Visitor information
Opening hours
How to find us
Parking & prices
Facilities & access
Contact details

Opening hours

Currently open 7am until dusk, every day except Christmas Day.  

 

How to find us

How to find us

The site is signposted West Walk, but known locally at Hundred Acres wood, but please don't try to go along the private track at the end of Hundred Acres Lane as there is no access to the site this way.

Hundred Acres Road, Wickham
Sat Nav Postcode: PO17 6JD
By Car

Access either from the A32 Meon Valley Road, north of Wickham or Hundred Acres Road.  The site is signposted West Walk at the entrance.  

By Public Transport

Take the number 69 bus that runs between Winchester and Wickham Square.  The nearest stop is a 2.2 mile walk to West Walk.  

OS Grid Ref
SU 596 123
Get directions

50.9062729, -1.1515504

Parking and prices

We don't have card payments at this location, so we recommend you pay to park using the app.

Please park legally and responsibly  and only in the designated car park.

We may have to close the car park if it gets too busy. We know this is frustrating, but please be prepared to return home and come another time.

Parking charges apply at West Walk.

You can now use RingGo* at West Walk which allows you to pay for parking online or via an app. Please download the Ringo App before travelling if you can. RingGo is available at 2 locations:

  • the main car park
  • Wood End car park
  • Upperford Copse car park

Pay for parking on your phone in 5 easy steps:

1. Open the RingGo app, or download for free if you haven’t already got it, using the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).
2. Log in with your RingGo details, or register as a new user.
3. Select your location by entering the 3–6 digit number shown on the parking signs.
4. Enter your number plate and choose how long you’d like to park for. Remember, you can extend this later.
5. Choose to add any handy parking reminders you need, then just tap to pay.

And you’re good to go! Your details are saved so next time, you can park even faster.

If you’re not a smartphone user, you can still use RingGo to pay for your parking by calling 0203 046 0063. You can also register and book parking with RingGo online.

*There is a small convenience charge for using this service.  See RingGo online for full terms and conditions and VAT receipts.

 

Parking Charges

The money you pay for parking helps us to look after the forests. Read how
Up to 2 hours £1.80
Up to 4 hours £3.50
All day £5.00

Coaches/Minibuses charges

Minibuses - parking charges the same as for cars - see above.  

Additional information

Regular visitors can save money by becoming a Member - Find out more about our membership offer
Number of accessible parking spaces: 3
Disabled parking available

Facilities and access

 

 

For more information on planning your visit, take a look at our accessibility information:

Assistant dogs welcome
Dogs allowed
Picnic area
Play Area

Contact details

Landline Number
0300 067 4601
Out Of Hours Number
0300 067 4600 (24 hours)
E-Mail Address
southern.enquiries@forestryengland.uk

A historic woodland with good trails for family days out

With walking trails, cycling, outdoor play and picnic spots, West Walk is the ideal family day out. At 350 hectares, it is the largest remaining fragment of the ancient Forest of Bere. 

Set amongst the tall pine trees, our play area is great for keeping your children entertained. Including a balance beam and all-ability swing, swinging hoops, rotating climbing chimney and for the little ones, a giant sand pit and wooden playhouses.

Play together and create your own temporary woodland hideout – find your way to the den making area and see what adventure awaits!

There are two waymarked walking trails and many natural paths to help you discover West Walk on foot or by bike.

Barbecues are not allowed in our forest.

Please follow our forest code  to help you enjoy the forest responsibly.

If you are visiting with your dog, follow our dog code, keep them under close control to help protect local wildlife such as ground nesting birds, and bag and bin your dog’s waste.

Catering update

Like many catering companies that are feeling the impact of the rising cost of living, the new catering operator at West Walk has struggled in a challenging trading environment.  As a result of this and staffing difficulties, they have made the difficult decision to stop trading at West Walk. We are sorry that some of our visitors will be affected by Seahorse Coffee Bar’s decision not to carry on trading at West Walk. We are focussed on developing an improved offer for our valued visitors.

At a glance

Dogs welcome
17/05/2022 14:04
Assistance animals welcome
17/05/2022 14:04

Things to do

Forest bathing at West Walk

The Forest Bathing Institute brings 2-hour Forest Bathing+ nature based wellness sessions to West Walk.

Forest Bathing+ is a comprehensive therapeutic form of forest bathing developed in co-operation with numerous universities across the UK, professors, doctors, and scientists.

The Science behind Forest Bathing+

During 2019, in partnership with the University of Derby, ground breaking scientific research evidenced that with just 2-hours of Forest Bathing+, 88% of participants reported an average 29% reduction in anxiety. In Japan and South Korea, forest bathing or ‘Shinrin-yoku is a well-known preventative healthcare intervention to help manage stress, anxiety, depression and physiological conditions such as high blood pressure.

Underpinned by mindfulness

Forest Bathing+ is underpinned by a mindfulness practice, during each session participants will be guided to engage with each of the five senses in a structured manner, to enhance the experience and to bring about a mindful state. The ultimate aim of each session is to calm the mind, relax the body and to become more present and aware, whilst enjoying the stunning nature at West Walk.

Sessions are accessible, walking is slow paced with regular breaks.

Find out more

Horse riding at West Walk

Enjoy a scenic horse ride through our network of forest trails at West Walk, Hundred Acres and Woodend. We allow horse riding on permissive trails that are provided for members of TROT to enjoy.

Further details can be found by calling TROT  01622 735599 visiting the TROT website below.

Find out more

Walking trails at West Walk

With two moderate trails to choose from, venture deep into the forest on foot at West Walk.

The Forest of Bere trail is perfect for first time visitors to the forest, or if you are up for a bit more of a challenge, follow the Millennium Trail!

Find out more

Nearby forests

Mossy woodland path

Woodend

Popular with locals and visitors alike, Woodend is one of the few remaining fragments that make up the ancient Forest of Bere.

The shaded paths provide an excellent spot for walking and exploring or you can relax within the trees and listen to the sounds of nature. From ponds and streams with great crested newts and butterflies, there are a variety of habitats to enjoy.

Recoup at the nearby West Walk for a light refreshment and a host of facilities.

Find out more
Spring in the forest

Upperford Copse

Come and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Upperford Copse, part of one of the remaining fragments which make up the ancient Forest of Bere. 

Find out more
Mixed woodland on a sunny day

Creech Woods

Located west of Waterlooville within the stunning South Downs landscape, Creech Wood is home to some impressive conifers as well as a small number of ancient broad-leaved trees. The mixture of old and young trees provides a variety of habitats for wildlife, including patches of heather favoured by butterflies and bees, so bring your binoculars!

Find out more
Children running on muddy forest path in wellies

Whiteley Pastures

Whiteley Pastures is home to a variety of rare wildlife including a rich insect population. The woodlands are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest that we work to manage and protect. 

There are a range of gravel paths for you to follow that take you throughout the woodland and its natural features including areas of ancient woodland and ponds. 

Find out more
Membership invitation - click to find out more about membership
Volunteer with us invitation - click to discover volunteer opportunities across England