Roydon Woods Nature Reserve is regarded as one of the best places to see bluebells in the New Forest. As well as ancient woodland copses and grassy meadows, this walk also includes a wide shallow ford over the Lymington River.

The wide shallow ford at Fordingbridge has to be the best place to paddle in Hampshire and just to add to it, the park next door has its own paddling pool too. You can park up next to the site, or follow our walk from the forest's edge.

A walk along the Basingstoke canal never disappoints and this one has some bonus features such as a waterside pub, a ford to paddle in and the free to entre ruins of King John’s Castle.

If you are looking for a place to take the family for a walk in the New Forest, then Wilverley Inclosure makes an excellent choice with its firm, waymarked paths, toilets and a picnic area.

The River Test gently flows through Chilbolton Cow Common with a wide, shallow ford. There are some excellent riverside pubs in the area, making this an ideal weekend walk.

Starting in Horsebridge near the old station, this walk makes its way to the larger village of King’s Somborne. The route will take you straight through the recreation ground, with a kid’s play area, to the church and pub. The homeward stretch rises over the countryside before descending towards the meadows of the River Test with a ford where children can paddle.