The Forest
People who live here will tell you that The New Forest is a lively, working landscape with many secrets to discover. The only way to reveal The New Forest’s hidden gems and truly appreciate the sights, sounds and smells of the forest is to get out there and explore the heathlands, woods, wildlife and villages of the New Forest. The New Forest is a genuine cyclists paradise with many circular and linear routes.
- Flat, safe traffic-free trails centred around the main cycle friendly villages of Brockenhurst & Burley
- Over 100 miles of quiet, traffic-free forest trails and the 40mph speed limit on most roads makes it a safer place to cycle.
- Picnic facilities and toilets at many of the Forest Car Parks
- An abundance of village tea shops, local stores and forest pubs mean you won't go hungry on your day-out in the countryside!
The varied terrain makes it a cycling destination for all ages and abilities but it is most suited to recreational riders, couples and family groups.
The New Forest is the most recently formed National Park in the UK but the fragile forest environment gives home to many species of flora and fauna which need protection from the pressure weighed down by recreational use. With over 20 million day visits, the management of recreational use is crucial to the future of the New Forest habitats, and as cyclists, we need to ensure we keep to the designated trails.
Please find a 'cycling friendly' car park when starting your ride with your own bikes or you may find yourself in the wrong part of the New Forest where being on a bicycle is frowned upon and possibly even a danger to the flora and fauna.
The following principles should be adhered to all times:
- Please keep to way marked gravel tracks when cycling off road.
- Always ride in single file when roads are narrow and never ride more than two abreast
- Make sure you are visible by wearing bright colours.
- Always use lights after dark or in poor daytime visibility.
- Plan your route to be out of the Forest by dusk.
- Be aware of animals, other cyclists, pedestrians and drivers whether you are on gravel tracks or on the road.
- Keep your speed down, give way to walkers and be friendly to other forest users.
- Keep well away from any work going on in the Forest .
- Do not pass any vehicle loading timber until you've been told it's safe to do so.
