River Avon Water Meadows – The Woolpack, Sopley loop from Sopley

Hiking trails & Routes

River Avon Water Meadows – The Woolpack, Sopley loop from Sopley

Hard

4.4

(7)

hikers

River Avon Water Meadows – The Woolpack, Sopley loop from Sopley

06:39

26.3km

50m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

Last updated: October 16, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

New Forest National Park

Waypoints

Start point

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1.05 km

Furzy Piece

Forest

6.84 km

River Avon Water Meadows

Highlight (Segment) • Natural

The River Avon is well known for its water meadows and this particular stretch south from Ringwood is beautiful. The Avon Valley Path runs through the meadows which are typically dry in the warmer months and alive with wildflowers, birds and butterflies. In the winter or after periods of significant rain, this path and the meadows can flood.

There are sluice gates here to control the water flow and give an intriguing insight into the water management of this historic area.

Tip by

16.0 km

Woolpack Pub

Highlight • Other

23.3 km

The Woolpack, Sopley

Highlight • Restaurant

The Woolpack pub is a great spot for lunch whilst on a walk in the area. The Avon Valley Path runs right past its doors too and if it’s a sunny day, you can sit outside. This is a 17th century building, firstly a private house and latterly a pub.

It sits in Sopley, now a sleepy New Forest village but once a centre for smuggling thanks to the neighbouring River Avon which winds up from Christchurch, another smuggling haven. It sits, slightly awkwardly, in an island with one-way roads around it. On the plus side, the roads are fairly quiet.

If you’re travelling with your hound, it’ll be welcome here. The Woolpack isn’t just dog-friendly, it even has its own dog menu. Make of that what you will.

Tip by

26.3 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types