11k Run New Forest: Scenic Loop Around Ashley Hole

Route Overview & Local Insights

Experience the rugged beauty of the New Forest on this 10.5km loop starting from the Roger Penny Way car park. This route takes you deep into the heart of the ancient pasture woodlands, offering a challenging but rewarding mix of gravel tracks and natural trails. With 88m of ascent, the terrain is characterized by rolling hills that will test your hill-climbing strength and keep your heart rate up. Runners can expect wide-open vistas of purple-hued heathland and the chance to spot the iconic New Forest ponies grazing near Ashley Hole. The unpaved surface means you'll want a reliable pair of trail shoes to navigate the undulating ground, especially after a typical Hampshire rain shower.

The area around Ashley Hole is steeped in Hampshire history, once serving as a vital landscape for commoning rights that date back to the time of William the Conqueror. Running through this part of the National Park feels like a trip back in time, as the "Hole" itself refers to a secluded valley that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. This specific loop is a local favorite for those looking to escape the more crowded tourist hubs like Lyndhurst or Brockenhurst. After completing your run, take a moment to appreciate the quiet stillness of the forest—a stark contrast to the bustling towns nearby—and keep an eye out for fallow deer that frequently dart across the tracks during the golden hour.