Happy Cycling in the New Forest
Experience some of the 100 miles of gravel tracks in the beautiful New Forest.
Cycling through this national park is really something special. It's home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the South of England, full of wooded landscapes, open heathlands and stunning views.
The over 100 miles of waymarked, safe, car free cycle tracks are perfect for mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, electric bikes and gravel bikes. All my rides are on a mix of these designated tracks and quiet contry roads following the New Forest Cycling Code.
Where we cycle
Ringwood
With quick, easy access onto the forest, Ringwood offers diverse options within the New Forest National Park.
Routes to the east of Ringwood include Rockford Common, Linwood and Fritham areas.
Routes to the west of Ringwood include The Castleman Trailway, Moors Valley Country Park, Ringwood Forest, Avon Valley Country Park, Hurn Forest and Holt Heath areas.
The wonderful Elm Tree pub in Hightown is the main starting point of rides from Ringwood. From here we would head to Picket Post where the forest opens and the happy cycling adventures can begin!
Burley
Burley sits in the middle of woodland and forest enclosures and has a great mix of gravel tracks through the wooded landscapes, open heathland and quiet lanes.
Routes that can be accessed around Burley include the Hill Fort loop, The Castleman Trailway, Bolderwood, Canadian War Memorial and the Northern Forest circular.
In most cases the rides around Burley can be accessed easily from Ringwood but the various public car parks dotted around the village are also ideal starting points for rides.
New Forest Cycling is located in the village and offers a wide range of hire bikes including mountain bikes, gravel bikes and e-bikes.
Brockenhurst
Considered the cycling hub of The New Forest, the forest around Brockenhurst is crisscrossed by dozens of flat gravel tracks, fantastic for cycling.
Routes from Brockenhurst include The Ornamental Woods, The Castleman Trailway, Rhinefield and Balmer Lawn areas.
Rides would typically start at the railway station which sits conveniently next to Cyclexperience which offers mountain bike, gravel bike and e-bike hire.
Wide gravel tracks
Stunning views
Wooded landscapes
New Forest Cycling Code
Stick to permitted cycle tracks
Stay on the waymarked network avoiding the smaller, narrow pathways made by animals.
Obey all safety and diversion signs as some tracks may be temorarily closed.
Forest animals have right of way
Pass ponies and other forest animals including horse-riders wide and slowly.
Use a bell or call out a warning when passing other people, allowing plenty of room.
Be aware and be safe
Be prepared to stop quickly. Other cyclists, walkers, horse-riders and free roaming animals can be on the tracks at any time.
Keep to a safe speed - look out for potholes, uneven surfaces and cattle grids.
Contact the Happy Cyclist
Call, text or WhatsApp Chris: 07980 669181
E-mail: chris@thehappycyclist.co.uk