The best traffic-free bike rides around Ringwood

There are over 15 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Ringwood, offering a variety of experiences from easy rides to more challenging routes. In total, komoot features 19 routes in the area.

The car-free gravel trails around Ringwood, particularly within the New Forest, feature a mix of compacted gravel, dirt paths, and occasional paved sections. You'll encounter extensive ancient woodlands, open heathland, and former railway lines, providing a dynamic and varied riding experience.

Yes, there are several easy, family-friendly options. The New Forest area is known for its accessible paths. For a relatively flat and easy ride, consider the Ashley Heath Halt – Castleman Trailway loop from Ringwood, which is just under 21 km and rated easy.

For a longer and more challenging experience, the Bratley Water Crossing – Castleman Trailway loop from Ringwood School offers over 50 km of riding with moderate elevation changes. Another great option is the Great Bridge, Fordingbridge – View of Hampton Ridge loop from Poulner, also over 50 km, taking you through diverse New Forest landscapes.

Many trails offer scenic views of the New Forest's natural beauty. You can explore various lakes and ponds such as Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, Hightown Lake, and Whitten Pond. The routes often pass through ancient woodlands and open heathland, providing classic New Forest scenery.

Absolutely. Most of the recommended no-traffic gravel routes around Ringwood are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Bluebell Path — Broomy Inclosure – View of Hampton Ridge loop from Poulner and the Castleman Trailway – Ashley Heath Halt loop from Ringwood School.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Ringwood, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 96 ratings. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of car-free tracks, the stunning natural beauty of the New Forest, and the variety of routes suitable for different skill levels.

Yes, many routes in the Ringwood area utilize both forest tracks and historic paths. The Castleman Trailway, a former railway line, is a popular feature in several routes, offering a unique blend of history and nature. For instance, the Bratley Water Crossing – Castleman Trailway loop combines forest tracks with sections of this historic trail.

While the trails are designed to be traffic-free, the New Forest is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with fewer visitors than the peak summer months. Winter can also be rewarding, though some paths might be muddier. Always check local conditions before heading out.

While this guide focuses on no-traffic gravel trails, the wider Ringwood area does offer options for mountain biking. Places like Moors Valley Country Park — Play Trail and various singletrack sections such as Parley Singletrack provide more technical riding experiences.