Explore New Forest on your bike with these cycle routes to try 
Take off on two wheels and explore the very best of New Forest’s countryside. From gentle, family friendly jaunts to challenging excursions, the area has something to offer everyone – here are our top suggestions for bike rides around New Forest.
- Woodland Figure-of-Eight CircuitA scenic route around pretty woodlands in the north of New Forest, this relatively easy cycle ride begins with a short section on minor roads before cutting into the wood for the majority of the ride.As the New Forest Explorer’s Guide explains, the route is conveniently located close to both Longbeech and Ocknell campsites, the route is popular with tourists visiting the area. The 4 mile bike ride is graded as easy, though be prepared to get a little out of breath tackling a prolonged incline section
More Information: http://www.newforestexplorersguide.co.uk/cycling/ride-6.html
- Ornamental Woods RouteThis pretty cycle route through the Ornamental Woods in New Forest National Park is a great ride to get the family out of the house and into the fresh air for an afternoon.The trail is perfectly manageable for little legs, across mostly flat ground and well-maintained forest tracks. The route is also 95% off-road, so there’s no need to worry about sharing the road with traffic. Check out the New Forest Cycle Hire website for all the details.
More Information: http://www.newforestcyclehire.co.uk/routes/ornamental-woods/
- Deerleap Inclosure CircuitRunning close to the north-east boundary of New Forest, the Deerleap Inclosure Circuit is another great route from New Forest Explorer’s Guide. The relatively short trail is ideal for a family excursion and conveniently located close to both Ashurst campsite and Ashurst station.The track passes through a host of attractive woodland scenery and at around its halfway point reaches the historic Churchplace Inclosure, an area of woodland which boasts some beautiful, mature oak and beech trees.
More Information: http://www.newforestexplorersguide.co.uk/cycling/ride-1.html
- Bike to the Beach RouteWith breath-taking views over the pebble lined coast of Milford-On-Sea and a scenic stretch along the disused rail line in Brockenhurst, Bike to the Beach is a beautiful country cycle ride from New Forest Cycle Hire. If you’re enjoying the cycle, there’s an optional 1.5 mile extension which leads you all the way to Hurst Castle.The historic building stands on a shingle split at Milford-On-Sea, just ¾ of a mile from the Isle of Wight – and trust us the scenery is well worth the extra leg work! If you don’t fancy making the round trip home, there’s the option to catch a train from Lymington.
More Information: http://www.newforestcyclehire.co.uk/routes/bike-to-the-beach/
- Isle of Wight Views Route Aptly named, the Isle of Wight Views cycling route from Cycle New Forest offers some sensational scenery of the island. From a long coastal stretch along Cliff Road you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful Christchurch Bay, as well as the sight of one of the Isle of Wight’s most famous landmarks, The Needles.At just 8 miles, the route is perfect if you’re tight for time or looking for a quick evening loop. Though you could just as easily make an afternoon of it and stop for a well-earned refreshment at The Gun pub when you arrive in Keyhaven.
More Information: http://cycle-newforest.co.uk/cycle-routes/isle-of-wight-views/
- Red Shoot RouteThe Red Shoot Route from Cycle New Forest showcases everything cyclists love about the New Forest area, with challenging climbs, fantastic descents and beautiful views across the countryside’s wide open vistas.At 37 miles this longer bike ride is the ideal way to spend a sunny afternoon. Plus it takes you right past the door of the Red Shoot Pub, (which the route is named after) a great place to stop for a refreshment after all that pedalling!
More information: http://cycle-newforest.co.uk/cycle-routes/red-shoot/
- New Forest National Park CircularThis extended cycle route is perfect for bike enthusiasts looking to enjoy plenty of the scenic New Forest National Park.Famed for its stunning scenery and abundance of wildlife – watch out for freely grazing cattle and ponies on your trip – the National Park is a beautiful place to spend a sunny afternoon.
This route is best suited to those looking to get plenty of exercise from their cycle, though you could always break-up the journey stopping at one of many brilliant local pubs along the trail. Visit Cycle Route’s website for all the details.
More Information: http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/New_Forest_National_Park_Circular-Cycle-Route-1308.html
- New Forest Discovery TrailThe New Forest Discovery Trail, from Walk and Cycle, is a short and easy cycle the whole family can enjoy together. Originally designed as a treasure hunt for the Fullers Brewery this route is just over 4 miles in length. Taking you in and around the pretty village of Burley, the bike ride is a brilliant way to explore the area.The route begins with a short climb up Beechwood Lane and there is a second longer assent past Holmsley Passage. This is an easy, child-friendly bike ride; however we do recommend sturdy tyres to avoid any punctures on the uneven Castleman cycle track.
More Information: https://www.walkandcycle.co.uk/trail?trailcode=DORSTR0001
- The GridironThe Gridiron is a challenging bike route first put together in 1993 by Peter Davenport from the Wessex CTC cycling group. At just over 61 miles this is a full day’s excursion and a fantastic route for avid cyclists!You’ll see all the best that the New Forest area has to offer cycling The Gridiron. The route, as described on Walk and Cycle, passes through a host of picturesque hamlets and villages including Boldre, South Baddesley and Beaulieu; as well as passing close to the coast between Sowley Ho and Pylewell Ho.
More Information: https://www.walkandcycle.co.uk/trail?trailcode=HAMPTR0013
- Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary From BurleyTaking in just over 9 miles of the beautiful New Forest National Park, the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary loop, from Walk and Cycle, is a brilliant way to enjoy the scenery and wildlife of the park.Beginning just outside of Burley village, the cycle leads you through the park’s South Oakley Inclosure and north east as far as Bolderwood Lodge. This track will take you through the Deer Sanctuary – visit in the early morning or evening for the best chance to see the wildlife.
More Information:
https://www.walkandcycle.co.uk/trail?trailcode=DORSTR0002
