Cycling in the New Forest

Most Forestry England Car Parks in the New Forest have now re-opened. However, please note that there are still some that remain closed. See more information on our car parks page. Please ensure to follow new government social distancing guidance and to behave responsibly when visiting. Please see here for further information about COVID-19. 

Welcome to The New Forest, where, if you truly want to experience all the great things we have to share, two wheels are definitely better than four! Ancient woodland, heaths, pretty villages and a 40-mile ‘secret’ coast and cycle-friendly accommodation are just some of the amazing things we have to offer cyclists. Plus, the real bonus is there are over 140 miles of car-free approved cycle trails here the New Forest.

There are a multitude of options for the cyclist here in the New Forest. Whether you prefer to ride mountain bikes, hybrid, electric bikes, gravel bikes or road bikes. Take a look at the various options available to you below. It doesn’t even matter if you don’t have your own bike, there are several places in the New Forest National Park where you can hire bikes for a day, for longer stays, or for half a day. 

Family-friendly cycling routes
 

We have miles of off-road tracks, where you can enjoy easy and relaxed cycling and see thousands of free-roaming ponies and cattle, perfect for families or those simply wishing to enjoy a leisurely ride at their own pace.

If you fancy cycling a family challenge then the 7 mile route at Short Standing Hat is a firm favourite. All of this route is onoff-road tracks, perfect for getting those pedals turning! Cycle through Forestry England inclosures and see how many animals you can spot along the way. Bikes can be hired from Cyclexperience, found next to Brockenhurst railway station so you don’t even need to travel to the area by car (you will need to cycle from Cyclexperience to the starting point of this route, which is along a road).

Slightly longer is the Rhinefield Ornamental Woodland route, which is just under 11 miles and is a looped route starting and finishing at Brockenhurst Village centre. This route is predominantly off-road with easy-to-ride forest tracks through the gorgeous Ornamental woodland passing stunning scenery and loads of wildlife and nature.

If you’re based in Burley you can hire a bike from Forest Leisure Cycling and enjoy riding one of their many suggested routes from the village. Or you can follow our Burley Hill Fort route, which is just over 9 miles and loops all the way around Burley Village, where you will cycle on the old railway and over Castle Hill..

After an exciting day of cycling, exploring and soaking up the New Forest’s heritage, you may find the smallest members of your family sleep very soundly!

Off-road cycling
 

The majority of our cycling routes here in the New Forest feature a strong element of off-road cycling. Plus, our off-road cycle network is easily accessible by rail or road so whether you prefer to bring your own bikes or hire them here when you arrive, there are several options available.

With the increased hire and sales of Gravel Bikes, the New Forest is the perfect place to visit for Gravel Cycling, with our 140+ miles of gravel tracks for you to follow. Most of our routes follow our waymarked gravel tracks, so check them out and explore the New Forest. The Woods Cyclery and also Forest Leisure Cycling both hire out Gravel Bikes (medium and large sizes available).

From The Woods Cyclery there are many routes that you can follow and explore the New Forest like never before! Take a look at our Lyndhurst to Hatchet Pond route, where you will start off at the cycle hire shop and end up at the New Forest's largest body of open water, with fabulous views and wildlife surrounding, this is a great place for a picnic. The Woods Cyclery will also have suggested routes available in store and also maps that you can buy for yout adventure.

Hire a bike from Cyclexperience and enjoy one of their suggested routes or one of our off-road routes from Brockenhurst. Cycle our Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst route, which is an 11 mile circular route going around one side Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst and back to Brockenhurst again through the forest on the otherside. Lyndhurst makes a great half way stop and is perfect for a spot of energising cake and a refreshing drink!

Equally, Forest Leisure Cycling, based in Burley, have lots of predominantly off-road routes for you to follow and we also have some routes from Burley that you can take too. Forest Leisure's 24 mile Rhinefield Ride is one such example, this adventurous ride is mainly on gravel tracks and takes in Bolderwood and the Ornamental Drive. Or, if you fancy a shorter ride that’s nearly 100% off road then why not cycle their 8½ mile Woodland Trail route?

It is important that you say on the waymarked trails/gravel track when out in the forest, there have been made to protect the environment and potential harm to habitats and wildlife. If you're brining your own bike, ensure that you plan your route first (this is part of the fun!) with a map or an App and start from a car park which has direct access to the waymarked trails, making sure it's not just a pony track that may take you through areas with sensitive habitats or may make you lose your way - the rule of thumb in the forest is that if you aren't on a track which is the width of a car, then you're probably on the wrong trail! New Forest National Park Authority have a map of the whole cycle network in the national park, that you can download and view from their website, or cycle hire shops have them available for you to purchase.

Long distance cycle routes
 

For the more advanced cyclist, our long distance cycle routes offer both on and off road trips where you can explore all that The New Forest has to offer.

The 25 mile Lyndhurst to Burley route is a great example. The route can be shortened or extended using off road tracks and country lanes depending on your preference.

Another great long distance route is the Sandy Balls Loop - which can be done by all ages and abilities (great for families staying at Sandy Balls Holiday Village). This route is 19.65 miles long, but it's so much fun and you will see so many great views along the way.

All our cycle hire shops are also have a wealth of information about longer distance routes that you can enjoy, with apps, maps and equipment available to buy or hire. Forest Leisure Cycling have ‘The Royal Oak Ride’ which is one of their more challenging routes, a 32 mile journey to the northwest boundary of the forest and passing several country pubs along the way. If you fancy some sea air on your cycle then why not enquire with Brockenhurst-based Cyclexperience with their ‘Seaside Ride’. This circular 23 mile route passes through Lymington, along the Solent to Keyhaven before returning to Brockenhurst.

No matter which ride you choose to do in the New Forest, please ensure that you read our ever important Cycling Code before you head off on your journey so that you have the best and safest experience possible.

Bike Hire in the New Forest

If you need to hire a bike when you are here there are cycle hire shops at various locations in the New Forest that offer a wide range of different types of bikes, from mountain bikes to electric bikes (e-bikes), road bikes and kids bikes. Some also hire out trailers for both dogs and children and also childseats and even tandems. Our cycle hire shops are ideally located around the New Forest, in Burley you will find Forest Leisure Cycling, in Brockenhurst is Cyclexperience and in Lyndhurst is The Woods Cyclery, there are other bike hire shops located in Beaulieu and Godshill (near Fordingbridge) too.

Be a Forest Friendly Cyclist
 

The New Forest National Park is a wonderful place to visit and you can help it stay that way by being a Forest friendly visitor.

Cycling is allowed only on the waymarked tracks and other designated routes. When approaching people and animals, call out a warning and pass slowly and wide. Try to leave gaps for overtaking vehicles and never ride more than two abreast. Keep to a safe speed, wear bright colours to be visible and always use lights in the dark.

New Forest Cycling Holidays
 

We have nearly 70 hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and self-catering cottages signed up to our Cyclists’ Welcome scheme – so you’ll be assured of all the help and assistance you need to enjoy the perfect New Forest cycling break. Many provided secure places to store your bike and equipment as well as suggestions for routes in and around the area. Look out for the logo when you're on business pages.

Cycling events in The New Forest
 

Look out for a variety of cycling events that take place throughout the year in The New Forest. Whether you fancy a long distance or perhaps a more sedate ride, keep an eye on our what’s on pages for top cycling events taking place across the National Park.

Take a look at the various routes below and plan your next cycling adventure!