Play Trail
About this footpath
A short, easy footpath near Ringwood, the Play Trail is an ideal quick walk across open New Forest heathland and through patches of woodland. At just 1.3 km and taking around 20 minutes, it suits families, dog walkers and anyone after a brief outing without much elevation. The route is open access, so no car park fees apply.
Highlights
- Short, manageable loop for families
- Mix of heathland and light woodland
- Flat terrain with minimal effort
- Dog-friendly open access walking
What to expect
Easy, mostly level ground underfoot with a mix of short grass, gravel and sandy forest floor. The path is straightforward with minimal gradient. Expect waymarking to guide you through open heathland and into occasional tree cover. You may encounter free-roaming ponies, cattle and donkeys — keep dogs under control and leave livestock undisturbed.
Good to know
- Dogs welcome (keep under control near livestock & wildlife)
Suitable for casual trainers or walking boots. After wet weather, boggy patches and muddy sections can appear. The route is on open access land with no entry charge. Keep dogs on a lead or under close control near livestock, and avoid March–July when ground-nesting birds are breeding.