The New Forest Explorer Walk (Hampton Ridge) provides visitors with a unique opportunity to enjoy the diverse landscapes of the New Forest. Led by knowledgeable guides, this 2-hour excursion takes adventurers on a journey through open heathlands, ancient woodlands, and serene forest streams. With a focus on the area’s rich history and ongoing conservation efforts, the walk promises an engaging and enlightening experience. But what awaits those who embark on this natural exploration? Discover the hidden wonders that lie within the New Forest’s captivating terrain.
Key Points

- A 2-hour guided walk exploring the diverse habitats and abundant wildlife of the New Forest, led by experienced guides.
- Covers a mix of open heathlands, ancient woodlands, valley mires, and forest streams, offering stunning views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
- Priced from €17.87 per person with a ‘reserve now, pay later’ policy, supporting local wildlife research and conservation efforts.
- Maintains a leisurely pace for full immersion in the natural scenery and history of the protected area.
- Provides a meeting point with clear directions, ample parking, and friendly guides to ensure a smooth start to the walk.
Activity Details

The New Forest Explorer Walk (Hampton Ridge) lasts approximately 2 hours and welcomes participants based on availability.
Visitors can explore the diverse habitats and abundant wildlife of the New Forest, led by expert guides with years of experience in the area.
The walk takes guests through a mix of open heathland, ancient woodland, valley mires, and forest streams, providing stunning views and the opportunity to spot a wide variety of species, including specialized birds, fungi, flora, and deer.
Attendees can expect a leisurely pace, allowing them to fully enjoy the natural beauty and rich history of this unique landscape.
Pricing and Booking

The New Forest Explorer Walk (Hampton Ridge) can be booked from €17.87 per person. Visitors can reserve their spot now and pay nothing upfront, with the option to pay later. This ‘reserve now, pay later’ policy allows guests to secure their place on the walk without any immediate financial commitment.
The walk is led by knowledgeable wildlife experts who’ve years of experience working in the New Forest. By booking this tour, visitors support the not-for-profit organization Wild New Forest, which conducts wildlife research in the area.
With a mix of habitats, stunning views, and a variety of flora and fauna to discover, the New Forest Explorer Walk promises an engaging and enriching experience for all participants.
Tour Description

Exploring the habitats and wildlife of the New Forest, this guided walk is led by wildlife experts with years of experience working in the area. Participants will learn about the rich history and diverse wildlife of the New Forest.
The tour covers a mix of habitats, including open heath, ancient woodland, valley mire, and forest streams, offering stunning views and the opportunity to spot a wide variety of wildlife, from specialist birds and fungi to the iconic New Forest deer.
Maintaining a leisurely pace, the walk allows ample time for participants to fully enjoy the picturesque scenery. As a not-for-profit company, Wild New Forest supports local wildlife research and conservation efforts.
Highlights

Mixing an array of habitats, including open heath, ancient woodland, valley mire, and forest streams, this New Forest Explorer Walk offers stunning views and the chance to spot a wide variety of wildlife.
Participants can expect to encounter specialist birds, fungi, flora, and deer throughout the leisurely-paced journey.
From the open heathlands to the canopy of the ancient woodlands, the diverse landscapes of the New Forest provide a rich tapestry for exploration.
With a focus on the area’s rich history and wildlife, this walk led by knowledgeable guides allows visitors to fully enjoy the natural wonders of this protected area.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyMeeting Point

Participants will meet at the car park, where full joining details will be provided via email a few days prior to the walk. This ensures everyone has the necessary information to find the meeting location with ease.
The meeting point is conveniently situated, allowing for a seamless start to the New Forest Explorer Walk. Attendees can look forward to:
- Clear directions to the car park
- Email confirmation with all details needed
- Friendly guides ready to greet the group
- Smooth transition from arrival to the walk itself
- Ample parking available at the meeting point
Getting There

Getting to the meeting point for the New Forest Explorer Walk is straightforward, as the car park is easily accessible. Drivers can follow the clear directions provided in the email confirmation, which will guide them directly to the designated parking area. The car park offers ample space, ensuring a hassle-free arrival for all participants.
| Directions | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| From London | 95 miles | 1.5 hours |
| From Southampton | 20 miles | 30 mins |
| From Bournemouth | 25 miles | 40 mins |
The car park is located just off the main road, making it a convenient starting point for the guided walk. With the meeting point clearly marked, participants can look forward to a seamless start to their New Forest exploration.
What to Bring
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear are essential for the New Forest Explorer Walk, as the terrain can be uneven and the weather unpredictable.
To ensure you have a pleasant and safe experience, it’s recommended to bring:
- A backpack or small daypack to carry necessary items
- Water and snacks to refuel during the walk
- Rain protection, such as a lightweight jacket or umbrella
- Binoculars to better observe the diverse wildlife
- A camera to capture the stunning landscapes
Wildlife and Habitats

The New Forest Explorer Walk takes participants through a diverse array of habitats, including open heathlands, ancient woodlands, valley mires, and forest streams, each teeming with a wide variety of wildlife.
Visitors can expect to encounter specialist birds, a rich array of fungi, diverse flora, and the iconic New Forest deer.
The knowledgeable guides will share their expertise, shedding light on the intricate ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts in the region.
From the vibrant heather-clad landscapes to the serene forest streams, the walk offers a chance to take in the natural wonder of the New Forest and develop a deeper appreciation for its delicate balance of life.
Recap
The New Forest Explorer Walk (Hampton Ridge) offers visitors a captivating journey through the diverse landscapes of the New Forest.
Guided by experts, the walk showcases the area’s rich history, conservation efforts, and abundant wildlife, providing an engaging and enriching experience for participants.
Whether seeking stunning views, spotting specialized flora and fauna, or immersing in the region’s natural wonders, this two-hour activity is a must-do for nature enthusiasts exploring the New Forest.
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