The best road cycling routes around New Forest

The New Forest offers a wide selection of over 370 road cycling routes. These routes vary in difficulty, with 170 easy, 183 moderate, and 21 challenging options, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

Road cycling in the New Forest features a diverse landscape of ancient woodlands, open heathlands, and quiet country roads. You'll encounter varied terrain, from gentle gradients through forested areas to more open routes across plains, often with stunning panoramic views. The area is known for its characterful villages connected by these scenic roads.

Yes, the New Forest has many routes suitable for families and beginners. Over 170 of the available road cycling routes are classified as easy. Many of these utilize quiet country roads or dedicated waymarked paths, providing a safer and more enjoyable experience. An example of an easier route is the Ornamental Drive, Holmsley Passage and open moors loop.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the New Forest offers 21 difficult road cycling routes. While the region is not known for extreme climbs, these routes often cover longer distances and may include more undulating terrain, providing a good workout amidst the beautiful scenery.

Road cycling routes in the New Forest pass through globally important ancient woodlands, heathlands, and wetlands. You can encounter majestic redwoods and Douglas firs along scenic drives like the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. Notable natural features include Hatchet Pond, the largest freshwater body, and areas like Wilverley Plain offering vast open spaces. The Ornamental Drive – Bolderwood and Rhinefield Redwoods is a particularly scenic highlight.

Absolutely. A defining characteristic of the New Forest is its free-roaming animals. Cyclists frequently encounter ponies, cattle, donkeys, and pigs grazing freely, adding a unique charm to the routes. The Burley, Ringwood & Boldrewood loop from Brockenhurst passes near the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, where you might spot fallow deer.

Yes, many road cycling routes in the New Forest are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the popular Brockenhurst & Burley loop from Beaulieu and the Brockenhurst loop, which are both highly rated by the komoot community.

The New Forest offers beautiful scenery year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly popular. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and milder temperatures, while autumn transforms the woodlands with vibrant colors. Summer is also excellent, though routes can be busier. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for cooler, potentially wetter conditions.

Many villages within the New Forest, such as Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst, and Beaulieu, offer parking facilities that serve as good starting points for road cycling routes. For public transport, Brockenhurst has a train station with direct links, making it a convenient hub for accessing routes like the Ringwood & Burley loop from Brockenhurst.

Yes, road cycling routes in the New Forest often link picturesque villages such as Burley, Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst, and Beaulieu. These villages provide ample opportunities for pub pit stops, cafes, and experiencing local culture, allowing you to refuel and relax during your ride.

The length of road cycling routes in the New Forest varies significantly. You can find shorter, easy routes like the Ornamental Drive, Holmsley Passage and open moors loop at around 17.9 miles (28.8 km), to longer, moderate routes such as the Lyndhurst, Beaulieu & Brockenhurst loop from Totton which spans over 64 miles (104 km).

The New Forest is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 690 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet country roads, the stunning and varied scenery, and the unique experience of encountering free-roaming animals. The well-maintained routes and charming villages are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, the New Forest National Park features stretches of beautiful coastline, offering a different cycling experience with sea views and salty air. Routes like the Bucklers Hard, historic Lymington and coastal lanes loop allow you to explore the coastal areas and enjoy the maritime atmosphere.

To find less crowded routes, consider cycling during off-peak seasons or on weekdays. Exploring routes that venture deeper into the forest, away from the most popular villages, can also offer a more tranquil experience. Komoot's route planner can help you discover less-trafficked paths.