The best cycling routes in New Forest National Park

New Forest National Park offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 430 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 231 easy, 146 moderate, and 53 difficult trails.

The New Forest features diverse terrain, including over 100 miles of waymarked cycle tracks and quiet country lanes. You'll encounter ancient woodlands, expansive open heathlands, and even some coastal paths. While most routes have gentle elevation changes, some moderate trails, like the Lyndhurst, Bolderwood & Roydon Wood gravel loop from Brockenhurst, include gravel tracks.

Yes, the New Forest is an excellent destination for family cycling, offering many easy, mostly paved routes. The Rhinefield Ornamental Woodland loop is a popular easy trail that takes you through ancient woodlands, suitable for all ages.

Cyclists in the New Forest can experience a unique blend of natural beauty. You'll ride through ancient woodlands with trees over 1,000 years old, vast open heathlands, and wetlands. A defining characteristic is the free-roaming animals, including New Forest ponies, donkeys, cattle, and deer, which you'll frequently encounter along the routes.

Many touring cycling routes in the New Forest are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Rhinefield Ornamental Woodland loop and the Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst loop, both offering varied landscapes.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can discover various points of interest. The Ornamental Drive – Bolderwood and Rhinefield Redwoods is a notable highlight. You might also encounter historical sites like former World War II airfields, ancient Bronze Age burial mounds, and charming villages such as Burley and Lyndhurst, which are perfect for refreshment stops.

While dogs are generally welcome in the New Forest, it's crucial to keep them under close control, especially due to the free-roaming animals. Many routes are suitable for cycling with dogs, but always ensure your dog is well-behaved and doesn't disturb wildlife or other users. Check specific route guidelines if available.

The New Forest is enjoyable for cycling year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with milder weather and beautiful scenery. Spring brings new growth and foals, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer is popular but can be busier, and winter cycling is possible, though some paths might be muddy or wet.

Yes, several villages like Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst, which serve as excellent starting points for cycling routes, are accessible by train. This makes it convenient to reach the park without a car and begin your cycling adventure directly from the station.

The New Forest National Park is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 2000 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive network of well-maintained, waymarked trails, the stunning ancient woodlands, and the unique experience of encountering free-roaming ponies and other wildlife. The gentle elevation and varied landscapes also contribute to its popularity.

Yes, for those seeking a more challenging ride, there are moderate routes available. The Lyndhurst, Bolderwood & Roydon Wood gravel loop from Brockenhurst is a popular moderate option, covering 48.9 km (30.4 miles) with gravel tracks through woodlands. Another moderate choice is the Beaulieu to Brockenhurst loop.

Generally, you do not need a permit to cycle on the designated cycle tracks and public byways within New Forest National Park. However, cyclists are encouraged to stay on these waymarked routes to protect the natural environment. For detailed information on cycling regulations and codes of conduct, you can refer to the official New Forest National Park Authority website: newforestnpa.gov.uk.