The New Forest in southern England is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and historical sites. One of the best ways to explore this natural wonder is by bicycle. Cycling offers an enjoyable, healthy, and environmentally-friendly means of transport, enabling the whole family to discover the park’s beauty at your own pace. For families keen on cycling, we’ve gathered five of the best family-friendly cycling routes in the New Forest, each with its unique charm and appeal.
Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard
This short, three-mile route is an excellent choice for families with younger children. The path takes you from the picturesque village of Beaulieu, known for its National Motor Museum, to the historic shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard. You’ll cycle along a flat, traffic-free route through serene woodland and open heathland, with the possibility of spotting ponies, donkeys, and deer.
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At Buckler’s Hard, you’ll find an interactive maritime museum and a waterfront café – perfect for a well-deserved rest and snack. If your little ones still have energy to burn, there’s also a play area. This easy, enjoyable cycle route offers a blend of natural beauty, wildlife, history, and family-friendly facilities.
Burley Village Loop
For those seeking a longer ride, the Burley Village Loop is an excellent choice. This ten-mile route begins and ends in the quaint village of Burley, known for its witchcraft history and traditional tea rooms. The route is mainly off-road, taking you through lush ancient woodlands and across open heathland, where you might spot the famous New Forest ponies.
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There are several points of interest along the route, including the Deer Sanctuary and the Queen’s Head pub, a 16th-century inn ideal for a lunch stop. This moderate, circular route is best suited for families with older children or teenagers due to its length and several steeper sections.
Brockenhurst to Rhinefield
This seven-mile route is another excellent choice for families. It starts in Brockenhurst, often dubbed the ‘gateway to the New Forest,’ and takes you to the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, known for its stunning tall trees and beautiful rhododendrons.
The route follows quiet, country lanes and off-road tracks, with some moderate climbs that will challenge but not deter younger riders. Along the way, you might spot deer, foxes, and a variety of birds. Rhinefield House, a grand, historic manor house, is an ideal spot for a picnic before heading back to Brockenhurst. This interesting, varied route offers a good mix of woodland, open spaces, and historic sites.
Fritham Loop
The Fritham Loop is a challenging but rewarding 13-mile route that takes you across some of the New Forest’s most breathtaking scenery. This route begins and ends at the charming Royal Oak pub in Fritham, passing through expansive heathland, ancient woodland, and by tranquil ponds.
You’ll encounter several hills along the way, testing your endurance and rewarding your efforts with panoramic views. Wildlife encounters are frequent on this route, with opportunities to spot ponies, deer, and a variety of birds. This challenging, scenic route is best suited for families with older children or teenagers with a strong interest in wildlife and nature.
Lepe Loop
This 16-mile route is the longest on our list, best suited for families with teenagers or experienced young cyclists. The Lepe Loop takes you along the stunning coastline of the Solent, with views of the Isle of Wight and the Needles, before heading inland through peaceful countryside and charming villages.
The route starts and ends at the Lepe Country Park, a great place for picnicking, bird watching, and exploring the beach. The route incorporates both on and off-road sections, with some challenging climbs. However, the exhilarating coastal views and diverse landscapes make the effort worthwhile.
Cycling in the New Forest is a wonderful way to connect with nature and each other. The range of routes ensures there’s something for everyone, from short, leisurely rides to longer, challenging circuits. So, grab your helmets, pack a picnic, and start exploring these fantastic family-friendly cycling routes in the New Forest.
Lyndhurst to Bolton’s Bench
Immerse your family in the heart of the New Forest with a ride from Lyndhurst to Bolton’s Bench. This six-mile route combines the main attractions of the area – enchanting woodland, flowing streams, open heathland, and an array of wildlife. It’s a perfect moderate-level route for those with younger children or novice cyclists.
The journey begins in the ‘Capital of the New Forest’, Lyndhurst, a village full of charming boutiques, art galleries, and eateries. The route then takes you through the serene beauty of the Queen’s Bower woodland and Swan Green before reaching Bolton’s Bench, a prominent hill offering panoramic views of the forest and its grazing ponies.
Beyond the physical workout, this route provides an educational adventure too, with the New Forest Centre in Lyndhurst offering fascinating insights into the forest’s history and ecology. With ample picnic spots along the way, this route is an excellent choice for a memorable family day out.
Ashurst to Deerleap
For families with older children or more experienced young riders, the Ashurst to Deerleap route is an invigorating 9-mile ride. This route traverses a mix of tranquil woodland trails and quiet country roads, offering a blend of woodland and open heath scenery. This stimulating, varied route presents a satisfying challenge with several moderate climbs, but your efforts are rewarded with majestic views and wildlife encounters.
The adventure begins in Ashurst, a welcoming village with convenient amenities including bike hire, shops, and cafes. The route weaves through Ashurst Wood and Longdown before reaching Deerleap, a popular picnic area with stunning views over the forest and the chance to spot herds of deer.
After a restful break at Deerleap, the return journey offers a different landscape through the open heathland of Matley Heath, a site of special scientific interest. The Ashurst to Deerleap route boasts a true New Forest experience, capturing the essence of its diverse habitats, wildlife and scenery.
Whether it’s a short, leisurely ride or a longer, more challenging route you’re after, the New Forest offers a wealth of cycling opportunities for families. Each route presents its unique charm, enabling riders to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the forest, observe the abundant wildlife, and explore historical sites and charming villages. With routes suitable for all ages and abilities, it’s easy to see why cycling in the New Forest is such a hit with families.
The health benefits of cycling, coupled with the educational and recreational opportunities offered by the New Forest, make for a wholesome and enriching family activity. So, fit your bikes with the necessary gear, pack your adventure essentials, and set off for an unforgettable ride through one of England’s most beautiful natural landscapes. Happy cycling in the New Forest!