Best Dog Walks in Hampshire: A Guide to Some of My Favourite Dog Walking Locations

Hampshire is full of varied landscapes including downland, woodland, heath, riverside paths and open country. It is one of the best counties in the South for dogs who love to explore. I have gathered some of my favourite dog walks across Hampshire, each chosen for its scenery, accessibility and atmosphere. I have also included practical tips, seasonal notes, and things worth knowing before you visit.

If you would like to create professional portraits of your dog in one of these locations, I offer dog photography sessions across Hampshire and West Sussex. You can enquire about a session here.

Creech Wood, Denmead

Creech Wood is a peaceful Forestry England site just outside Denmead. It offers wide, well-maintained woodland tracks, shaded routes in summer, and pockets of undergrowth where wildflowers appear in spring. It is a good choice for dogs who enjoy a calm, enclosed environment without too many steep gradients.

The woodland is popular with local walkers, so early mornings tend to be quieter. The paths form a simple loop system, making it easy to tailor the walk to your dog’s energy levels. Wildlife is active here throughout the year, so keeping dogs under control is important.

Why it is a great dog walk:
Reliable shade, good visibility on the paths, and soft underfoot terrain.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park and Butser Hill

Located near Petersfield, Queen Elizabeth Country Park is one of Hampshire’s most varied outdoor spaces. The lower part of the park offers woodland trails, streams, gentle slopes and picnic areas, while Butser Hill provides classic South Downs scenery with wide open views and chalk grassland.

The site has excellent facilities including a café, toilets, parking, and even a self-service dog wash which is helpful after muddy days. Dogs can enjoy long woodland walks or more energetic hill climbs, although some routes up Butser Hill are steep.

Sheep, cattle and other livestock graze the hill at certain times of year, so dogs must be on lead in those areas. The views at the top make the climb worthwhile if your dog enjoys open space.

Why it is a great dog walk:
A mix of long-distance trails, excellent facilities, expansive views and varied terrain.

100 Acre Wood, Fareham and Boarhunt

100 Acre Wood is a community woodland with a friendly, local feel. The paths are well defined and shaded, making it suitable for dogs in warmer weather. There is a large open space, a children’s play area, and often a coffee van at weekends.

The woodland paths create short to medium loops, perfect for relaxed everyday walks. It can get busy at peak times, but early mornings and weekdays are quieter. The play area attracts families, so dogs should be kept close in that section.

Why it is a great dog walk:
Easy access, regular footfall, and a comfortable environment for everyday walking.

Micheldever Woods

Micheldever Woods, just north of Winchester, is one of Hampshire’s best known spring destinations because of its bluebells. Outside of spring, it is still a beautiful woodland full of tall beech trees, straight paths, and open clearings.

The woods have both wide tracks and narrow trails, so you can easily adapt the walk. During bluebell season, it is important to stick to paths to protect the flowers, and this period is naturally busier. Outside of peak times, the woodland is quiet and ideal for longer, slower walks.

Why it is a great dog walk:
A classic Hampshire woodland with year-round beauty and particularly striking spring colour.

River Hamble Country Park

This park offers a mix of riverside paths, woodland and open meadow. Dogs enjoy walking along the riverbank and exploring the smells along the estuary. At low tide, sections of the shore are accessible, but care is needed if your dog is not a confident swimmer.

The park has a network of signposted routes, so it is easy to choose shorter or longer walks. The open fields near the top make good spots for training or recall practice as long as the area is quiet.

Why it is a great dog walk:
Variety of scenery, calm water views, and plenty of space to explore.

Hogmoor Inclosure, Bordon and Whitehill

Hogmoor Inclosure is one of the largest nature reserves in the area, with wide heathland paths, forest edges and sandy trails. There is a children’s adventure area, a café, seating areas and plenty of open space. It is popular with families, but the site is large enough that you can usually find a peaceful route.

The terrain can be sandy and uneven after rain, but most paths are accessible. There is free parking nearby and good signage throughout.

Why it is a great dog walk:
Wide open space, varied terrain and a friendly, relaxed environment.

Deerleap, New Forest

Deerleap is a quieter part of the New Forest, offering woodland walks, heaths and the chance to see ponies, deer and other wildlife. It feels more rural and natural than some of the busier New Forest sites.

Dogs must be kept under control around wildlife and livestock. The paths range from firm, flat tracks to more rustic trails. It is an excellent choice for dogs who enjoy exploring but do better in less crowded environments.

Why it is a great dog walk:
A peaceful New Forest experience with natural scenery and wildlife interest.

Blackwater Arboretum and the Tall Trees Trail

This is one of the most peaceful walks in the New Forest. The Tall Trees Trail runs through towering sequoias and Douglas firs, making it distinctive and visually impressive.

The arboretum has clear paths and gentle gradients, ideal for calm or older dogs. It is also a lovely location for photography, especially in autumn when the colours are at their best.

Paths can be narrow, so awareness of other walkers and dogs is helpful.

Why it is a great dog walk:
Unique trees, a calm atmosphere and consistent paths.

Chawton Wood, Alton

Chawton Wood is a classic Hampshire woodland with tall beech trees, winding paths and a quiet, natural atmosphere. It feels secluded without being remote, and the soft light filtering through the canopy makes it especially beautiful in early autumn.

The terrain is gentle and easy to navigate, which suits most dogs, including those who prefer calm, steady walks. The wide paths and open spaces mean there are plenty of opportunities for dogs to explore without feeling overwhelmed. There is a large car park.

Why it is a great dog walk:
Peaceful, spacious and easy to navigate, with soft light and natural scenery that dogs and people enjoy.

Hampshire truly offers something for every dog and owner - from open downloand to shaded woodland and peaceful riverside trails. Each walk has its own character, and exploring new walks is one of the joys of living here.

Preserve these moments with professional dog photography sessions across Hampshire. I’d love to help you capture memories to treasure forever!