Bucklers Hard, historic Lymington and coastal lanes loop — New Forest National Park

Explore the southern end of the New Forest with this oval-shaped loop, which incorporates the maritime villages of Bucklers Hard and Lymington.

The journey starts by joining Beaulieu Road, a mix of woodland and expansive moorland. Along the way, you'll pass Hatchet Pond, a serene and tranquil body of water that's home to a diverse array of wildlife. If warm enough, you're likely to see an ice cream van in the car park, a good opportunity for your first pit stop.

Next, take a quiet lane towards Buckler's Hard -
a hamlet on the banks of the Beaulieu River that was once a major shipbuilding centre. The route follows a peaceful scenic section passing the grounds of Bucklers Hard village and a maritime museum. You can visit the museum for a small fee or wander around the village and some of its Georgian buildings for free. There's also a cafe and riverside picnic tables.

As you pedal on, don't miss St Leonards Grange, the striking remains of a large medieval barn. This impressive structure is worth stopping at, as it is reputed to be the largest barn in England when intact.

Continue your journey along St Leonard's Road and Sowley Lane, two quiet scenic lanes that run close to the coastline and offer glimpses of the Isle of Wight. Be on the lookout for cows, as they're known to roam freely along these narrow roads.

Crossing over Lymington River, you'll enter the village of Lymington. The route takes you through Quay Street, a cobbled lane where you'll find plenty of cafes, pubs, and shops to explore. You'll have to dismount and walk for this short pedestrianised section, but it's worth it to experience the unique character of this maritime village.

Exit Lymington via Normandy Marshes, then cycle through the hamlets of Pennington, Everton, Hordle, and Tiptoe. Look out for The Rising Sun pub in Tiptoe, a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy a refreshing drink in their large garden.

Enjoy a peaceful woodland road through Wootton Bridge then join Burley Road through open heathland. The road gently descends into Brockenhurst, bringing your journey full circle.