New Forest Cycle Hire | Cycling in the New Forest

Route 1

LAND OF THE RISING SUN

This route is basically the start of the Burley Route from Brockenhurst, following the disused railway. Instead of continuing, you will loop back to Brockenhurstvia the villages of Tiptoe and Sway, taking in the popular Rising Sun pub in Wootton.

DISTANCE: 15 miles

Route 2

BITE OF WIGHT

Be adventurous and take a day trip to the Isle of Wight by bike and ferry. Reach Lymington via bridleways and quiet lanes, passing Spinner's Gardens on the way. Catch a ferry to Yarmouth and follow the disused railway to Freshwater for lunch on the beach. Either return the same way, or be brave and scale the mile long hill up and over Afton Down (the view is worth it! Passing 8 pubs.

DISTANCE: 11 to 21 miles.

Route 3

BIKE TO BEAULIEU

A popular and established route which takes you through new and old woodland to Hatchet Pond and the You can reach the traditional Turfcutter's Inn at East Boldre for a possible lunch stop. You can cycle to Buckler's Hard or Beaulieu along quiet lanes as an extension, returning to Brockenhurst with views of the Isle of Wight. Passing 3 pubs.

DISTANCE: 12 to 17 miles

Route 4

LEAFY LANES

For those who are not entirely concerned with off-road cycling, this route explores the quiet lanes between Brockenhurst, Boldre (Red Lion Pub), Pilley (Fleur de Lys Pub), and East End (East End Arms), where the New Forest blends into traditional Hampshire scenery which in turn offers views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.

DISTANCE: 18 miles

Route 5

ORNAMENTAL LOOP

An excellent family route, exploring the Ornamental Arboretum and passing a deer sanctuary. It is mostly flat and 99% off road. You can reach the traditional Oak Inn in Bank for a drink or a snack - rejoining the route later.

DISTANCE: 9 to 15 miles.

Route 6

VALE VIEWS

You will need to get transport to the north of the forest at Milkham car park unless you start this route at Linford Bottom near Ringwood. More hilly than the south, but beautiful views and varied scenery stopping off at the Red Shoot Inn and High Corner Inn.

DISTANCE: 6 to 15 miles.

Route 7

BIKE TO THE BEACH

Capture views across the solent from tranquil pebble shores near Milford on Sea. This route takes you from Brockenhurst along the disused railway, through Sway and onto Keyhaven via the Gun Inn . An optional extension takes you 1.5 miles along the pebble ridge to historic Hurst Castle .

Distance: 12 miles (one way)

Route 8

BACK THRU BALMER LAWN

A popular off-road family route, once you have reached the gravel tracks after a 1 mile cycle down Mill Lane. The route is sheltered and comprises a woodland circuit north east of Brockenhurst which has a short and long option. You can reach the Crown Stirrup pub on the outskirts of Lyndhurst for a drink or a snack.

DISTANCE: 8 to 14 miles

Route 9

LYMINGTON LINK

Incororating parts of Leafy Lanes and the route to the Isle of Wight ferry terminal, this ride uses quiet roads along the "Solent way" to reach Lymington , where you can catch the train back to Brockenhurst.

DISTANCE: 20 miles.

Route 10

BURLEY on the BACKSIDE

This route is ideal for the slightly more adventurous, mostly following traffic-free trails. Follow the route westwards along the old rail line passing through Burley before returning via the Deer Fields near the Ornamental Drive. You will pass the White Buck Inn for a possible lunch stop or you can go into Burley village to visit Queen's Head .

DISTANCE: 21 miles.

Route 11

LOTTA LYNDHURST LOOP

A mostly traffic-free route which heads north from Brockenhurst, passing through the outskirts of Lyndhurst before returning south to Brockenhurst through the forest on the east side of the A337. You can visit the traditional Oak Inn in Bank for a drink or a snack - or you can stop at the Crown Stirrup pub on the outskirts of Lyndhurst.

DISTANCE: 13 miles.

Route 12

BOLDERWOOD DOUBLE

You will need to get transport to the Bolderwood Car Park (or cycle!) for a varied selection of 100% off-road rides starting from one of the highest point in the New Forest. Either follow a loop which links to Burley, or follow a linear route taking in Minstead or the Reptillery (or both).

DISTANCE: 5 to 13 miles