The New Forest - Beaulieu to Buckler's

Navigating The Route

This is a looping Treasure Hunt from Beaulieu village to Buckler's Hard, with Explorers helping the Exploration Society follow a map linked to five pirate captains who once met at Beaulieu to end their battles, then working out where the treasure was finally buried.

The quest covers 4 miles and should take 3+ hours to complete. You'll set off from Beaulieu village by the Village Hall and toilets, follow mostly off road paths towards Buckler's Hard, investigate the ancient shipbuilding village and Maritime Museum area, pass Patrick's Patch, a birdwatching hide and the Duke's Bath House, then loop back into Beaulieu village.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. As parts of this Trail route are off road, they can become very wet underfoot at times, particularly after extended periods of rain. Appropriate footwear is strongly advised. The route also includes narrow footpaths and gravel paths, and cyclists will need to dismount at times too.

Carefully cross the road in a few places, and take great care on the narrow footpath back to Beaulieu because of cars. The route also includes cattle grids and a bridge. The return takes you back into Beaulieu village, with a careful road crossing, a walk up the main street, then a track back to the car park just past the village shop.

Getting There

By car: Start in Beaulieu village, by the Village Hall and toilets (SO42 7PJ). Follow the sign for Village Hall and toilets and park your expedition vehicle in the Village Hall and toilets car park (SO42 7PJ). Your first crucial clue can be found in the car park.

By public transport: Make your way to Beaulieu village, by the Village Hall and toilets (SO42 7PJ), to begin the quest. The route loops back to Beaulieu village and finishes near the start car park.

Need the Loo?

Make a tactical comfort stop before setting off, Explorers - toilets are in the car park at the start.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers are welcome to join the treasure hunt. 🐾

The route includes mostly off road paths, narrow footpaths, gravel paths, cattle grids, a bridge and a few road crossings. Keep canine companions close around traffic, especially on the narrow footpath back to Beaulieu, and be ready for wet paws when the ground has been soaked by rain.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure hunting between Beaulieu and Buckler's Hard calls for good supplies. Refreshments or snacks are available at the start or at Clue 11, and The Master Builder's is also suggested as a place to stop for refreshments.

You can also pack supplies and enjoy a picnic along the way.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Buckler's Hard

The quest reaches the ancient shipbuilding village of Buckler's Hard, a cracking place to linger once the pirate intel has been gathered. The route notes that Buckler's Hard helped prepare Francis Chichester's Gipsy Moth IV for its solo voyage around the world, with local people assisting with rigging and supplies before he left for Solent trials on 12 August 1966. He later set sail from Plymouth on 27 August, completed the voyage on 28 May 1967, was knighted that July, then received a hero's welcome at Buckler's Hard in September.

Buckler's Hard Maritime Museum

The route heads uphill towards the Maritime Museum, so it makes a natural extra stop during your adventure. Keep an eye out near the museum entrance as you explore this shipbuilding corner of the hunt.

Duke's Bath House

Next to the footpath is the small thatched Duke's Bath House. It was constructed in 1760 by the Duke of Montagu for his arthritic son, the Marquess of Monthermer, because salt water was thought to help relieve his condition, so a pool was built in the garden and filled with water from the river.

Patrick's Patch and the Birdwatching Hide

Patrick's Patch is a learning garden open to all to walk around and see how to grow your own veg, making it a handy little detour as you pass by on the route. There is also a birdwatching hide on the route if you have time for a quieter pause between clues.

Beaulieu Village

The Trail begins and ends in Beaulieu village and passes through its centre, with the village shop and fire station mentioned along the way. The local story goes back to 1204, when King John gave the area known as Bellus Locus, meaning Beautiful Place, to the Cistercian monks.