5 fantastic road cycling routes in the New Forest

5 fantastic road cycling routes in the New Forest National Park

For those who enjoy escaping to the country on the velo, the New Forest’s winding country lanes were made for you.

So, slip into something comfy, grab the bikes (or hire a couple at Green Hill Farm Holiday Park!), clip your helmet on and head out to explore some of Britain’s finest landscapes under your own pedal power.

The best road cycling routes in the New Forest

The New Forest is blessed with quiet country roads that link up all of its beautiful, characterful villages: Burley, Brockenhurst, Adhurst, Lyndhurst, Beaulieu, Nomansland, Fritham, Bramshaw, Stoney Cross and more. You can easily create your own cycling adventure by choosing two at random simply heading out!

But, for glimpsing unique landscapes and natural wildlife, here are a few of our favourites in particular…

1. Fritham to Ringwood— a steady challenge with plenty of pub pit stops

You can complete this wonderful route in many different ways. Going as directly as possible, it’s 10 miles along quiet country roads from Fritham to Ringwood, which usually takes around 45 minutes. There are a number of minor roads you can explore if you’re wanting to mix things up.

This route provides that incredible sense of being connected with nature, especially as you pass through the countryside glimpsing ponies. No smartphone pings out here!

You might like to cycle half on the road and half on the trail. Depending on whether you’ve gone from Fritham to Ringwood or Ringwood to Fritham, once you’ve arrived The Alice Lisle (Ringwood) or The Royal Oak (Fritham) are perfect for a pit stop, bite to eat and cheeky refreshment.

The route is roughly 10 miles in each direction and is a great option if you want something a route that’s challenging but not too hard.

2. Brockenhurst Road Loop — for a good workout (and even better panoramic views)

If this intermediate route doesn’t take your breath away, then the views most certainly will.

Starting at Brockenhurst train station, you’ll head out along Burley Road into the countryside. You’ll pass through lovely Burley, then Ringwood, past the Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, through Woodgreen and then back down into Brockenhurst.

A great challenge that provides even the keenest cyclists with a good workout (and, of course, incredible sights).

3. Moors Valley Country Park & Garden— a cyclist’s heaven with routes for all abilities

This is a great place to visit with an array of dedicated, well-signposted cycling routes on offer — perhaps ideal if you’ve got the little ones with you. As well as fantastic cycle trails, Moors Valley even has its own onsite café for some post-ride refreshments.

Located around 20 minutes from Bournemouth, the variety of cycle trails on offer range in difficulty; we’d say the blue trail provides the perfect moderate challenge.

4. Bramshaw Loop— for chocolate box village charm and glimpsing New Forest native ponies

Beautiful Bramshaw is near the small village of Landford that sits on the border with the New Forest. On the way to Bramshaw, there are lots of small paths and roads perfect for riders of all abilities.

One particularly popular route is to circle round to Nomansland, another lovely New Forest village; a quick refreshment at The Lamb Inn should be high up your priority list!

As you make your way towards Bramshaw, you will get to see some of the fantastic wildlife that the New Forest is known for. Look out for horses, donkeys, pigs and, of course, the New Forest native ponies. At dusk, deer can often be seen running around the forest most likely in pairs upwards of 4. You don’t get that on your average cycle track.

5. Stoney Cross Circular— for breathtaking countryside vistas

This route is one of our favourites simply because it is impossible to get lost. It offers up the very best of the New Forest, taking you through the centre — but from the convenience of a path.

When you reach the end, the route brings you directly back to the car park where you started, making it easy to load your bikes back into the car after a leisurely cycle.

Join us to explore the New Forest on two wheels…

Unless you’re lucky enough to live nearby, we can’t blame you if you’re feeling tempted to visit the New Forest. Explore our favourite neck of the woods by on two wheels, our cycle map will get you off on the right track.

At Green Hill Farm Holiday Park, we’re the perfect place for an incredible getaway at the beating heart of the New Forest National Park. We even offer bike hire, so you don’t have to bring them with you if you’d prefer to avoid the hassle!

With direct access to the New Forest, we offer camping, touring, glamping, holiday homes and luxury lodges to book. Or, for true comfort under canvas, step into a safari tent, complete with hot tub!

After the day’s bike adventures are over, tuck into a pepperoni pizza at Ember, our very own bar and café, or try your hand at one of our many on-park activities.

If you’re truly in love with this region, you might also be interested to know that we offer holiday home ownership in the New Forest!

Get away to the New Forest with Lovat.

Leave it all behind for a trip to the New Forest.

Discover Green Hill Farm Holiday Village