GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Beaulieu to Buckler's Hard River Walk

2 miles (4 km)

Enjoy a waterside walk along the Beaulieu River in this easy walk in the New Forest. The walk runs from the pretty village of Beaulieu to Buckler's Hard along a section of the Solent Way long distance footpath.
It uses nice flat, waymarked paths and runs for about 2 miles, so 4 miles there and back. There are long woodland sections and a delightful end to the walk at the hamlet of Buckler's Hard. It's a special place with a number of pretty Georgian cottages running down to the river and marina. There's also a fascinating Maritime Museum where you can find out all about this 18th century shipbuilding village and the vessels built for Nelson's Navy.
The area is great for birdwatching so look out for the boardwalks leading to the bird hides as you approach Buckler's Hard. There's great views over the marshes and the sea lavender with a wide variety of coastal birds to see.

Postcode

SO42 7ZN - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Beaulieu River OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Beaulieu River Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

At the end of the walk reward yourself with some refreshments at The Master Builder's. The main draw here is the Riverview Restaurant terrace where you can sit outside and enjoy views of over the river and countryside. The hotel also has an interesting maritime history dating back to 1729 when it was built. The most famous tenant was Henry Adams, the Master Builder of ships for Nelson’s Navy, including three of the ships which fought at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Inside there's an olde worlde feel with oak beams and big open fireplaces. You can find them in the village at a postcode of SO42 7XB for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The river and woodland trails make for a pleasant walk with your dog. The Master Builder's mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

If you'd like to continue your waterside walking in the area then you could head to the nearby Hatchet Pond. The pretty pond is located just to the west of the village on Beaulieu Heath.
On the opposite side of the river from Buckler's Hard you will find the splendid Exbury Gardens. There's 200 acres of parkland with a wonderful collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and plants.
Continuing west along the Solent Way will take you to the nearby Pylewell Estate where there are some lovely walks along the coast.
For more walking ideas in the area see the New Forest Walks page.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Restored mill gutted by fire, Palace Lane, Beaulieu - geograph.org.uk - 146945

Restored mill gutted by fire, Palace Lane, Beaulieu. On 16 March 2006 the restored mill on Palace Lane was gutted by fire. The 16th century mill had undergone five years of restoration and was due to be opened as a tourist attraction. Beaulieu village has its own fire station and engine, situated just behind the mill, but seven engines attended the blaze which is being treated as arson. 

Inlet on the River Beaulieu Estuary - geograph.org.uk - 1330956

Inlet on the River Beaulieu Estuary. Here seen at high tide, this inlet is formed by a stream running into the Beaulieu River at Jarvis's Copse.

Sea Lavender on the Beaulieu River bank - geograph.org.uk - 332464

Sea Lavender on the Beaulieu River bank. Looking up river towards the village with Keeping Copse on the left.

Boardwalk to Keeping Marsh birdwatching hide, Beaulieu Estate - geograph.org.uk - 346663

Boardwalk to Keeping Marsh birdwatching hide. This boardwalk with hand-rails leads to the Keeping Marsh birdwatching hide - the wooden building in the centre of the photo. The marshes alongside the tidal Beaulieu River are beyond.

River Beaulieu from Bucklers Hard - geograph.org.uk - 332406

River Beaulieu from Bucklers Hard. Standing by the hotel this is the view of the river as it meanders inland.

Maritime Museum Building-Bucklers Hard - geograph.org.uk - 732806

Maritime Museum Building-Bucklers Hard. Here you can find out all about the village's shipbuilding past. You can view models of the Buckler’s Hard ships which took part in the Battle of Trafalgar and Nelson artefacts, including his baby clothes.

Crane on the quay at Bucklers Hard - geograph.org.uk - 177051

Crane on the quay at Bucklers Hard. This is here for the tourists to look at - all the modern boat action goes on a little further west at the marina and boatyard. Bucklers Hard was last really active during the preparations for D-day in the Second World War.

Disused slipway at Bucklers Hard - geograph.org.uk - 177038

Disused slipway at Bucklers Hard. This length of slipway, complete with rusty chain, extends into the the river at the village. The slipway behind the camera is covered with gorse scrub.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Beaulieu River.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Beaulieu River.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)