Bolderwood, Blissford Hill and Burley village loop — New Forest National Park

Explore the lesser well-known parts of the New Forest with this circuit that skirts along the western edge of the national park. Test your limits by conquering the area's steepest incline and enjoy the elevated plateau in the northern quadrant. You'll find plenty of places to eat, which are conveniently clustered around your journey's mid-point.

Start by traversing the beautiful Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, a scenic avenue lined colourful rhododendrons, firs, redwoods and giant sequoias. You'll cross the A35 to climb up Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Drive, another scenic stretch, known for its towering pine trees.

Pass the Canadian War Memorial then duck under the A31 for an exposed section of beautiful open heathland, including Ocknell Plain where Stoney Cross airfield used to lie.

Follow the open road, Roger Penny Way to reach Hale Purlieu, a welcome section of quiet woodland running alongside Hale Purlieu common. You'll then cut through the beautiful Godshill Woods to the village of Godshill, home of the Fighting Cocks pub.

Shortly you'll face Blissford Hill, otherwise known as "The Wall". With a 25% incline, it's the steepest part of the New Forest, but rewards lie on the other side with a good selection of cafes and pubs.

The Foresters Arms awaits in Frogham, a pub known locally as ‘the donkey pub’. Just around the corner in Hyde and South Gorley are The Potting Shed and Hockey’s Farm. Both cafes have outdoor seating and serve home-grown and locally-sourced food. If you'd prefer a hot meal in a remote setting, wait until you pass The Alice Lisle, a large country pub nestled behind Rockford Lake. There's also a supermarket option as you enter Poulner, a built up area on the outskirts of Ringwood.

From Poulner you'll face a suburban segment leading to a bridge over the busy A31 into Hightown and Crow. Soon you'll enjoy a long stretch of open healthland peppered with vibrant yellow gorse. You'll pass Smugglers Road car park, marking the intersection of a historical track that was used to smuggle goods inland from the coast.

Next, enter Burley to find traditional village stores, cosy pubs and old-fashioned cafes. You'll climb out of this quaint village to join roads on open plains that run parallel to the former Southampton to Dorchester railway line. At Holmsley, look out for the historic tearoom located in the former station building.

To conclude the Tour, enjoy a long gentle descent back into Brockenhurst along the open tarmac of Burley Road.