The New Forest Guide to Dog Walks That Allow Your Canine to Cool Off

If you’re searching for the ultimate dog-friendly summer break, we have the answer here in the heart of the New Forest National Park.

We understand that it’s important to you that your four-legged friend is safe and happy during their stay too which means being included in your summertime activities, with breaks from the sun and cool dips whenever possible.

Dog-friendly walks are key to enjoying your summer break, and here in the New Forest there are plenty of walks that allow them to cool off and chill out. Here in Hampshire, you can enjoy a break of excellence and fine dining, whilst knowing your pooch will be considered too, with a variety of amenities including dog beds, bowls, and their very own hamper to keep your furry pal pampered.

From the doorstep of our dog-friendly hotel there are miles of forest trails with streams and shade to stay protected, whilst not far from the hotel, there are beautiful coastal paths and beaches to discover too, as well as dog-friendly attractions, villages, and pubs throughout Hampshire that will welcome you and your furry friend to make it a stress-free summer stay.

Cool Off In The Forest

Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard Walk

A 4.5-mile walk right from our dog-friendly hotel to the beautiful Buckler’s Hard. The walk is flat and forested, offering shade on the hottest days. Well signposted, take either the riverside (slightly longer) or woodland route. Both helping to keep your pooch nice and cool, whilst the riverside way allows them to frolic and play at the water’s edge. There’s even a dog-friendly pub at Buckler’s Hard in case you need a rest and refreshment before the return journey.

 

Whitefield Moor - Shorter Loop

A short but sweet walk with focus on a cooling dip in Ober Water stream. The route is predominantly on gravel track through wooded areas to reach the stream, the perfect out and back on a hot summer’s day.

 

Tall Trees Walk – Ornamental Drive

Cool off under the canopy on this 9.5-mile walk through the Tall Trees. Starting in Brockenhurst village, this moderately challenging walk on gravel trail takes you over heath and open plains and into woodland, passing the majestic tall redwoods and firs on Ornamental Drive, providing the cooling shade you need on a summer’s hike.

 

Cadnam’s Pool

Free parking, off-lead areas, some forest cover, and plenty of water makes this walk ideal for hot days, allowing your four-legged friends to cool off as they go. The picturesque looped route which is hilly at times, is around 3-miles and starts near Lyndhurst taking approximately an hour and a half to complete.

Discover Walk

Cool Off On The Coast

During the busy seasons dog-friendly beaches and coastline can be harder to find around the UK, but on a summer’s day there can be nothing more wonderful than letting your pooch cool off and splash around in the waves. Here are just a few of the dog-friendly beaches to discover near our Hampshire hotel, just a short drive away.

 

These beaches are dog-friendly all year round with few restrictions:

  • Hengistbury Head & Mudeford Sandbank

Catch the dog-friendly ferry across from Mudeford Quay

  • Steamer Point

Find this spot between Christchurch and Highcliffe

  • Milford-on-Sea

2021 winner of the most dog-friendly beach in Hampshire

  • Calshot Beach

Dogs may be required to stay on the lead

  • Keyhaven and Hurst Spit

Visit the dog-friendly Hurst Castle where dogs are welcome but must be kept on a short lead

  • Hordle cliff beach

So, from water-based walks and coastal cool-offs, to shaded paths and streams to splash in, you can rest assured that there are plenty of places for your dog to stay cool and comfortable from sunrise to sunset in our beautiful New Forest National Park.