The best gravel rides in Ringwood Forest

Ringwood Forest offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 90 trails available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy loops to more challenging, longer rides.

Yes, Ringwood Forest has several beginner-friendly gravel bike trails. Approximately 22 of the routes are classified as easy, featuring gentle terrain suitable for those new to gravel biking. An excellent option is the Through the Forest Trail – Moors Valley Forest Trails loop from Verwood, which is 12.1 miles (19.5 km) and rated easy.

For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, Ringwood Forest offers numerous moderate to difficult routes. There are over 60 moderate trails and 9 difficult ones. A popular moderate option is the Bratley Water Crossing – Castleman Trailway loop from Ringwood, which covers 31.4 miles (50.5 km) and includes varied terrain and a water crossing.

Parking is generally available at various access points around Ringwood Forest, often near trailheads or popular starting points like Moors Valley Country Park. Specific parking details can usually be found on individual route pages on komoot or local council websites.

Many of the gravel bike trails in Ringwood Forest are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Ashley Heath Halt – Castleman Trailway loop from St. Leonards and St. Ives is a popular 19.7-mile (31.8 km) circular route that follows sections of the historic Castleman Trailway.

While gravel biking in Ringwood Forest, you can encounter several interesting sights. The historic Castleman Trailway is a prominent feature on many routes, and you might pass by Ashley Heath Halt, a former railway station. Moors Valley Country Park also offers attractions like the Play Trail.

Yes, Ringwood Forest is well-suited for family gravel biking, especially with its network of easy and moderate trails. The generally gentle terrain and well-maintained forest tracks make it enjoyable for riders of different ages and abilities. Routes that incorporate sections of the Castleman Trailway or pass through Moors Valley Country Park are often popular with families.

The komoot community highly rates gravel biking in Ringwood Forest, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 140 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the dense woodlands, and the well-connected network of historic trailways that offer a diverse and engaging riding experience.

During winter, gravel biking in Ringwood Forest can be more challenging due to potentially muddy or wet conditions on some trails, especially after heavy rain. However, many of the main forest tracks and the Castleman Trailway remain rideable. It's advisable to check local weather forecasts and trail conditions before heading out and to wear appropriate waterproof and warm clothing.

Yes, there are cafes and refreshment stops available, particularly around popular areas like Moors Valley Country Park and in the nearby towns of Ringwood and Verwood. Many routes pass close enough to these amenities for a convenient break and refuel.

The duration of gravel bike trails in Ringwood Forest varies significantly depending on the route's length and your pace. Shorter, easier loops like the Through the Forest Trail – Moors Valley Forest Trails loop can take around 1 hour 15 minutes, while longer, moderate routes such as the Bratley Water Crossing – Castleman Trailway loop might take over 4 hours.

Generally, you do not need a specific permit for gravel biking on the public rights of way and designated trails within Ringwood Forest. However, it's always good practice to respect local signage and any specific rules that might apply to certain areas, especially within managed parks like Moors Valley Country Park.