New Forest Weekend: Hiking & Canoeing (or Kayaking) - Late May Bank Holiday

Escape to the stunning New Forest National Park for a long weekend of exploration, connection, and adventure this late May bank holiday!

Perfect for women with some walking experience this trip blends moderate hikes with a beginner-friendly canoe or kayak adventure on the serene Beaulieu River. It’s the ideal getaway for those seeking a challenge without it being overly strenuous.

Trip Highlights:
• Dates: Saturday, May 24 – Monday, May 26, 2025
• Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
• Group Size: Maximum 11 participants (+ Leaders)
• Activity Level: Moderate – suitable for those with some hiking experience or general fitness. Canoeing/kayaking is beginner-friendly.

Accommodation:
Comfortable and welcoming hostel with shared rooms.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Fritham Circular Walk
• Distance: 13 km | Elevation Gain: 126 m
• Time: 3.5–4 hours | Pace: Medium (4 km/hr)
• Hike Rating: 2/5 Moderate

Start the weekend with a beautiful circular walk from Studley Heath, passing through Coopers Hill, Ashley Cross, Alderhill Enclosure, Fritham Plain, and Irons Well. This rewarding route offers open views, tranquil woodlands, and historic spots.

Day 2: Morning Canoe/Kayak Adventure & Afternoon Hike

Morning:
A guided river tour with the choice of canoe or kayak on the peaceful Beaulieu River—an unforgettable experience suitable for beginners and a highlight of the trip. All Equipment included.

Afternoon Walk:
Brockenhurst & Roydon Circular
• Distance: 13 km | Elevation Gain: 112 m
• Time: 3-3.5 hours | Pace: Medium (4 km/hr)
• Hike Rating: 2/5 - Moderate
• Wander through picturesque countryside, starting in Brockenhurst and winding past Perrywood Enclosure, Dilton Gardens, Roydon Manor, and the ancient Roydon Woods.

Day 3: Burley & Holmsley Circular Walk
• Distance: 16 km | Elevation Gain: 210 m
• Time: 4–4.5 hours | Pace: Medium (4 km/hr)
• Hike Rating: 2/5 - Moderate

Wrap up the weekend with a longer hike starting in Burley. Explore Burley New Enclosure, Ridley Wood, Vereley Hill, Castle Hill Fort, Church Moor, and Holmsley. This route combines peaceful woodlands, historical landmarks, and gorgeous views.

Accommodation
Relax at the welcoming YHA New Forest, nestled in tranquil grounds on the edge of Burley village. This comfortable hostel offers everything you need for a restful stay:
• Shared Rooms & Shared Bathrooms: Cosy bunk beds with bedding provided (bring your own towels).
• Self-Catering Kitchen & Dining Room: Fully equipped for meals/ lunch prep.
• On-Site Licensed Bar & Restaurant
• Communal spaces for relaxing.
• Outdoor Grounds & Seating.
• Amenities include Wi-Fi (can be intermittent), laundry facilities, and on-site parking (car sharing encouraged).

Why Join This Trip? This adventure is perfect for women who want to explore breathtaking landscapes, push themselves at a manageable level, and enjoy meaningful experiences with like-minded individuals. With moderate hikes, a beginner-friendly water activity, and a supportive group environment, this trip promises a sense of achievement and plenty of fun.

•Scenic walks through the New Forest’s most picturesque and historic spots.
•A chance to try canoeing or kayaking in a safe, guided setting.
•A small group size for a personal, supportive experience.
•No planning required—just show up and enjoy the adventure!

Cost: £269 per person
Deposit: £90 (non-refundable, due upon booking) (Plus Meetups Booking Fee - OR Pay by CARD)
Balance: £179 (due by April 12, 2025)

What’s Included?
• 2 nights of accommodation
• 3 guided hikes
• 1 guided kayak/ canoe tour (including equipment hire and guide)
• Qualified guide and outdoor first aider for all activities • Pre-trip Zoom call
• Detailed trip pack
• Dedicated WhatsApp group for questions and updates
• All activity planning and coordination

What’s Not Included?
• Meals/ Drinks: Evening meals will be at local pubs/restaurants or self-catered at the Hostel. Please bring your own food for breakfasts and packed lunches.
• Transportation: Participants must arrange their own transport to and from activities. Lift shares will be coordinated wherever possible.

Preparation and Level:
The hikes are Easy / Moderate in difficulty, featuring some gradients and uneven ground. You need to be physically capable of hiking for up to 5 hours. To join the hike, make sure you're dressed appropriately, as inappropriate attire will result in non-participation. Safety and Guidelines: Walks and activities are led by qualified guides. All activities will have a first aider.

How we grade our walks:

Grade 1: Easy
Distance: Up to 10 km
Elevation: Up to 150 m
Pace: Gentle Suitable
For: Beginners, leisurely walkers, or those seeking a relaxed experience.

Grade 2: Moderate
Distance: 10–16 km
Elevation: 150–400 m
Pace: Gentle to Medium Suitable
For: Walkers with basic fitness looking for manageable but enjoyable walks.

Grade 3: Hard
Distance: 16–25 km
Elevation: 400–600 m Pace: Medium
Suitable For: Those with good fitness, ready for longer distances or moderate elevation gain.

Grade 4: Tough
Distance: 20–30 km
Elevation: 600–800 m
Pace: Medium to Brisk
Suitable For: Fit walkers who are comfortable with sustained effort and steeper terrain.

Grade 5: Extreme
Distance: 25+ km
Elevation: 800+ m
Pace: Medium to Brisk
Suitable For: Experienced and very fit walkers seeking a full-day or highly strenuous adventure.

Important Note: By RSVPing "yes" to any event, you agree to the group's terms and conditions and payment policies. All payments are non-refundable, and any deposit and reserved spaces will be forfeited if the full balance is not paid on time.

Visit Adventure Women T&Cs: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs for more details. Min 8 people needed to run this trip. You will need to complete a waiver and provide a UK based emergency contact details before joining.

Note: The itinerary and activities are subject to change for the overall safety of the group due to weather, group competence, or other circumstances.

FAQ - You can find answers to commonly ask questions here: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/faqs