Bolderwood

Visitor information

Situated on an old coaching route, Bolderwood has all the ingredients for a family day out

We are delighted that Bolderwood features as part of the Ancient Canopy dedicated to Her Majesty in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee in 2022.  Ancient Woodlands are cherished reminders of our living heritage, often referred to as “nature’s Crown Jewels”. We are proud to be part of this unique project, which aims to raise awareness of these treasured habitats and the importance of conserving them for future generations. 

Bolderwood contains some of the oldest Douglas fir trees in the New Forest with some dating back as far as 1860.  South of Bolderwood car park lies an extensive area of ancient and ornamental woodland, which has a wonderful mixture of native trees that is open to local peoples’ grazing animals.  It has many veteran trees growing that are home to rare wildlife and plants. These big, old trees provide a vital link to the landscape’s history, when it was a Royal Forest and deer park.

The New Forest has a fascinating history and Bolderwood has direct links to The Crown.  The earliest record of a royal hunting lodge at Bolderwood dates to 1325 and the reign of King Edward II.  A lodge existed on the site in various forms until the 18th century when it was demolished.

Respect, Protect, Enjoy

To help prevent wildfires fires, BBQs and outdoor cooking equipment of any kind are now banned in the New Forest. 

Explore Bolderwood on two wheels by following the New Forest’s great network of cycle trails.

At a glance

Dogs welcome
17/05/2022 12:08

Things to do

Bolderwood cycle trail

The trail starts at the bottom (west) end of the car park.

Turn left over the cattle grid, past the magnificent, tall Douglas fir trees along the Bolderwood Ornamental Drive.

Cycle over another cattle grid and you will find yourself immersed in some of the New Forest's famous ancient woodlands.

Continue down the hill until you go over another cattle grid, shortly after which you need to turn right onto a Forest track marked with a wooden waymarker post.

Continue along this track, following the cycle posts, through mixed woodland to a set of double gates.

Carry on through both gates and keep following the track straight on for several miles, ignoring a marked turning to your left and two marked turnings to your right.

At the end of the track go through a gate and turn immediately right onto a tarmaced private road, still following the cycle network waymarker posts.

Continue along this road until you reach a crossroads with a Forest track and you see a 'no cycling' sign in front of you.

Turn right at this junction following the waymarker posts back to Bolderwood. This track will take you through miles of peaceful woodland.

You will eventually come across an open area with two benches on your right.

At this point a walking route joins the cycle route so please be aware of pedestrians.

As the cycle route climbs up hill you pass behind the Bolderwood deer fields on your right so keep an eye out for deer in this area.

At the top of the hill cycle past a barrier and turn right.

BEWARE there is a public road ahead. At the road turn right and follow the road back to your starting point at Bolderwood car park.

For more information, please see the Cycling in the New Forest page.

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Walking trails at Bolderwood

Whether you're looking for a family adventure or a bit of peace and quiet to observe the wildlife, we've got a trail for you. 

Keep your eyes peeled, you may even spot some deer!

 

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Nearby forests

Close up of oak leaf

Knightwood Oak

Knightwood Oak is a great place to stop and enjoy a picnic, 'away from it all' and try to imagine what it would have been like over 500 years ago when the famous Knightwood Oak tree began to grow.

The Knightwood Oak is the largest oak in the New Forest, at 7.4m girth, and surely one of the oldest. 

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Boy counting tree rings on a very old tree that's been felled.

Blackwater

Blackwater arboretum is an idyllic setting with a stunning variety of beautiful trees from around the world. Inspired by the tree collection at this special place, a sensory sculpture trail complements the setting.

Explore Blackwater on two wheels by following the New Forest’s great network of cycle trails.

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Three New Forest ponies standing on open grassland.

Whitefield Moor

Enjoy the stunning views of the heathland and trees beyond. This is an ideal spot for all the family with good waymarked walking trail that pass by the nearby Ober Water stream.

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Sun shining through the trees in a pine forest

Wilverley

If you are looking for an ideal spot for picnicing, a walk in the woods or amazing views then Wilverley has it all. 

From the car park there's easy access into the adjoining woodland with a waymarked trail. The extensive grassy lawn offers valuable grazing for ponies and beyond the Forest lawn the heathland is home to many important bird species.

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