The best walks and hikes around Harewood Forest

Harewood Forest offers an extensive network of over 200 hiking routes. These trails range in difficulty from easy strolls to more moderate challenges, catering to various fitness levels.

You can expect varied terrain, primarily ancient woodlands dominated by large oak stands, beech, and ancient yews, interspersed with rolling countryside views. The forest floor features diverse flora like bluebells and primroses. Be aware that the predominantly clay soil can make some trails wet underfoot, especially during winter months.

Yes, Harewood Forest has many easy options, with 77 routes classified as easy. An excellent choice for a family-friendly walk is the Hiking loop from Forton, which is 4.6 miles (7.4 km) long and leads through woodlands, typically taking under two hours to complete.

Harewood Forest is generally dog-friendly, offering many public footpaths suitable for walks with your canine companion. It's always recommended to keep dogs under control, especially given the diverse wildlife, including deer and various bird species, that call the forest home.

Yes, many of the trails in Harewood Forest are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular moderate circular route is the View from the River Test Bridge – West Down Nature Trail loop from Wherwell, which is 6.3 miles (10.1 km) and offers scenic views.

Harewood Forest is rich in natural beauty and wildlife. You'll encounter ancient woodlands with oak, beech, and yew trees, and a vibrant ground flora including bluebells, primroses, and wild daffodils in spring. Keep an eye out for deer species like Roe, Red, and Muntjac, as well as a wide array of birds such as Buzzards, Red Kites, and various woodpeckers. The forest is also home to rare butterflies and moths.

Yes, Harewood Forest has a rich history. You can find the 'Dead Man's Plaque,' which commemorates King Athelwold's death in 963 CE. Evidence of its use as a D-Day training ground, such as concrete tank tracks, can also be spotted. The Stone Cross Monument – Dead Man's Plack loop from Forton is a moderate 7.5-mile (12.1 km) route that passes historical landmarks.

Harewood Forest is beautiful year-round, but it is particularly stunning in spring (April-May) when the bluebells, primroses, and wild daffodils are in full bloom, creating a vibrant display. Early April also sees wild cherry trees blossom in 'Badger Valley.' Autumn offers beautiful foliage, though trails can be wetter due to the clay soil.

Yes, there are various parking options around Harewood Forest, often near the start points of popular trails. Specific parking details can usually be found on individual route descriptions on komoot or local signage.

While Harewood Forest is primarily accessed by car, some routes may be reachable via public transport to nearby villages like Wherwell or Forton, followed by a walk. It's advisable to check local bus schedules and routes from Andover or other nearby towns for the most up-to-date information.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 450 reviews. Reviewers often praise the beautiful scenery, the tranquility of the ancient woodlands, and the ample space for peaceful walks, especially highlighting the stunning bluebell displays in spring.

While many routes are easy to moderate, Harewood Forest does offer some longer and more challenging options. For instance, the Chilbolton Cow Common – West Down Nature Trail loop from Wherwell is a moderate 10.2-mile (16.4 km) hike that provides a longer exploration of the area's diverse landscapes.