Routs Copse

Walk into Routs Copse and you're stepping into proper old Hampshire woodland - the sort of place where the canopy gets dense enough that you lose track of time. It's a working forest rather than a manicured nature reserve, which means you get the real thing: tangled undergrowth, fallen logs you have to clamber over, and a genuine sense of being away from things.

The trails wind through mixed woodland - oak, beech, and conifers all fighting for light - and there's enough to keep you occupied for a couple of hours if you're not rushing. Walkers will get the most from it, especially anyone after a proper forest atmosphere rather than a tidy loop with interpretive boards. Kids do well here too if they're the type who like exploring and turning over logs, though it's not a destination for toddlers or anyone expecting play equipment.

Just outside Ashurst, it slots nicely into a wider walking itinerary around the New Forest edges. Couple it with Ashurst Campsite if you're planning a night or two in the area - the campsite's only a short drive away and makes a sensible base for exploring this stretch of Hampshire. No visitor facilities that I can find, so bring water and dress for muddy ground. Free access as far as I can tell, though always worth checking locally as woodland rules can shift.

Not flashy. Properly rewarding though.