19 March 2026
Blackwater Arboretum
Blackwater Arboretum
This walk takes you past majestic conifers planted in the 1850s, some of the oldest Douglas fir trees in Britain.
Blackwater has some of the oldest and most striking firs in all of the New Forest. These impressive trees were planted in the 1850s to create Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. Experience the New Forest through touching tactile sculptures and discover the wellbeing benefits of time spent in this special area. Located around the short, circular route sculptures depict the seeds from a sycamore, oak, Douglas fir and redwood, inspired by the splendid ancient and ornamental woodlands along Rhinefield Ornamental Drive.
Accessible
Blackwater Arboretum
Route
Accessible Walk
Length
1.0 miles
Duration
0.5 hours
Walk details
Start/finish
Blackwater car park. Grid reference SU 268 047, what3words.com/taxi.submit.formation
Ordnance survey map
Explorer OL 22 New Forest
Distance
(1.1 km) – 1 hour
Local facilities
Blackwater car park has two disabled bays. Disabled access toilets, picnic tables, bike racks and an information point
Accessibility
This short circular trail has a fairly smooth gravelled surface with one very gentle slope from the car park to the start of the trail. The remainder of the trail is level with frequent resting places and is accessed via a gate which has a low, soft catch. The narrowest width along the route is 1.1m at the entrance gate to the Arboretum; this is also the only gate along the route
Points of interest
Select the points on the map to discover highlights along the route, including scenic views, wildlife spots, and places of local interest.
Directions
Blackwater Arboretum car park has accessible parking and accessible toilet facilities in addition to an information point and picnic tables. Please take all your rubbish home and follow the New Forest Code whilst out and about
To start your stroll along the Arboretum Trail, go under the first oak archway, cross over the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive and continue up the gravel track for a short distance to a second oak archway where the trail begins. You can go either left or right to walk in a large circle enjoying the variety of beautiful trees growing here.
To head back simply retrace your steps back through the two oak archways back to the car park. Longer walks are available from this location such as the Tall Trees Trail.
The New Forest Code
The New Forest code is a unique place with rare wildlife and free-roaming livestock. Help us care for this special place by following the simple New Forest Code.
New Forest CodePrintable leaflet
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Download our walking app
Our free walking app features points of interest and photographs.
Keep your distance from the animals and don't feed or pet them - you may be fined.
Keep your distance from the animals and don't feed or pet them - you may be fined.
Keep your distance from the animals and don't feed or pet them - you may be fined.
Keep your distance from the animals and don't feed or pet them - you may be fined.