Ober Water and Tall Trees Trail: Complete Guide
Vast open heathland, enchanting woodland, rickety bridges crossing peaceful streams, magnificent sequoias and majestic ponies are all waiting to be discovered on the Ober Water and Tall Trees Trail. Read this guide for everything you need to know about one of the best walks in the New Forest.
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The New Forest National Park is full of history, wildlife and 566 square kilometres of incredible natural beauty.
Think vast colourful heaths, ancient woodlands, gentle valley mires, towering ancient redwoods, rickety old bridges and quaint towns. Landscapes are as diverse as they are beautiful. And, meandering through it all are endless walking trails itching to be explored.
The Ober Water and Tall Trees Trail is one of the best walks in the New Forest, packed with many of these landscapes.Â
You’ll start at the spectacular (and real highlight of the walk) Tall Trees Trail near Blackwater Arboretum. Then, head to the open grassland at Holm Hill before heading back through Ober Water. This circular walk truly soaks up some of the best scenery in the New Forest National Park.
In this guide, you’ll first find a step-by-step walking route, followed by all the handy info you need to know – how long the walk is, parking, where to stay, etc. Feel free to use the contents as needed.
If this walk is part of a longer trip to the New Forest, don’t miss our guide to the best things to do in the New Forest.
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Contents
Ober Water and Tall Trees Trail Route
Park at the Blackwater Car Park on Rhinefield Drive – it’s free, there’s a public toilet and usually a little coffee and ice-cream van (perfect for a sweet treat at the end of the walk).
Head out of the car park under the carved oak archway and cross the road. The Tall Trees Trail starts on your right a little further along. However, continue straight and you’ll begin with a quick (less than half a kilometre) loop of the Blackwater Arboretum.
The idyllic Blackwater Arboretum is a small, nationally important collection of over a hundred beautiful trees from around the world.
Around the arboretum are information boards with facts about the different tree species. Or, sit on a bench and soak up the stillness of the forest.
When you’re ready, head out of the way you came, towards the car park. Before you reach the road, the start of the Tall Trees Trail, New Forest, is on your left.
This trail is without a doubt one of the best walks in the New Forest – and is home to some of the oldest conifers in Britain, planted in the 1850s.
It winds its way through Douglas firs and coast redwoods, measuring between 45 and 50 metres. But the absolute highlights are the two giant sequoias, the tallest trees in the New Forest, standing at a whopping 51 and 47 metres!
The Tall Trees Trail loops back on itself on the other side of the road for a 2.5-kilometre circular loop, great for families or those short on time.
However, for this route, you’re going to turn left a little before you reach Brock Hill Car Park and walk through the opening in the trees.
A short way on, you’ll reach a gravel path. Turn left and continue on this route for a couple of kilometres.Â
You’ll cross a peaceful stream, named Fletchers Water, and further on is Rhinefield Sandy’s Inclosure.
The Inclosure is to your right with a metal fence around it, which the path follows. However, you’ll continue on through the trees (you’ll see a path as others have done this) and you’ll meet up with the path again a short way ahead.
Turn left and keep following the path. Up ahead, you’ll see the back of Rhinefield House. Just before you reach the house, turn right and keep it to your left as you head through the gate into the next field.
Continue through the woods, and the path will head slightly downhill until you hit a stream nestled amongst the trees.
You’ll often stumble upon little streams like this around the New Forest National Park; they’re so peaceful and calming!
Just after the stream, head straight ahead up the slight incline to the top of Holm Hill, where you’ll be rewarded with a wonderful view across vast open heathlands.Â
Keep your eyes peeled for some of the renowned New Forest Ponies!
The summit of Holm Hill is an ideal spot for some lunch or a pitstop while you soak up the rugged landscape.
At the junction on Hold Hill summit, turn left. This was our favourite section of the trail! It was so quiet, no one around and the landscape felt wild and untamed.
You’re now making your way to the main road. This is actually Rhinefield Road, where you parked, but a bit further along.
The path meanders through this wild and untouched stretch of countryside, crossing a little bridge over Silver Stream.
Cross the main road, and take the little path to your left. You’ll come to Puttles Bridge, which takes you over Ober Water – another of the New Forest’s tranquil little streams.
When you reach the car park, the trail is on your right. You’ll see a sign pointing out the Ober Water trails in red and yellow.
Follow the path under a canopy of tall trees. You’ll soon hit a lovely stretch of path with the stream running alongside you on your right. This is an ideal spot for a break and some photos.
There’s a bridge on your right. Don’t go over it, but follow the path straight and keep the stream to your right.
At the second bridge, turn left and continue along the trail. A few paths veer off in different directions, but the coloured markers will point you in the right way.
You’ll reach a house and behind it, gorgeous, wide-open fields. Continue straight through the fields until you reach a stream. Cross the bridge, and the trail bears round to the left.Â
Continue straight ahead, crossing another bridge. Slightly further on, you’ll come to a fork in the path. Go left.
Follow the trail until you join another path. Keep left and at the T-junction, turn left and continue along this road until you return to Blackwater Car Park.
Everything You Need to Know About the Ober Water and Tall Trees Trail
How long is the Ober Water and Tall Trees Trail?
The trail is 12 kilometres and should take approximately 3 hours, depending on how often you stop.
Can I bring my pooch?
Yes, your furry friends are very welcome, but keep them close/on a lead as there are many ponies in the New Forest National Park that can be quite hard to spot.
Are there toilets?
There are public toilets at Blackwater Car Park.
Are there shops?
No, there are no shops on the Ober Water and Tall Trees Trail, so bring plenty of food and water with you.
Our Top Tip: visit one of the New Forest’s country pubs for some hearty food after your walk. The Waterloo Arms in Lyndhurst is quaint, cosy and welcoming and serves pub classics.
Parking
You can park in Blackwater Car Park on Rhinefield Ornamental Road. Parking is free, but it can get very busy due to the Tall Trees Trail, one of the most popular places to visit in the New Forest. Arrive early to guarantee a parking space.
Where to stay in the New Forest
Deciding where to stay in the New Forest depends on what experience you’re after, and whether you want to get out and about without a car.
In terms of overall location, the forest isn’t as big as other national parks such as the Peak District and Lake District, so anywhere is a good base without ever needing a long drive.
If you want to get out in the evenings, we’d recommend Lyndhurst, the capital of the New Forest. You’ll find a range of pubs, restaurants, cafes and bars alongside some lovely, cute shops.
The Forest Lodge Hotel is charming, historical and cosy, with a 5-minute walk to the centre of Lyndhurst. It overlooks a field of ponies and is surrounded by countryside and walks in every direction. The included breakfast is delicious and really sets you up for the day, and the indoor pool is perfect after a day of exploring.Â
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to stay on the coast and be within easy reach of shops, bars and restaurants, Lymington is the perfect option.
If you’re open to location or want to find a more secluded hotel immersed in the beauty and tranquillity of the New Forest National Park, search all accommodations below.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to the Ober Water and Tall Trees Trail, New Forest. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Also, make sure you’re following us on Instagram to stay up to date with us in real time.
