Cycling in The New Forest can be one of the best ways to immerse yourself into the New Forest and enjoy all that this area of outstanding beauty has to offer. If you are seeking to explore the New Forest National Park at a leisurely pace and take the opportunity to get off road, then two wheels are definitely better than four.
Ancient woodland, gorse laden heathland, lovely villages, 40-miles of nearby coastline and cyclist-friendly accommodation are just a few highlights that await New Forest cycling enthusiasts.
New Forest Cycling Routes For All Abilities
There are over 100 miles of way marked cycle routes to be discovered and also many low speed-limit roads that criss cross their way in and around this beautiful landscape. Here you can enjoy relaxed and easy cycling and have a chance to witness hundreds of free-roaming ponies and cattle in their natural environment. It`s a perfect way for families to spend a day or those simply wishing to enjoy a leisurely cycle ride.
For the more experienced cyclists who take things a little more serious, there are long distance cycle routes in the New Forest that offer both on and off road trips. These trips provide an ideal opportunity to explore all that this magnificent National Park has to offer and is perfect for road cycling in the New Forest.
In addition, the New Forest off-road cycle network can easily be accessed by rail or road. Numerous options are available to anyone thinking of cycling in the New Forest, so if you prefer to bring your own bikes with you that`s fine, or you can simply hire them upon arrival.
New Forest Cycling Holidays and Bike Hire
There are a significant number of hotels, bed & breakfasts and self-catering cottages signed up to the New Forest Cyclists’ Welcome scheme, so you can be safe in the knowledge that you will receive all the help and assistance you need to enjoy cycling holidays in the New Forest. If you need to hire a bike when you are here there are various cycle hire shops in different locations throughout the Forest.
New Forest Cycling Events
There are numerous cycling events to look out for that take place throughout the year in the New Forest. If it`s a long distance challenge like the Wiggle New Forest 100 from Ringwood you fancy or the New Forest Summer Sportive which begins in Fawley or even perhaps a more sedate ride, please come back and check out the latest cycling events in The New Forest where we will keep you updated.
Cycling In The New Forest – Keep On Track
The Forestry Commission decided to designate certain gravel tracks as way-marked cycle routes in the late 1990s, this was as a result of rising concerns over erosion to the Open Forest. One of the main reasons for this decision was due to the fact that there were significant increases in New Forest cycling.
One area of particular concern was off road cycling, namely mountain biking and that it would damage the terrain and natural habitats if people were permitted to have total freedom whilst cycling the New Forest National Park.
The cycling routes are usually recognised by a green sign, but despite this restriction of freedom, of which the maximum penalty for cycling off the way-marked routes is £500!, New Forest cycling still attracts thousands of visitors to the National Park every year and the way-marked cycle routes don’t restrict access in any way to the most popular areas of the Forest, the campsites or indeed the array of great pubs that should feature on any good cycle ride!
New Forest Cycle Code
The Forestry Commission has put into place the following New Forest Cycle Code and should be adhered to by all cyclists in the New Forest at all times.
- Keep to the Way Marked tracks when cycling in the New Forest.
- Slow down and call out a warning when approaching other Forest users. Be courteous and friendly.
- Take extra care when nearing horse riders. When in a group, all cyclists should pass the horse on the same side.
- Do not startle ponies, cattle or other wildlife. Go slowly and give them space.
- Avoid causing obstructions – do not ride more than two abreast. Always ride in single file on narrow roads.
- Keep well away from any work going on in the Forest.
- Do not pass any vehicle loading timber until you have been told it is safe to do so.
- Use the map and plan to be out of the Forest by dusk.
As mentioned earlier cycling is a great way to see the local countryside, whilst getting some exercise and breathing the fresh air at the same time. It`s also a wonderful opportunity to take in the sights and sounds you wouldn`t get to otherwise experience if you were sat driving your car.
We hope you enjoy all that is on offer whilst cycling in the New Forest.