Brockenhurst Circuit Visiting Giant Redwood Trees
4 people attending
11 places left
This circular walk from Brockenhurst Railway Station explores the timeless landscapes of ancient native woodland and open heathland in the New Forest (see route in OS Maps).
From the station we'll walk to Hincheslea Wood and Holm Hill, both of which give good views across the moors. We'll aim to stop for lunch at Blackwater Arboretum, where there are some benches to sit down. After lunch we'll follow the impressive avenue of trees along the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, visiting a pair of Giant Redwood trees, the tallest trees in the New Forest.
The walk continues through ancient woodland to the tiny village of Bank, which has a traditional pub, The Oak Inn, where we can stop for a drink. It's a straightforward walk back to Brockenhurst from here, along a cycle path, then across Black Knowl back into the village.
Some parts of this route are on roads and gravel tracks, however there are some sections of unsurfaced path. If there has been heavy rain recently, it will be damp underfoot, so waterproof footwear such as walking boots are recommended.
The route takes 6 hours, more if a pub stop at the pub in Bank is included. We can stop at The Snakecatcher or The Foresters Arms pub by Brockenhurst Station for a drink at the end of the walk. Both pubs serve food.
Don't waste that space!
Spring and Summer walks mean lots of new and existing members excited to be getting out more. Please only book if you know you can make it. Should your plans change please free up the space immediately for someone else who could attend.
Can I bring my dog?
I love having dogs on my walks and this walk is suitable for them, although there will be horses/ponies in the open forest and some short sections of road walking. A dog off its lead must be under control.
- Please ensure you adhere to the Countryside Code at all times (see Countryside walking with your dog).
- If your dog is uncontrolled and strays in open land frightening other animals or livestock, the leader is supported by the OutdoorLads board of trustees to ask you to leave the event as this is not acceptable behaviour.
New Members
Please feel free to join this as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions, then feel free to message me or read the My First Event page.
Image / photo credits:
All photos taken by Patrick Revell and permission is granted to OutdoorLads for further use.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.


























What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink. The Oak Inn pub in Bank is two thirds into the walk, we can stop there for a drink.
There are pubs in Brockenhurst serving food in the evening if you want to stay on after the walk.