🐾 Burbush Walk at a Glance
🦮 Lead Rules: Dogs can be off-lead in places, but should be kept close; leads are needed around livestock and near the tea rooms
🚶 Walk Length: Around 3 miles return on the railway path; 4–5 miles if returning via the heathland loop
🌲 Terrain: Compacted railway track, woodland paths, heathland trails
🐴 Livestock: Yes – ponies and cattle common, especially on the heath
🌦 Weather Friendly: Railway path holds up well in most conditions; heath best in drier weather
🚻 Facilities: Toilets and refreshments at the Old Station Tea Rooms
🅿️ Parking: Forestry car park at Burbush
☕ Dog-Friendly Nearby: Old Station Tea Rooms (outdoor seating, dogs welcome)
About
This Burbush walk follows the line of the old Castleman Corkscrew railway through the New Forest, leading you to the Old Station Tea Rooms. It’s a flat, steady route with different return options. You can return the way you went or loop back via open heathland.
The strength of the Burbush walk is its predictability. The old railway line creates a wide, level path that’s easy to follow and walk on, even after heavy rain.
The old railway line is called the Castleman Corkscrew because it formed part of a 19th‑century route whose track twisted and curved so much it resembled a corkscrew. The line was promoted by Charles Castleman, a Wimborne solicitor, and ran on a very indirect route to take in more settlements, which gave rise to the nickname combining his surname with the route’s distinctive, winding shape.
Dog Access and Rules
The railway section offers structure and predictability, while the heathland return introduces freedom and variety. Ponies and livestock are part of the forest landscape, so leads and early recall are essential.
Things To See & Do
As you leave the forestry car park, the path settles into the old railway line. It’s broad, flat, and mostly straight, bordered by trees and low vegetation, creating a corridor through the Forest.
The railway path is firm, making this a good choice when muddier routes feel like too much effort. As you approach the Old Station Tea Rooms, the space opens up slightly.
Choosing your return route is where the walk becomes yours.
Turning back the way you came – Returning along the railway line keeps the walk simple, and you know exactly what you’re getting. Ideal on wetter days or when energy is dipping.
Returning via a heathland route – If the weather is kind and you want more variety, looping back by the heathland brings a change of scenery. The paths are narrower, more open, and the ground softer. You have a number of choices, either north or south of the railway line, and it feels more exposed, requiring greater awareness of livestock and wildlife. It’s a rewarding option, but one best chosen deliberately rather than automatically.
Access and Facilities
The Burbush Forestry Car Park is a small car park with no facilities.
The tea rooms make a natural pause point rather than a full stop. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area, and it’s an easy place to sit, refuel, and let everyone take a breather. Even if you don’t stop, the tea rooms give the walk a clear purpose, which can be surprisingly satisfying.
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