Cycling in the New Forest

The area is predominantly flat and has fantastic cycle trails and road cycling options. Many parts of the forest, hidden to the motorist, are easily accessible by bicycle on designated gravel tracks.

The best guidance is on the Ordnance Survey map of the area – Explorer OL22 – which shows all the cycle routes, covers a wide area and contains considerably more detail than any online cycle map.

Once you get into the open forest, there are family friendly, safe off-road and gentle cycle routes, with tracks through the open heathland and sheltered woods.

Cycling in the New Forest

 

 

Cycle route recommendations

 

Our friend and local cycling enthusiast Phil has outlined his top pic cycle routes in the Forest –

Road cycling-  For road bikes, nothing beats the rolling road from Emery Down across to Ringwood if you’re on a road bike, returning via Brockenhurst and Beaulieu makes for a nice 65km loop.

View the full cycle route on cycle app Kamoot 

Family friendly – For families, the aerodrome at Beaulieu offers a safe-haven for families, with a 4.5km flat loop of mixed gravel and tarmac.

View the full cycle route on cycle app Kamoot 

Off roading- And for off roaders, I love the Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst loop via Oberwater and Bank, it’s a spectacular route for a gravel ride too.

View the full cycle route on cycle app Kamoot 

 

You can read our full interview with Phil here, to find out more about his adventures on two wheels.

 

 

 

Cycle hire and discounts

 

In Lymington – New Forest Bikes

New Forest Bikes offer popular guided bike tours of the local area. One such tour is the Surf & Turf ride which takes you on a leisurely ride along the sea wall towards Keyhaven (where you will experience some fantastic views of the Isle of Wight and Hurst Castle) and then through the gorgeous bluebell fields of Roydon Woods (plus a pit stop to sample some famous New Forest ice cream).

Their shop is in Lymington and a 1-minute walk from Lymington train station. Alternatively bikes can be delivered to your holiday accommodation.

NFE guests can benefit from a 10% discount.

 

In Brockenhurst – Cyclexperience

These guys know the New Forest inside out and can hire you any type of bike including kids bikes, tagalongs and trailers.

Not only can you hire an excellent choice of bikes right beside the train station, but you can also get the bikes delivered to your holiday property. They have an extensive selection of routes with good maps, so enjoying the National Park and escaping into the woods has never been easier.

Cycle Experience are offering NFE guests a 10% discount on midweek cycle hire (not redeemable at Weekends or Bank Holidays).

 

In Beaulieu – New Forest Activities

A well known and respected company based in Beaulieu (office and bike hire) and Bucklers Hard (water based activities). Our guests have been offered a 10% discount off any activity using the code NFESCAPES.

They also offer Kayak trips, bush crafts, archery, ropes, canoeing, raft building and specialise in family group bookings.

Please ask a member of the NFE team for the T&Cs relating to this discount.

 

In Lyndhurst – The Woods Cyclery

The Woods Cyclery offer an extensive range of bike hire & kit to suit all abilities. With venues in both Lyndhurst and Burley, both locations are perfectly placed to get off the beaten track & explore the forest, with the option of joining in on guided tours if you fancy.

The Woods Cyclery team have offered all New Forest Escapes’ guests a 10% discount on cycle hire (excluding bank holidays).

 

Electric Bikes – Jaunt- ebikes , Milford on Sea

Jaunt-E’s retro style E-Bikes will put a smile on your face. Designed for leisure and pleasure, they will take you wherever you want to go, with a little bit of extra help for those tricky bits.

Jaunt- E not only offer cycle hire, but popular E-Bike + activity excursions including Vineyard tours and tastings, Brewery Safaris, Picnics and Kayaking experiences. All hire includes free delivery plus helmets, a lock and a handlebar bag.

The team have offered guests of New Forest Escapes a 10% discount on orders.

 

 

The New Forest Cycle Code

 

Keep to the way-marked tracks

Slow down and call out a warning when approaching other forest users

Take extra care when nearing horse riders and walkers

Avoid disturbing the ponies, cattle or other wildlife. Slow down and be sure to give them space

Keep well away from any forest works

Do not pass any vehicle loading timber until you have been told it is safe to do so

Plan your route and buy an area map. Aim to be off the trails by dusk.