🐴 From Ponies to the Solent: Brockenhurst → Keyhaven → Lymington

A wild New Forest adventure from Waterloo to the coast.

Escape London by train and spend the day exploring the beautiful New Forest, with a chance to spot its famous free-roaming ponies along the way. From Brockenhurst, the trail winds through ancient woodland and open forest before reaching the spectacular Keyhaven Marshes.

Follow the Solent coastline from Keyhaven to Lymington, taking in saltmarshes, harbour views and panoramic scenery across the water towards the Isle of Wight.

Finish the adventure in Lymington, where we can enjoy a well-earned drink or bite to eat before catching the train back to London.

The Plan:

🐴 Wild New Forest ponies
🌲 Forest trails & open heathland
🐦 Keyhaven nature reserve
🌊 Solent coastal views
⚓ Lymington harbour
🚆 Train adventure from Waterloo

Approx. 25 km | 5–7 hours walking | Point-to-point hike

Travel & estimated train cost:

London Waterloo → Brockenhurst: direct train, around 2 hours depending on the service.

Lymington Town → Brockenhurst → London Waterloo: return journey after the hike.

Allow roughly £40 per person for train travel, depending on Advance/Off-Peak fares and whether you have a Railcard. Advance tickets can be cheaper when booked early, while a Railcard can reduce eligible fares by up to 1/3. (Southwestern Railway)

What to bring:

• Comfortable, well-worn hiking shoes or boots
• Waterproof jacket
• Layers suitable for the forecast
• 2 litres of water
• Lunch + snacks
• Hat & sunscreen
• Insect repellent if warm
• Fully charged phone + power bankL
• Card/cash for a café or pub stop

A lil preparation

This is a long point-to-point hike, so come prepared to walk for several hours. Some sections can be muddy or wet after rain, while the coastal section can be exposed to wind.

And remember: the New Forest ponies are wild animals — admire them from a safe distance and never feed or approach them.

Come for the ponies, stay for the coastline. 🙂