New Forest National Park Logo

New Forest National Park

New Forest National Park Information
New Forest

Holm Hill walk

[The walking suggestions in this web site are merely to show you some nice, fairly short walks within the New Forest National Park, so you can enjoy the Forest at its best. The walks have been completed by me, and follow used walking tracks.
Disclaimer: I cannot and do not take responsibility for you getting lost, bogged down, chased by a pony or suffering any other unfortunate incident or accident while using material from my website!]

Holm Hill is in the Brockenhurst / Rhinefield area of the New Forest, and this walk takes you over some open heathland before entering a small area of woodland. The going is easy, with a mixture of sandy and gravel surfaces and no inclines to speak of, despite the name!

Holm Hill walk

  • Car park (Whitefield Moor) location:
    OS ref: SU275027 – GPS lat/long: 50.822,-1.612
  • Approximate distance of Holm Hill walk:
    Three miles
  • Allow (time):
    an hour and a half.
  • Nearest pub/s:
    Choice of several in nearby Brockenhurst village, or the Rhinefield House Hotel.

Important update: Regrettably the OS map excerpt previously shown for this walk can no longer be used on this website. The walk is doable without it, by following the directions and photos outlined below, but please take extra care. If you don’t feel confident about trying the walk without the map excerpt, please don’t!

You can buy our offline map by clicking here or the Pocket Guide Image.

I put together a handy downloadable pocket guide ebook containing all of the walks from this website plus many pages of fascinating facts, essential local tips and useful information regarding the New Forest. All of which is available for download in a completely ad free, mobile friendly format. Suitable for use in all smartphones, tablets and kindles etc. Save some ink and the hassle of printing by downloading the New Forest National Park Pocket Guide right here, the only one of it’s kind and found no where else!

Start the walk from Whitefield Moor car park; walk out of the car park and back to the road.

Holm Hill walk Car Park

Directly opposite the car park entrance there is a small sandy track, with a couple of wooden dragon’s teeth posts on the roadside. Head on to this track and follow it through the heather.

Holm Hill walk Entrance

After a very short distance this small track is crossed by a larger, more defined one running left-right. Turn right on to this bigger track and stay on it across the heathland.

Holm Hill walk Small Track

Keep heading in this direction, ignoring any tracks joining yours, until you come to a very noticeable area of wetland, partially enclosed by a fence. Turn right immediately after the ‘bridge’, onto a narrower gravel track.

Holm Hill walk Wetland

Follow this track, it bears left and goes uphill.

Holm Hill walk with small bridge

At some point up the hill you can look across to see the southern face of the Rhinefield House Hotel, visible through the trees across the heath.

Holm Hill walk Rhinefield House Hotel

The narrow track continues to climb slightly, and you’ll see a small area of woodland at the top of the hill, the track continues along the southern edge of this woodland.

Holm Hill walk Narrow Track

As the trees start to thin out, the track you’re on continues westwards, but an even narrower track splits off to the right, going slightly downhill. Take this new track.

Holm Hill walk Downhill Track

After a very short distance you’ll come to a definite crossroads, with a larger track running left-right. Turn right here, and continue on this wider track, a mixture of sand and gravel.

Holm Hill walk Cross Road

Stay on this definite track for a while, you’ll pass an isolated clump of pine trees on your right hand side. Keep going!

Holm Hill walk Defined Track

Shortly after the pine trees the path becomes more solid, and crosses the river over a wooden bridge. This is Ober Water, a typical New Forest stream.

Holm Hill walk Pine Trees Path

Continue on the path and enter the inclosure ahead, through the 5-bar wooden gate.

Holm Hill walk 5-bar Wooden Gate

Almost immediately after passing through the gate, you’ll see a second gate directly ahead of you. Walk towards it, but turn right at the crossroads which are just before this second gate.

Holm Hill walk Second Gate

Having turned right, stay on this wide Forestry Commission track through Clumber Inclosure. Depending on the state of the trees, you may or may not see the hotel on your left.

Holm Hill walk Forestry Commission Track

Keep on this track until you reach another 5-bar gate; go through this and cross the road, picking up the gravel track directly opposite.

Holm Hill walk Second 5-bar Gate

Follow this track for 100m or so, and look out for a small path heading off to the right. It’s not always obvious, but it’s definitely there. Take it and head down through the woodland. Update: this is now fenced, so continue on the main gravel track until the next right turn!

Holm Hill walk Get To Main Track

Due to the above mentioned update, there’s no photo but after you’ve turned right off the main gravel track and walked through the trees, you’ll soon pick up the narrow gravel track that returns to the car park to the right.

In no time at all you’ll be approaching the Ober Water car park; walk into the car park and head diagonally across to your right.

Holm Hill walk Ober Water Car Park

Look for the very obvious long wooden bridge across Ober Water. Head for that and cross the river.

Holm Hill walk Bridge Across Ober Water

Follow the well defined gravel track parallel to the road. Stay on this, it will take you directly back to Whitefield Moor car park, and the start of the walk.

Holm Hill walk Exit Path

Explore Holm Hill walk from above, using satellite imagery; get to know the area before you try the walk!

World Clean Up Day

World Clean Up Day

World Clean Up Day: Bringing the country together to conserve our environment National and World Cleanup Day takes place on the third Saturday of September. World Clean Up Day is a beloved event that mobilizes

Read More »
The Cyclist's Guide to the New Forest

Best Cycling Trails in New Forest

Best Cycling Trails in New Forest: Discover Scenic Routes for All Skill Levels Indeed, the New Forest bristles with some of the most exceptional cycling trails suitable for all skill levels. Keen cyclists and novices

Read More »
Brockenhurst New Forest Hotels House On River

Brockenhurst New Forest Hotels

Brockenhurst New Forest Hotels & Accommodation Brockenhurst is a charming village located in the heart of the New Forest National Park in Hampshire, England. Known for its picturesque natural scenery, quaint villages, free-roaming ponies, and

Read More »
Camping set-up Best Camping Fridges UK

Best Camping Fridges UK

Best Camping Fridges UK – Reviewed for 2023 If you’re looking to enjoy your time away from the civilization, planning an outdoor camping trip requires thoughtful preparation. Nothing is more crucial than the right equipment. Portable fridges

Read More »
New Forest Road Try A New Forest

Try a New Forest

Try a New Forest: Discovering Europe’s Top Forests   Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a keen hiker or perhaps a budding photographer, a woodland retreat is always a thoroughly relaxing and restorative experience. If you

Read More »
A Man Holding a Backpack Choosing The Best Carry On Backpack UK

Choosing The Best Carry On Backpack UK

Choosing The Best Carry On Backpack UK I have travelled with too much stuff for many years and now know that a carry-on backpack of good quality is an investment worth making. You want your backpack

Read More »