The New Forest National Park is the ideal getaway for an Autumn break. With its mix of idyllic glades, ancient woodland, open moors, heathland and coast, it really does offer a great variety of walking opportunities. We stay in Lyndhurst, a village which is known as the capital of the New Forest and a popular spot for walkers. Barbara will help you get the very best out of the area with a lovely selection of leisurely walks.

Day 1: Arrive at the accommodation and settle in before a holiday briefing with your guide and dinner.

Day 2: A 6 mile walk from nearby Minstead through the Forest with some lovely views across the area.   An introduction to the New Forest taking a path from the village of Minstead through woodland and out onto the heath with wide ranging views north.   Gentle walking with the chance to spot the New Forest ponies.

Day 3: A 6 mile walk from Exbury Gardens to the coast with the option to visit the Gardens or join us on the walk.  Setting off from Exbury Gardens we walk across gentle countryside to the coast at Lepe Country Park, an important location during D-Day.  With views across the water to the Isle of Wight, our walk takes us along the coast before heading back inland.   As an alternative you could spend the day in Exbury Gardens, a 200 acre woodland garden famous for its collection of camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas (entry fee not included).

Day 4: A 5 mile walk from Fritham across the heath and through beautiful woodland.  Situated in the northern half of the New Forest, our walk will take us from the attractive village of Fritham across a good mixture of woodland and heathland paths.  Fritham boasts an award winning pub so we may have a stop there for refreshments.

Day 5:  A 5 mile walk from the hotel in Lyndhurst across the surrounding heath.  Walking direct from the hotel we will take a route across the heath and circle back into Lyndhurst to finish our walk before heading home mis afternoon.

Feedback from a previous trip:
“I had a lovely time in the New Forest walking with Barbara…I was happy with the accommodation – it was very comfortable, clean and the hotel staff were really helpful. They also served the most amazing cooked breakfast.
Barbara took us on some lovely walks, varying the walks each day and really helped our group gel together. We also had some lovely meals out in the evenings in Lyndhurst…It was another very enjoyable break with Her On A Hill – thank you!” Anita

“All in all we had a really great time, I would recommend it to any one who loves walking and meeting new people. You wouldn’t need to be afraid of going alone, everyone makes you feel so welcome. I will definitely be doing it again.” Diane

• Price
• Grade
• Guide
• Accommodation
• Travel

Single occupancy ensuite £740 Twin shared ensuite £100 per person discount on single occupancy ratePrice includes: 4 nights' B&B accommodation; packed lunch; transport to walks as required Not included: Dinner (this will be arranged by your guide); travel to the accommodation; personal expenses; insurance

The grade for this holiday is leisurely as the walks are up to 6 miles with not too many gradients to contend with. The terrain is mainly good footpaths and tracks. There is nothing too challenging and we will be taking plenty of breaks to enjoy the scenery.

Barbara Hamilton has many years' experience as a walking guide and is both highly respected and a lovely woman too. She has guided many holidays and specialises in the south of England.

We stay at the Penny Farthing Hotel in Lyndhurst. It is a privately run hotel which prides itself on a warm welcome. Whilst some of the rooms feel a little dated, they are clean and comfortable and it is in a great location with good access to local eateries.

Penny Farthing Hotel, Romsey Road, Lyndhurst, New Forest, Hampshire SO43 7AA By train: The nearest station is Brockenhurst with hourly trains from London. It is 4 miles from the accommodation and you can either take a bus or taxi from there. By car:From Junction 1 of the M27 follow signs for Lyndhurst on A337. The hotel is on the left as you enter the village.