The best cycling routes in Hampshire

Hampshire offers a vast network for touring cyclists, with over 3,600 routes available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from gentle rides through woodlands to more challenging paths across rolling downlands.

Hampshire's diverse landscape provides a mix of terrain. You'll find flat, scenic coastal paths, dedicated cycle paths on disused railway lines, gravel tracks through ancient woodlands in the New Forest, and challenging climbs on the chalk downlands of the South Downs and North Wessex Downs. This variety makes it suitable for road, gravel, mountain, and hybrid bikes.

Yes, Hampshire has many easy, family-friendly options. The New Forest National Park, in particular, offers numerous gentle routes through woodlands and heathlands. An example is the Rhinefield Ornamental Woodland loop, an easy 10.9-mile trail winding through scenic woodlands. The Hayling Billy Trail, built on a disused railway line, also provides easy, traffic-free coastal cycling.

For those seeking a challenge, the South Downs National Park offers demanding hills and expansive views. The renowned 100-mile South Downs Way, stretching from Winchester to Eastbourne, is a major draw for off-road cyclists. The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty also features challenging climbs and quiet bridleways.

Many touring cycling routes in Hampshire are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the Northern Forest Circular in the New Forest National Park is a moderate 18-mile loop. Another option is the Solent loop, an easy 18.8-mile route offering coastal views.

Hampshire's routes pass through stunning natural beauty and historical sites. In the New Forest, you can spot wildlife like deer and explore ancient woodlands. The South Downs offer rolling chalk downlands and views from peaks like Butser Hill or Old Winchester Hill. The Test Valley features charming villages and the picturesque River Test. You can also visit attractions like the Queen Elizabeth Country Park.

While many trails in Hampshire are suitable for cycling with dogs, especially those on wider paths or quiet country lanes, it's always best to check specific regulations for each route, particularly within National Parks like the New Forest or South Downs. Always keep dogs under control and be mindful of livestock and other trail users.

The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Hampshire, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also popular, especially along the coast and in the New Forest, though routes can be busier. Winter cycling is possible, but some unpaved tracks may be muddy, and daylight hours are shorter.

Yes, many popular starting points for touring cycling routes in Hampshire, especially within the New Forest National Park and near major trailheads, offer designated parking facilities. Towns and villages like Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst, and Beaulieu also provide parking options, often with easy access to the trails.

Hampshire has good public transport links, particularly by train, which can help access various cycling routes. Many towns and villages that serve as starting points for rides, such as Brockenhurst and Winchester, have train stations. Buses also connect many areas, though space for bikes may be limited, especially during peak times. It's advisable to check public transport provider policies regarding bikes in advance.

Hampshire's touring cycling routes often pass through or near charming villages and towns that offer excellent opportunities for refreshments and rest. Locations like Stockbridge in the Test Valley are known for their tea rooms, while villages in the New Forest such as Burley, Beaulieu, and Brockenhurst provide numerous cafes and welcoming country pubs. Planning your route with komoot allows you to easily find points of interest like these.

The touring cycling experience in Hampshire is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 4,500 reviews. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse landscapes, from the peaceful ancient woodlands of the New Forest to the expansive views of the South Downs, and the well-maintained network of cycle paths and quiet country lanes.

For longer adventures, Hampshire offers routes that can be combined or are inherently long-distance. The South Downs Way, for example, is a 100-mile trail that can be tackled over multiple days. Routes like the Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst & Keyhaven gravel loop from Beaulieu, at nearly 38 miles, can form part of a longer itinerary, especially when exploring the New Forest.