New Forest Northern Commons - Rockford and Ibsley

Summer at Rockford Common, Hampshire

Climb to the top of a hill or simply stroll through wild open landscapes at Rockford Common, and take in extraordinary scenery and spectacular vistas at Ibsley.

New Forest ponies drink at Dockens Water in the New Forest, Hampshire

Coronavirus update 

Please note that all of our New Forest car parks are now closed to help prevent the further spread of coronavirus. We urge people not to travel here, but local people are still welcome to enjoy our online walking trails as part of their daily exercise, while observing social distancing.

Explore hidden and gentle valley systems, braided with mires and bogs, and exposed plateaux of heather dotted with character pine plantations, such as Robin Hood’s clump and Whitefield.

Paths wind though ancient woodland edges, eventually leading up through gorse and heather to reveal views of Cranborne Chase and the Purbecks of Dorset.

Both commons are steeped in history, from their traditional pastoral management by the livestock and local people, to World War Two military history revealed by old bunkers, rifle butts and gun emplacements.

Most recently, their industrial past can be seen as grassy embankments and bowls as a result of gravel extraction.

A group of pine trees atop a hill known as Robin Hood's clump at Iblsey Common, in the New Forest
Walking trail

Walk to the Huff Duff 

A walk from Ibsley to Rockford Commons, taking in military history with a visit to the Huff Duff (an old directional station) and lots of opportunities to spot exciting New Forest wildlife, such as lizards, butterflies and predatory birds.

Discover a landscape steeped in history