Melchet Park And Plaitford
Melchet Park And Plaitford
4.6
(41)
4,099
runners
347
runs
Jogging around Melchet Park And Plaitford offers access to a diverse landscape on the northern boundary of the New Forest National Park. The region is characterized by low-lying, sandy terrain, making it generally easy to navigate without steep inclines. Runners can experience ancient woodlands, open heathland, and grassy commons, with the River Blackwater adding a water feature to the scenery. Many routes utilize sandy lanes, unmetalled roads, and woodland tracks, providing varied running surfaces.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
10
runners
5.39km
00:34
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
runners
12.5km
01:19
100m
100m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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9
runners
16.6km
01:45
120m
120m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
runners
3.29km
00:20
20m
20m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Useful signpost and a choice of directions
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Sorry I really don't like the Rodger Penny Way, as a local I try not to ride it anymore.. I'd go through Woodgreen, Lover, Passed Hampworth Golf Course, No Mans Land... much quieter roads... On the way back most of my routes go into Ringwood... and through the forest from there (I live near Lyndhurst)
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The River Blackwater begins just north of Redlynch in Wiltshire and flows eastwards to join the River Test near Totton in Hampshire.
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Rockingham arms is an English pub. Nice to walk to and have a drink. Dog friendly.
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Since it's creation by William the Conqueror in 1079 the New Forest has been a protected area. It became a National Park in 2005. Watch out for the wild ponies and pigs which can be on the roads.
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"[...] one of the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed pasture land, heathland and forest in Southern England, covering southwest Hampshire and southeast Wiltshire. It was proclaimed a royal forest by William the Conqueror, featuring in the Domesday Book. Pre-existing rights of common pasture are still recognised today, being enforced by official verderers and agisters. In the 18th century, the New Forest became a source of timber for the Royal Navy. It remains a habitat for many rare birds and mammals. It is a 28,924.5-hectare (71,474-acre) biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest. Several areas are Geological Conservation Review and Nature Conservation Review sites. It is a Special Area of Conservation, a Ramsar site and a Special Protection Area. Copythorne Common is managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Kingston Great Common is a national nature reserve and New Forest Northern Commons is managed by the National Trust." Cit. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Forest
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Not suitable for roadbikes. White depth boards shows river depth at midpoint. Concrete slab patterned with a waffle grid. Width of slots wider than roadbike tyre in places. Riverwater not completely clear to view surface below water. Road surface deteriorates in 20m down to ford with potholes and grit debris across road.
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There are over 350 running routes available in Melchet Park And Plaitford, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels. The komoot community has explored these trails over 4000 times, highlighting the area's popularity for outdoor activities.
The region offers a diverse and generally easy-to-navigate landscape. You can expect low-lying, sandy terrain with very few steep inclines. Routes often traverse ancient woodlands, open heathland, and grassy commons. Many paths consist of sandy lanes, unmetalled roads, and clean footpaths, providing varied and comfortable running surfaces.
Yes, Melchet Park And Plaitford is very welcoming for beginners and those seeking an easy jog. There are 49 easy routes available. An example is the Running loop from Wellow, which is just under 3 miles (4.6 km) with minimal elevation gain, making it perfect for a relaxed run.
You'll find a mix of natural beauty and historical points of interest. The River Blackwater – The New Forest loop from Landford follows the picturesque River Blackwater. You might also encounter ancient woodlands, open heathland, and even wild ponies straying from the New Forest. Historical sites like the 13th-century Parish Church of St Peter's near the River Blackwater, or the historic Melchet Court, add character to the landscape.
Yes, many of the running routes in Melchet Park And Plaitford are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the popular Harbridge Meadow loop from Wellow is a moderate 3.3 miles (5.4 km) circular trail that takes you through varied terrain including open commons and woodland edges.
The running routes in Melchet Park And Plaitford are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 38 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse and accessible natural landscapes, the variety of environments from ancient woodlands to open heathland, and the comfortable running surfaces found on sandy lanes and clean footpaths.
Melchet Park And Plaitford, being on the fringe of the New Forest, generally offers dog-friendly trails. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs under close control, especially in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds, and to check specific route details for any restrictions. Many of the woodland tracks and open commons are ideal for running with a canine companion.
Yes, you can find routes that include beautiful water features. Eyeworth Pond, created in the late 19th century, is a notable historical point of interest that is part of some suggested loops. Within Melchet Park, Melchet Pond is also described as beautiful, especially in summer with its yellow water lilies, providing a serene backdrop for a run.
The 'kindly countryside' of Melchet Park And Plaitford makes it suitable for running year-round. However, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also lovely, especially around Melchet Pond with its water lilies, but be mindful of warmer weather. The low-lying, sandy terrain generally holds up well even after rain.
Yes, for those seeking a longer and more challenging run, there are 54 difficult routes available. The Furzley Crossroads Signpost loop from Sherfield English is a 10.3 miles (16.6 km) trail leading through ancient woodlands and heathland, typically completed in about 1 hour 45 minutes, offering a good workout for experienced runners.
Yes, the area is rich in history. You might encounter landscapes shaped by centuries of management, including ancient woodlands with old banks and ditches. The Nomansland War Memorial, a Grade II listed building, is another historical attraction in the vicinity. Additionally, the historic Melchet Court, an Elizabethan-style property, can be viewed along certain routes, offering a glimpse into the past.
While specific parking details vary by route, many trails in Melchet Park And Plaitford are accessible with parking options nearby, especially at common starting points or village outskirts. It's advisable to check the individual route details on komoot for precise parking information before you head out.


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