5 Best New Forest Cycle Routes - Family-Friendly Cycling

Only a 90-minute direct train journey from London to Brockenhurst, with over a 100 miles of designated forest cycling paths, New Forest National Park is certainly one of the best places for cycling in the UK!

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The cycle paths in the New Forest are safe and flat, suitable for family days out but there are also options for more adventurous cyclists.

The best thing about seeing the New Forest on a bike is that you can explore further and be a part of the stunning wildlife the area offers - wild roaming ponies, highland cattle, deer, bird life and more.

We continue to be the biggest cycling hub of the New Forest since 1993 and for that time we have taken the chance to explore all corners of the park. We're sharing some of the best routes that would suit all ages and cycling abilities. All routes start from our hire centre in Brockenhurst Rail Station which is the closest bike hire to the cycle paths in the New Forest.

1. ORNAMENTAL WOODS

Length: 10 - 17 miles

Duration: 2 - 3.5 hrs

Our most traffic-free and flat ride to the famous Oak Inn pub at Bank. Ideal or families with young children. Bear in mind the pub can get very busy at weekends and bank holidays so a reservation is recommended.

There is an optional extension to this route which takes in the Ornamental Woods, the Blackwater Arboretum and Rhinefield House Hotel which serves refreshments within their salubrious surroundings.

2. BEAULIEU & BUCKLARS HARD

Length: 13 - 21 miles

Duration: 2 - 4 hrs

An incredibly scenic route! You can cut it short with a lunch stop at the Turfcutter's Arms in East Boldre after passing the largest freshwater pond in the New Forest - Hatchet Pond.

The long version of this route takes you through Beaulieu and along the river route to Bucklers Hard. Your return is via a disused runway used mainly by American planes in the Second World War.

3. BURLEY ON YOUR BACKSIDE

Length: 21 - 24 miles

Duration: 4 - 5 hrs

One of our more adventurous routes taking in the old steam railway track from Brockenhurst to Ringwood. Only a few miles are available as a cycle track, after that the route continues through woodland trails and quiet lanes before returning via the Ornamental Woods mentioned above.

You will get to explore the historic smuggler's village of Burley where you can stop off at the family-owned local cider farm for a refreshing pint of cider. Why not try our Cider Rider cycling experience?

4. SEASIDE RIDE

Length: 6 - 23 miles

Duration: 1 - 5 hrs

Do you love cycling by the sea? If so, this the route for you! One of our most varied routes following quiet lanes to Lymington (in the town you'll find plenty of places to stop for food and browse local gift shops) followed by an entry to the coast path which now has cycling access. Your view along the seawall will include Hurst Castle, the Isle of Wight and the Needles.

The route returns from Keyhaven along lanes and trails and a final leg along the old steam railway route. At over 20 miles, this is an ideal Electric bike ride!

5. LIZARD LOOP (INCL. BOLDERWOOD DEER SANCTUARY)

Length: 21 miles

Duration: 4 - 5 hrs

A great option for more adventurous riders! This route uses some of the trails on our Ornamental Woods and Burley routes, heading up to the high point at Bolderwood which is a heady 360 feet! The amphibian reference of this ride is such that you can take in an optional detour to the New Forest Reptile Centre near Emery Down.

One of the highlights of the route is the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary where you can stop off to see the deer from the specifically designed viewing platform. If you fancy some cream tea and cakes on route, you can always swing by Acres Down Farm.