One of the biggest attractions of a cycling holiday in the New Forest is the variety of routes available.
The National Park offers over 100 miles of waymarked cycling routes, with a mixture of traffic-free forest tracks, shared-use routes and country roads.
Whether you’re a beginner, experienced cyclist or family planning a relaxed ride, there are plenty of beautiful places to explore.
Beaulieu to Brockenhurst Cycling Loop
This scenic 16.3-mile circular route takes cyclists through attractive heathland, peaceful woodland and historic New Forest countryside.
Starting in Beaulieu, the route includes views across the former Second World War airfield and passes through areas of woodland and open landscape.
With approximately half the route on permitted off-road tracks and the remainder on roads, it’s an excellent choice for confident cyclists looking for a varied countryside adventure.
Distance: 16.3 miles (26.2 km)
Best for: Experienced leisure cyclists, countryside scenery and longer New Forest rides.
Explore the Beaulieu to Brockenhurst Cycle Route
Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst Circular Cycle Route
For an attractive woodland cycling adventure, the Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst circular route is an excellent option.
Covering approximately 10.9 miles, this route takes in beautiful forest scenery and provides opportunities to stop in Lyndhurst for refreshments and sightseeing.
Around 90% of the route follows off-road cycle tracks, making it particularly appealing for those who prefer woodland riding, although there are still road sections and crossings.
Distance: 10.9 miles (17.5 km)
Best for: Woodland cycling, leisure riders, families with suitable experience and forest exploration.
Explore the Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst Cycle Route
The Old Railway Cycling Route, Brockenhurst to Burley
For a memorable ride through the New Forest’s history, discover the Old Railway route following sections of the former Castleman’s Corkscrew railway.
Starting in Brockenhurst and finishing in the picturesque village of Burley, the route combines woodland scenery with historic railway paths and peaceful countryside.
Approximately 70% of the nine-mile route is off-road, with the remainder using roads, including sections that are less suitable for younger children.
Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km)
Best for: Leisure cycling, historic railway trails and exploring New Forest villages.
Explore the Old Railway Cycle Route
Rhinefield Ornamental Woodland Cycling Route
If you love riding through magnificent woodland, the Rhinefield Ornamental Woodland route is well worth exploring.
Starting in Brockenhurst, this scenic ride takes cyclists through some of the New Forest’s most beautiful forest landscapes, including areas known for towering redwoods and Douglas firs.
The route combines gravel cycle tracks with quieter roads and offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery.
Distance: 10.8 miles (17.4 km)
Best for: Woodland cycling, gravel bikes, nature lovers and scenic forest adventures.
Explore the Rhinefield Woodland Cycle Route
Lepe & Exbury Coastal Cycling Loop
For cyclists who love combining countryside with coastal scenery, the Lepe and Exbury loop offers an enjoyable alternative to woodland riding.
Starting at Lepe Country Park, the 9.3-mile route takes in views across the Solent and passes through attractive countryside around Exbury and nearby villages.
The route includes minor roads and rougher bridleway sections that can become muddy or challenging in wet weather.
Distance: 9.3 miles (15 km)
Best for: Coastal cycling, scenic countryside, confident riders and combining cycling with seaside sightseeing.
Explore the Lepe & Exbury Cycling Loop