When to ride the New Forest loop

The New Forest loop is about 34 miles (55 km), from Lyndhurst through Brockenhurst, Beaulieu and Rhinefield, then back to Lyndhurst. It is one of the easiest rides in the forest. Ponies and fords, not gradient.

Any bike is fine, including a hire bike from Lyndhurst. Allow a half day if you do not stop, or a full day if you do.

Pick a day when the tracks are not sodden

This is the rule that matters. If the forest tracks are wet through, wait a day or two. After rain, 32 mm tyres are nicer on the gravel edges, and the fords want a slower approach. That is the whole weather story.

Choose your tyres

28 or 32 mm both work. Take 32 mm if you have a choice and the edges are still damp.

Decide on a half day or a full day

Ride straight through and it is a half day. Stop, and it becomes a full day. The loop is easy either way, so a gentle pace is the point.

Know the places on the loop

1. Lyndhurst. Start and finish. Ponies are often in the road.
2. Brockenhurst. Fords. Slow down, and watch for animals on the tarmac.
3. Beaulieu. The river.
4. Buckler's Hard. A short out-and-back on this GPX. Ride down, look, ride back to the loop.
5. Rhinefield. Tall conifers and gravel edges.

Give the ponies room

Ponies have right of way. They are still in the road on the way back into Lyndhurst. Give them space and be ready to stop. Ease off before a ford, especially after rain. A fast approach is the usual mistake.

You are done when you are back in Lyndhurst, having covered the fords, the river, the Buckler's Hard out-and-back, and Rhinefield.