7 Christmas walks in Hampshire 2020: best winter wonderland trails for Xmas Day and New Year

With the usual Christmas festivities like office parties, endless nights out and large family gatherings off the cards this year, we’re all looking for another way to keep ourselves entertained.

Thankfully, we are lucky enough to have the great outdoors at our fingertips - and what better way to spend the Christmas period than getting out for an adventure.

From forest strolls to wildlife-rich walks, grab your boots and venture out to explore these spectacular locations around Hampshire.

Best Christmas walks in Hampshire

Rhinefield Forest

Rhinefield Ornamental Dr, Brockenhurst SO42 7QB

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 5km

Start point: Blackwater car park

Situated in the heart of the New Forest National Park, a stroll through Rhinefield Forest is not to be missed.

Home to some of England’s tallest trees, you’ll meander through oak, ash, beech and incredible 50-metre tall redwoods dating back to the Victorian era.

It’s a wildlife hotspot too, so keep an eye out for deer and the New Forest ponies.

Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst

Brockenhurst village, Hampshire SO42 7RY

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Distance: 17.2km

Start point: Hollands Wood, Brockenhurst

Also winding through the New Forest is this long, circular route linking two of the main villages in the area, Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst.

You have the option to start from either village, winding through stunning forestry tracks before reaching each historic settlement.

It’s a relatively flat walk, with mainly gravel tracks to pass over, but it will take you a good few hours.

Meon Valley Trail

Station Rd, West Meon, Petersfield GU32 1JJ

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Distance: 17.7km

Start point: Car pack off Station Road

Described as a “trail for everyone” by Hampshire County Council, this walking route will please each member of the family.

It winds through the South Downs National Park, linking the popular long-distance trails like Wayfarers’ Walk, and showcasing the beautiful countryside of the Meon Valley all the while.

You don’t have to stick to walking either, as the flat terrain makes it a great cycling trail, too.

Denny Wood

Brockenhurst SO43 7FZ

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 8km

Start point: Entrance to Denny Wood campsite

If you’re looking for an easy Sunday stroll, rather than an all-day epic hike, this Denny Wood circular walk is only three miles long.

Passing through the historic New Forest National Park, through ancient trees and heathland once trodden by William the Conqueror, the scenery on this trail is unforgettable.

Animal lovers should watch out for stags and fallow deer.

Fritham

Fritham Village, Hampshire SO43 7HJ

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 7.2km

Start point: Fritham car park

One of the most popular walks within the New Forest is Fritham, and for good reason.

It’s not only very close to the famous Royal Oak pub (did someone say post-walk feast?), there’s plenty of wildlife spotting to be had when exploring this trail.

The circular route will take you across the open heath of Fritham Plain, where you will be afforded stunning views of Islands Thorns and Amberwood Inclosure.

Solent Way

Milford on Sea, Downton, Lymington SO41 0NE

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Distance: 14.5km

Start point: Milford-on-Sea

An epic 60-mile footpath which links Milford-on-Sea with Emsworth Harbour, there’s plenty to see on this thoroughly enjoyable coastal walk.

A good starting route is Milford-on-Sea, just south of the New Forest, to Lymington which meanders down to the seafront before following a coastal countryside route to the port.

Enjoy beautiful views of the Isle of Wight as you walk along the well-marked path.

Avon Valley

Salisbury Cathedral, Salisbury SP1 2EJ

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 12.8km

Start point: Statue of The Walking Madonna, Salisbury

One for the keen long-distance walkers, the 55km Avon Valley Path winds from Salisbury to Christchurch Priory, with great views of the sea.

Divided into five sections, you can complete as much or as little of the walk as you want.

A good route to begin with is from Salisbury to Downton, which will take between three and four hours.