Explore the New Forest
Take the
scenic route.
Explore the New Forest from East Boldre: open heathland, woodland walks and free-roaming ponies, with Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard nearby.
East Boldre · New Forest
A place
to wander.
The Turfcutters Arms is a welcoming meeting place for walkers, cyclists and visitors exploring the New Forest.
Take your time in the forest, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, then join us for a leisurely lunch, a refreshing drink or an overnight stay.
Make a night of it
All welcome
Boots, bikes
and four-legged friends.
We’re proudly dog-friendly and family-friendly. Whether you’re a local or discovering the area for the first time, a warm welcome awaits.
Find the pubExplore the New Forest on foot
Walking boots on.
Adventure awaits.
Situated in the heart of the New Forest National Park, The Turfcutters Arms is the perfect starting point for discovering some of Hampshire's most beautiful countryside. Step outside our doors and you'll find miles of scenic walking routes, ancient woodland, open heathland, peaceful villages, and the famous free-roaming ponies, donkeys, cattle, and deer that make the New Forest so unique.
Whether you're looking for a gentle stroll, a family-friendly walk, or a full day's adventure, there's a route to suit every ability. Wander through tranquil woodland trails, follow picturesque forest tracks, or explore the nearby coastline and nature reserves, all while taking in the stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife that surround us.
Many of the area's most popular walking routes begin just minutes from the pub, making The Turfcutters Arms the ideal place to start or finish your journey. Join us for a hearty breakfast before setting off, stop by for a well-earned lunch during your walk, or reward yourself with a delicious evening meal and a perfectly kept pint when you've finished exploring.
If you're staying in our comfortable stable accommodation, you'll have even more time to discover everything the New Forest has to offer. Wake up to birdsong, lace up your walking boots, and enjoy a relaxing day immersed in one of Britain's most spectacular national parks.
Our friendly team are always happy to recommend local walking routes, hidden gems, and places of interest to help you make the most of your visit.
Walk, explore, unwind—and let The Turfcutters Arms be your home in the heart of the New Forest.
Our pub walk · 5 miles / 8 km
A beautiful New Forest
circular walk.
Every great country pub deserves a great pub walk, and The Turfcutters Arms is no exception.
Starting and finishing at our pub in East Boldre, this easy 5-mile circular walk takes you through some of the New Forest's most beautiful landscapes. Suitable for most abilities, the route follows a mixture of forest tracks, woodland paths, quiet village lanes and open heathland, making it enjoyable throughout the year.
Along the way you'll discover the stunning Hatchet Pond, wander through the peaceful Rans Wood Inclosure, cross the open spaces of Hatchet Moor and Bagshot Moor, before returning to The Turfcutters for a well-earned drink or hearty meal.
The route has been carefully planned to avoid the wetter, boggier parts of the forest wherever possible, making it a great choice even during the winter months. As always in the New Forest, please stick to the marked paths, wear suitable footwear, and take care around free-roaming ponies, cattle, donkeys and other wildlife.
Highlights of the walk
- Approximately 5 miles (8 km)
- Easy, mostly level terrain
- Suitable all year round
- Woodland, heathland and lakeside scenery
- Passes the beautiful Hatchet Pond
- Fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting
- Starts and finishes at The Turfcutters Arms
- Perfect for walkers, families and well-behaved dogs
The route
Begin at The Turfcutters Arms, heading north through the village of East Boldre towards Hatchet Pond, the largest body of water in the New Forest. Follow the gravel paths around the pond before continuing along Furzey Lane into the peaceful Rans Wood Inclosure.
From there, the trail winds through beautiful woodland before emerging onto Hatchet Moor, where you'll enjoy wide open views across the heath. Continue across Bagshot Moor before following the well-used paths back towards East Boldre and The Turfcutters Arms.
Finish in comfort
After your walk, reward yourself with a delicious home-cooked meal, a perfectly kept pint of real ale, or simply relax in our spacious garden. If you're staying in one of our cosy stable rooms, you can put your feet up and enjoy a peaceful evening in the heart of the New Forest.
Whether you're visiting for the day or enjoying a weekend away, our Forest Walk is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the New Forest before returning to traditional pub hospitality.
Walking boots on, adventure awaits!
Ask us for the walking mapMake yourself at home
End your wander with a warm welcome.
A pint, a meal or a comfortable room. Make the pub part of your New Forest visit.
Call 01590 612331