Are you looking for a place to paddle in The New Forest? Then Puttles Bridge in The New Forest is a wonderful paddling place in The New Forest to visit. Or if you’re just looking for a new place to walk in The New Forest
A couple of summers ago, my friend and I were trying to find a perfect paddling spot near us, but we didn’t have much luck. But this year I have found a couple of places which would be perfect, and we WILL be back.
A couple of weeks ago, we found another perfect one, Puttles Bridge in the New Forest. Currently a bit chilly to go paddling, though, and put it to the test.
Puttles Bridge is very easy to find, just down the road from Blackwater Arboretum and Brock Hill where we have visited before.
Puttles Bridge has two coloured routes that are marked all the way around. A 1-mile route that takes you along the river edges, over the bridge, and through the marsh back to the car park. This is perfect for little legs.
Even the 1.5-mile route is good, taking the same route except for an extra curve through the woods and then back onto the same route.
The river isn’t too deep. At the time we visited, we had heavy rain for a couple of days before, so there was quite a lot of water flowing through.
As the route is situated next to the marsh area, I think this area would still get wet enough to go paddling in the summer. I had a quick look at Instagram back in the summer, and people were still paddling then.
Puttles Bridge had a couple of large bridges over the river. One near the car park and another on the halfway route, this is where you cross over if you want to take the shorter route.
The kids enjoyed exploring through the woods at this time of the year; the leaves are so golden and pretty.
As the longer route takes you out across the fields and marsh, you’re probably going to come across some New Forest ponies, who happily posed for their pictures.
We came across another car park, this one was much larger and had the toilets, it might be better starting your walk from here.
But that was our walk; we followed the path parallel to the road back to the car park.
We will happily come back to Puttles Bridge for another walk around. It would be a good place to visit for a summer paddle and picnic, and it still has all the conveniences on hand, too.
Pictures Taken November 2018
Tips For Walk At Puttles Bridge The New Forest
- Plenty of parking
- Circular walk
- Can be a short walk
- Toilets
- An ice cream van usually
- Walking is fun for kids, be aware of water
- Good for dog walking
- Close here to walk is Brock Hill and Blackwater Arboretum
16 Comments
Absolutely stunning photography and it looks like such a beautiful area to visit! I would love to spend more time exploring the new forest one day 🙂
Thank you. Get it added to your list to places to visit, such a beautiful place in the country
What a gorgeous spot – so scenic! I bet you can’t wait to get back there with the weather is warmer next year for a spot of paddling.
I don’t think the kids are going to let me forget this one either!
Wow what an incredibly stunning place to explore! I’m going to see how far it is from us and combine with a mini break
The New Forest is a lovely place to visit for a mini break
What a beautiful spot. A little far from us but a great idea for a weekend away.
Yes perfect for a weekend away, stunning area
you take such a spectacular photographs , what a fantastic place to spend a weekend just exploring and taking in all the surroundings x
Ah thank you, wish all weekends could be full of this!
What a beautiful place to visit! Your photos are stunning and I can just picture going there in summer for a paddle
Thank you very much x
Wow, it looks absolutely gorgeous there! I love woodland walks. Those bridges look perfect for playing Pooh Sticks!
Yep a perfect place to play Pooh Sticks! I spotted a rope swing too!
This year summer and autumn I did not do as many woodlands walks as I would have liked, adding this place to my ever-growing list of places to explore.
I love finding new places to visit, so there’s a few more ticked off!