Nothing beats the great outdoors at the weekend. 

After a few weeks of rain, it looks like it will be staying dry this weekend. Finally. 

If you've got no plans this weekend, a trip to the New Forest might be in order.

We've taken a look at some of the best walks in the New Forest, none of them are too long so it's perfect for a morning or afternoon 

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Blackwater Trails

The Blackwater Trails are described as a woodland walk for all seasons.

This short trail around the Forestry England’s Blackwater Arboretum features trees from all over the world. Information boards along the trail provide fascinating facts about the tallest, heaviest and toughest trees in the world.

This walk takes you past majestic conifers planted in the 1850s, some of the oldest Douglas fir trees in Britain and includes views of two enormous redwoods.

A full map of the route can be viewed here. 

Hale Purlieu figure of eight walk

This walk takes walkers across streams and you can enjoy great views across the common’s valleys. It takes 60-90 minutes to complete.

It is stated as being 'Moderate' in difficulty due to a fairly steep descent and climb at the beginning and end of the route.

Dogs on leads are welcomed and it is advised to wear waterproof boots as the route crosses water at several points.

A full route map can be seen on the National Trust website here.

Knightwood Oak stroll

If you want to see one of the largest and most famous oak tree in the New Forest, this walk is for you. 

Additionally, you'll be able to see an example of ‘inosculation’ which is when the branches of two adjacent trees unite.

You should be able to complete this walk in under an hour as it is only 0.4 miles long. 

A full route map and further information can be viewed here.

Short walk around Hightown

A quick walk if you don't have a lot of time to spare, it is based on the National Trust's smallest heathland site in the New Forest.

It is dog-friendly and is described as 'Easy' due to it being over mostly flat terrain.

It only lasts between 20-30 minutes, and takes walkers across grazed lawns, through dark ancient woods and hidden wetlands.

A full route map can be seen on the National Trust website here.

Rockford Common trail

Rockford Common is an area of 15 acres consisting of open heathland and woodland. This area is rich in wildlife and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

This walk is full of points of historical interest and has the option of a longer or shorter version.

The main route takes in a southern section (on unsurfaced rights of way with some gates and stiles), the other (shorter) route is via surfaced tracks.

If you fancy the shorter version, it'll take around 45 minutes to complete, whilst the longer one will take 90 minutes.

A full route map and further information can be seen on the New Forest National Park Authority website.

Ashurst Stroll

Starting at the Ashurst New Forest railway station, this walk explores a variety of landscapes that characterise the area.

It is described as easy walking on level ground with a few gentle gradients.

The route first takes you past open Forest lawns where ponies graze and through Churchplace Inclosure, a timber plantation, before crossing the railway into Ashurst Wood.

The walk is 2.8 miles long and should take between one and two hours to complete.

You can find a full map here.