaulieu Road Station to Denny Wood
Beaulieu Road Station is located off the B3056, just north of Beaulieu. This area offers a range of trails for horse riders, including the route to Denny Wood. The ride is approximately 6 miles long and takes around 2 hours to complete. The terrain is relatively easy, with some gentle inclines and declines. Along the way, you will pass through the peaceful and scenic Anderwood Inclosure and see some of the New Forest’s famous wild ponies.
Lyndhurst to Bolderwood
Lyndhurst is known as the ‘Capital’ of the New Forest and is a great place to start a hack. The car park is located just off the A35, near the town centre. From here, you can take a beautiful ride to Bolderwood. The route is approximately 10 miles long and takes around 3 hours to complete. The terrain is varied, with some gentle inclines and declines. Along the way, you will pass through the stunning Knightwood Inclosure and see some of the New Forest’s wild ponies and deer.
Brockenhurst to Holmsley
Brockenhurst is a bustling village in the heart of the New Forest. The car park is located just off the A337, near the train station. From here, you can take a lovely ride to Holmsley. The route is approximately 12 miles long and takes around 4 hours to complete. The terrain is relatively easy, with some gentle inclines and declines. Along the way, you will pass through some beautiful heathland and see some of the New Forest’s famous ponies.
The New Forest is a fantastic place to hack, with plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful landscapes and wildlife. From Boldrewood to Rhinefield to Brockenhurst to Holmsley, there are many great routes to choose from. Remember to always check the weather forecast and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Happy hacking!