New Forest Cycle Routes
The New Forest is a wonderful place to cycle. In addition to the miles of sheltered country roads, there is over 100 miles (160 kilometres) of approved cycle routes throughout the forest, providing you with plenty of places to explore on your bike.
Cycling in the New Forest follows well defined tracks, old railway lines and minor roads so an adventure awaits you whichever path you choose.
Permitted off road cycle routes are especially way-marked to guide you through the shady glades of ancient woodlands and across open heathlands, where you can enjoy stunning views of purple heather and golden flowering gorse, and watch the famous New Forest ponies and their foals.
The cycle routes can be as short or as long as you would like - cycle routes range from 3 miles to 21 mile routes throughout the New Forest.
The New Forest cycle routes will guide you between villages, where you will find a traditional pub or tea room - an essential on any cycle ride!
The villages that are along the cycle routes are full of character, including the historic village of Beaulieu which lies at the head of the beautiful Beaulieu River. Beaulieu is most famous for its National Motor Museum, which houses one of the finest collections of cars and other vehicles in the world.
You then have Buckler's Hard which is also part of Beaulieu estate and lies along the Beaulieu River and was once an important ship building centre. Today it is a maritime museum where visitors can see reconstructions of cottage life. If you fancy a spot of lunch while on your cycle ride, the Master Builder's House Hotel Restaurant is not to be missed.
Brockenhurst is where you will see Forest ponies, donkeys and cattle roam freely through the village. Brockenhurst is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic, drink at the local pub or traditional English cream tea before you set off on your bikes.
The old village of Burley attracts a great number of visitors, enticed by the tea rooms, gift shops, art galleries and stables. Outside the village, the miles of open heathland provide excellent walking, cycling and horse riding.
As well as the villages in the New Forest, you will also see many animals and wildlife along the cycle routes - the famous New Forest ponies, deer, pigs, donkeys, cattle and birds including buzzards and sparrow hawks.
The New Forest offers a variety of accommodation for your cycle break or holiday - from hotels to bed & breakfasts, self-catering and holiday parks and camping. The New Forest is easily accessible by rail or road so you can bring your own or hire bikes when you arrive.
The New Forest is full of adventure waiting for you to explore by bike so come and visit us today.
Permitted off road routes can be found on the cycle map - available to download or purchase. The full and up to date New Forest cycle map is available for only £2.50 from our online shop along with a wider variety of cycling maps/route packs available to buy before your visit. The image above is from The New Forest by Bike map. Alternatively pop in to Lyndhurst Visitor Information Centre to have a look in more detail.
Purchase a Brand New Forest card and you can claim discount on bike hire and many more discounts across the New Forest.