The New Forest always enjoys a particularly stunning show of reds, yellows, bronze, and burnt orange leaves at this time of year, attracting visitors from across the world who come to see the leaves fall within the national park. Here’s our pick of five of the best circular autumnal walks to enjoy in the New Forest, each featuring a pub pitstop.
### Brockenhurst and the Tall Trees Trail Circular
This 15km trail starts in Brockenhurst and takes you through beautiful countryside. For most, the highlight is the majestic redwoods and firs that were planted in the late 1850s to create the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive for nearby Rhinefield House. Much of this route is on gravel paths, making it ideal for both walkers and bikers.
One of the New Forest’s biggest and most impressive pubs lies in Brockenhurst. The Huntsman boasts a skittle alley, shuffleboard, a huge garden with an outdoor kitchen, and room for 500 guests enjoying a wide array of drinks. The menu is made up of local seasonal produce, perfect for refueling after your walk.
### Fritham Circular
A pretty 9km walk takes you through the Amberwood Inclosure, a popular route for horse riding and running. The trail offers exceptional views of the forest and rolling countryside, with a mix of open heath and dense woodland.
Best of all, the route ends at the ultimate destination pub: The Royal Oak. This tiny, thatched pub stands at the end of the only road leading to the secluded village of Fritham. Despite its small size and out-of-the-way location, this family-run pub is regularly listed in the Good Beer Guide and has been crowned CAMRA Pub of the Year multiple times.
### Bank and Gritnam Circular
Enjoy this short, family-friendly 4km route around Bank and Gritnam. Begin at the small village of Bank, just outside New Forest capital Lyndhurst, before making your way to Gritnam. The pretty paths mostly thread through trees, with a few open meadows showcasing the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.
Start and end your walk at a hidden gem of a pub, tucked away with frequent animal visitors and bags of history. Just a mile from Lyndhurst, down a country road dotted with chocolate-box thatched cottages and plenty of pony sightings, you’ll find the lovely 18th-century pub The Oak Inn at Bank.
### Swan Inn Circular
This 11.5km route is suitable for all and starts at the charming Swan Inn in West Lyndhurst. Along the way, you’ll pass the New Forest Reptile Centre and enjoy a magnificent array of trees.
The Swan Inn at Emery Down is the New Forest’s most recent pub reopening and the only one serving Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone lager straight from his Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire. The freehouse also boasts an all-English lineup of draught products and an extensive menu of hearty pub food.
### Rufus Stone Circular
Just short of 3.5km, this gorgeous short trail winds through woodland and crosses several streams along the way. Start near The Rufus Stone, which marks the spot where King William II was killed in a hunting accident in these very woods.
End your walk at The Sir Walter Tyrrell Pub, one of the New Forest’s most well-known pubs. This year, it has been given a new lease of life with new management, fresh decking offering views of the ponies and cattle, and a second playground for toddlers.
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Whether you’re seeking a long adventure or a gentle stroll, these circular walks provide a perfect way to experience the stunning autumn colors of the New Forest, with great pubs to rest and refuel along the way.
https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/25477096.five-new-forest-pubs-visit-autumn-walk/?ref=rss
