New Forest cycling
You can enjoy some great New Forest cycling on over one hundred miles of way-marked cycle routes, and without doubt it's one of the best ways to see the Forest.
Whether you're cycling through the Ancient and Ornamental Woodlands or across open heathland with superb views, you'll be taking in the unique atmosphere and fresh air of the Forest.
Of course, in addition to the off-road routes there are several hundred miles of sheltered country roads, the combination of both surfaces making ideal all-round cycling territory!
Certain Forestry Commission gravel tracks were designated as way-marked cycle routes in the late 1990s, as a result of rising concerns over erosion to the Open Forest because of a big increase in New Forest cycling.
The concern was that off road cycling (mountain biking) would damage the ground if cyclists were permitted to have complete freedom, as for walkers and horse riders, over the Open Forest.
(The fact of the matter is that shoed horses tear up the ground much more than the tread of a cycle tyre, but the decision was made nonetheless).
But despite the restriction of freedom (the maximum penalty for cycling off the way-marked routes is £500!), New Forest cycling is enjoyed by thousands each year and the way-marked cycle routes don't really limit the access to the most popular areas of the Forest, the campsites and many great pubs - essential for any cycle ride!
The way-marked cycle routes (off-road)
The cycle routes throughout the New Forest are spread around some of the most interesting and popular spots.
For your convenience, we've separated the areas of cycle routes into 8 maps which show the location of the routes, plus an additional large map to show all routes.
Clicking on each image will open a PDF file of that map.
To view these, you'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.
The file size of each one is small with very short download times.
For cycling around
the Bolderwood area:
For cycling around
the Brockenhurst - Beaulieu area:
For cycling around
the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive area:
For cycling around
the Fritham area:
For cycling around
the Stoney Cross area:
For cycling around
the Linwood area:
For cycling around
the Sway - Setthorns area:
For cycling around
the Ashurst area:
For the complete picture...
Use this link to view the complete New Forest cycling map (also PDF).
New Forest Cycle Code
- Keep to the Way Marked tracks when cycling in the 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.
Related pages
