Description
Forest Leisure Cycling is a popular cycling hub located in the heart of the New Forest National Park. It offers bike hire, scenic cycling routes, and a great outdoor experience for all ages and skill levels. It’s an ideal destination for families, casual riders, and cycling enthusiasts looking to explore nature.
Visitors can enjoy access to over 100 miles of cycling trails through the New Forest, with 9 well-planned routes ranging from easy family rides to longer, more challenging journeys. Popular routes include the Old Railway trail, Woodland Trail, and Deer Sanctuary route, where you can spot wildlife like deer while riding through forests and countryside. The centre also provides cycle hire, sales, accessories, and repair services, along with expert advice to help you choose the right route. Many trails pass by tea rooms, pubs, and scenic viewpoints, making the experience both relaxing and enjoyable.
Access to the cycling routes in the New Forest is completely free, with no trail fees or permits required. Bike hire and other services are available at additional cost depending on requirements.
Overall, Forest Leisure Cycling offers a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty of the New Forest. Its mix of scenic routes, wildlife, and cycling facilities makes it perfect for a fun and active day outdoors. It is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy cycling in a peaceful and picturesque setting.
Routes
The New Forest provides a great all weather cycling experience…the trails are really well drained and can be used all year round. The forest trails are compacted gravel and with over 100 miles of routes, they make our stunning National Park perfect for leisure and family cycling.
- The Old Railway: A very popular route with flat, level sections of superb gravel track and options for 5, 11 or 18 mile rides. Tea rooms and pubs galore.
- The Woodland Trail: A perfect taste of the New Forest for family and leisure cyclists. 8.5 miles almost completely off road on gravel tracks.
- The Hill Fort: An interesting 9 mile ride on quiet, leafy lanes and a section of the gravel old railway track passing the beautiful streams at Mill Lawn.
- The Owl & Reptile Ride: An 11 mile ride to one of our most interesting local attractions – Liberty’s Owl & Reptile Centre. Taking in the Castle Hill viewpoint upon leafy country lanes.
- The Deer Sanctuary: A favourite of families and keen cyclists alike. 12 to 18 miles mainly on gravel tracks, offering you the best chance to view the New Forest wildlife in their natural setting.
- The Linwood Loop: This is an extension of the Deer Sanctuary route, giving you a total distance of 20 miles of cycling, enabling you to visit the north west edge of our National Park and two great forest pubs.
- Villages, Views & Vales: Entirely on quiet leafy lanes for those of you that prefer the comfort of smooth tarmac! This 15 mile ride allows you to visit some lovely local villages, enjoy a tremendous viewpoint and a choice of 6 forest pubs.
- The Rhinefield Ride: An adventurous 24 mile ride, predominantly on gravel tracks. Taking in Bolderwood, the Ornamental Drive and a stop at The Oak at Bank, renowned for its superb food.
- The Royal Oak Ride: Our most challenging route, taking you right out to the furthest North-West boundary of the forest and some excellent traditional pubs. 32 miles in total… are you up to it?!
10.73 miles
