9 Superb Dog Walks in Hampshire (that Humans Will Love Too!)

Rivers, woods and railways all make an appearance on our favourite dog friendly walks in Hampshire – all within driving distance of Portsmouth.

What makes a great dog friendly walk? Well, for us, we love a varied terrain, lots of good sniffs, some water for paddling or drinking and maybe a good pub or cafe en route. These walks all tick the boxes and are a great out of city option for anyone staying in Hampshire (we usually drive from Portsmouth).

As with all walk planning, it’s best to use a proper map: either digitally or paper copy, rather than rely on Google Maps. For these walks, we’ll link to reliable routes we’ve tried and tested, but please do check in case of changes due to weather, traffic and other alterations.

1) Burley Circular Walk

Walk start/finish: Burbush Car Park – no charge but may be busy on sunny days, weekends or holidays.

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)

Link to route we followed: Burley Circumnavigation – New Forest Walks (new-forest-tourist.co.uk)

This walk is a varied, easily followed trail. There are plenty of well-spaced water stops for dogs who love to paddle and prefer to drink natural water.  Burley Village appears halfway through the walk, with a good range of pubs, cafes and shops. Our favourite is Noohn, a dog friendly coffee shop that serves the most delicious range of cakes and sandwiches.  Being a National Park, the landscape is breathtaking in parts, especially the view before your final descent. However, dog walkers should be considerate of the local wildlife including the famous ponies. Dogs can go off lead in most parts as long as they are kept under close control and stick to the paths. Most of the walk is through woods and heathland. The only road crossings (which are tricky ones) are in the middle at Burley Village.

2) Otter Trail via Itchen

Walk start/finish: Pitmore Road – on road parking, no charge.

Distance 3.6 miles (5.8km)

Link to Route we followed: Otter Trail and Hawksley Memorial Garden via Itchen, Hampshire, England – 586 Reviews, Map | AllTrails

This trail is a pretty, idyllic one. You follow a footpath for most of it, with the stunningly clear River Itchen at your side. There are signs asking dogs not to swim. Away from the river, the path leads uphill across fields and through woodland so there is plenty of variety. This also means plenty of shade on a sunny day. There are no refreshment stops so come with everything you need. We have always found this to be a very quiet walk where you may have several stretches entirely to yourselves.

3) Dockens Water

Walk Start/Finish: Fritham Car Park (The Royal Oak)

Distance: 5 miles (8 km)

Link to Route we followed: nf-cadmans_pool-dockens_water – 5km Walking Route near Lyndhurst (ID: 1459396) (plotaroute.com)

A Beautiful, clear stream leads the way with plenty of place to jump in if you or your dog are feeling adventurous. Other than the car park at the start, this is an entire walk away from roads and cars so you can relax with a well-behaved off-lead dog. Having said that, you will still need to be considerate of the local wildlife including the ponies. Easy terrain but could possibly get boggy in the winter months. There are no refreshment stops unless The Royal Oak is open.

4) Alresford Watercress Trail Circular

Walk Start/Finish: New Alresford Station

Distance: 4.6 miles (7.4km)

Link to Route we followed: Alresford Watercress Trail Circular, Hampshire, England – 344 Reviews, Map | AllTrails

This is a nice easy one for a group walk, younger walkers and dogs who are best on-lead. The streams and watercress beds are stunning, and the riverbanks dotted with artisan shops, rustic buildings and picnic benches. Not the most challenging of walks but plenty to see including ducks and livestock. There are some road crossings but they are clearly signposted. The real highlight though are the great array of coffee shops, cafes and restaurants at the start/end, making this a complete day out.

5) Brockenhurst Circular

Walk start/finish: St Nicholas Church car park (or Brockenhurst Village)

6 miles (9.5km)

Link to Route we Followed: Brockenhurst Circular, Hampshire, England – 126 Reviews, Map | AllTrails

This walk takes you almost entirely through bluebell filled woodland (Roydon Woods). In addition, the path winds around and over several small streams and wooden bridges. Overall, this is one of the prettiest New Forest walks we’ve enjoyed. The trail is mainly away from roads and traffic so off-lead options are available. However, there are a few perilous crossings, particularly at the end.

This walk starts and ends in the pretty village of Brockenhurst (unless you park at the church) so there are plenty of food/drink options. Our favourite is the extremely dog friendly Rosie Lea House. Serving amazing roast dinners, afternoon teas and more, Rosie Lea House is a great end to a fun walk.

6) Boldre Village

Walk start/finish: Boldre Church (St. John the Baptist)

Distance: 4.25 miles (7km)

Link to Route we Followed: Boldre Village Walk, Hampshire, England – 83 Reviews, Map | AllTrails

This is a very easy, mainly flat path. Although there are some very muddy areas. This walk is perfect for those that want to glimpse rural life with lots of interesting houses and farms along the way. The bluebells, streams and wildlife of Roydon Woods provide shade or protection from the rain. Dogs will love being off lead sniffing around the undergrowth. The Red Lion Pub (about halfway) is a good pit stop.  The Setley Ridge farmshop and vineyard are close by to pick up treats on the way home.

7) Ashley Walk, New Forest

Walk start/finish: Ashley Walk Car Park

Distance: 6 miles (9.6km)

Link to Route we Followed: #5 – Ashley Walk – New Forest Car Park Walks (wordpress.com)

Following gravel (some muddy) paths through this quiet, grandly wooded area of the New Forest. This is a great walk for enjoying the cows, ponies and birds that make this place their home. With this in mind, you must ensure that your dog is on lead around all livestock. There are small bridges to lead you over the river. Dogs may enjoy swimming here in one of the most idyllic spots in the area. For history fans there are also remnants of WWII bomb sites. There are no food/drink stops on the walk, but it would be a lovely walk for a packed picnic.  

8) Balmer Lawn

Walk Start/finish: Tilney Road Car Park.

Distance: 6 miles (9.6km)

Link to Route we Followed: Balmer Lawn – New Forest Walks

Balmer Lawn Hotel at the start/end of this walk makes a grand location for a coffee or meal. With a well-behaved dog, this can be a completely lead-free walk. A pretty, remote spot in the New Forest including the scenic Hollands Wood Campsite. This is a walk for a dry, cool day as there are not any water stops for a thirsty dog other than a ditch/stream called ‘Etherise Gutter.’ This is also a good walk for dogs who prefer some space as it’s one of the quietest walks we’ve done locally.

9) Blackwater Arboretum/Rhinefield Ornamental Drive

Walk start/finish: Blackwater Car Park

Distance: 2 miles (3.4 km)

Link to Route We Followed: Tall Trees Trail Walk Blackwater – Visit Hampshire (visit-hampshire.co.uk)

A beautiful range of trees, lots of variety and space to roam around. You’ll walk along criss-crossing small streams and ditches throughout. The road is never far away, so you must have confident control of your dog. A great walk for experiencing what makes the area so special: the ancient trees, occasional deer and a carpet of snowdrops. Lyndhurst is not far if you feel the need for a post-walk coffee or meal.