Rhinefield Ornamental Drive Loop
Hampshire
The Rhinefield Ornamental Drive cuts through one of the New Forest's most spectacular planted woodlands, where towering Douglas firs, giant redwoods and Wellingtonia planted by the Victorians create a cathedral-like canopy overhead. This 6.4km loop follows gravel tracks through the mature arboretum, where some trees now exceed 50 metres in height and the scale of the planting dwarfs everything beneath. The understorey is open and parklike, quite different from the wilder, scruffier forest elsewhere, and streams cross the path at regular intervals. The atmosphere is quiet, green and almost continental in character. The terrain is entirely flat with well-maintained paths throughout.
This is one of the finest dog friendly walks in the New Forest, with high off-lead potential through the forest sections where the clear paths and dense tree cover mean dogs can range freely without getting lost. The streams provide regular water access for drinking and cooling off, and the deep leaf litter and forest floor carry rich, varied scent year-round. Free-roaming ponies and cattle occasionally appear in clearings, so leads should be ready when approaching grazing areas. The Blackwater car park has good facilities and the nearby Blackwater Arboretum café welcomes dogs. The forest is stunning in every season, but autumn when the deciduous trees turn gold beneath the evergreen conifers is particularly special. A walk of genuine grandeur.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.4 km (4.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Seasonal ice cream van; Blackwater Car Park has toilets; cafés in nearby Brockenhurst
- Parking
- Brock Hill Car Park (free); Blackwater Car Park (free); both with toilets along the drive
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rhinefield Ornamental Drive Loop dog friendly?
Rhinefield Ornamental Drive Loop is rated 9 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it one of the top dog-friendly walks in the New Forest. The flat, well-maintained paths are easy going for dogs of all sizes, the streams along the route provide regular drinking and cooling opportunities, and the nearby Blackwater Arboretum café welcomes dogs too.
Can dogs be off lead at Rhinefield Ornamental Drive Loop?
There's excellent off-lead potential through the forest sections of this walk , the clear gravel paths and dense tree cover make it easy for dogs to range freely without straying. That said, free-roaming ponies and cattle do occasionally appear in clearings, so it's worth having a lead to hand when approaching any grazing animals.
What should I know before visiting Rhinefield Ornamental Drive Loop with my dog?
This is a 6.4km loop through mature ornamental woodland with entirely flat terrain and well-maintained paths, so it's a comfortable outing in all weathers and seasons. The streams crossing the route keep dogs watered along the way, and parking is free at both Brock Hill and Blackwater Car Parks, both of which have toilets. The main thing to be aware of is the New Forest's free-roaming livestock , ponies and cattle can appear in clearings, so keep your dog close and on lead around grazing animals.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Walk0 mi awayBlackwater Arboretum / Tall Trees
Hampshire
A gentle stroll among towering redwoods and ancient oaks with excellent off-lead potential; one of the most accessible and rewarding short walks in the New Forest.
Walk2.4 mi awayBalmer Lawn & Brockenhurst Loop
Hampshire
Flat, accessible New Forest walking with exceptional off-lead potential across open lawn and good stream access; free-roaming ponies and cattle are very common so leads needed near them.
Walk2.7 mi awayWilverley Inclosure Walk
Hampshire
Rewarding enclosed forest walking with high off-lead potential on clear woodland paths; easy terrain suits dogs of all fitness levels.
Walk2.9 mi awayBolderwood Deer Sanctuary Trail
Hampshire
A gentle forest walk with deer viewing opportunities and accessible compacted paths; dogs must be kept under close control near the deer sanctuary.
Walk3.2 mi awayBurley Village Circular
Dorset
Rewarding New Forest walking with high off-lead potential in the forest sections and outstanding dog-friendly village facilities; free-roaming ponies and cattle require attention.
Lyndhurst Parish Circular (from Bolton’s Bench)
Hampshire
A varied New Forest circuit from the main hub town with outstanding dog-friendly facilities; free-roaming ponies and cattle across the open areas require leads nearby.
