New Forest cycle loop
54.5 km479 m
Hampshire
New Forest Cycle Route
A 34-mile / 55 km loop from Lyndhurst through Brockenhurst, Beaulieu and Rhinefield. Ponies and fords, not gradient.
Recommendations
Bike
Any bike
Hybrids, road bikes or hire from Lyndhurst.
Tyres
28/32
32 mm is nicer on gravel edges after rain.
Experience
Beginner
Ponies and fords, not gradient.
Route breakdown
0k -> 11km
Lyndhurst
Easy, ponies in the road+46 m up · 72 m down · 45–20 m
The usual start. Ice cream, verges, animals who have right of way. This loop is a half to full day.
11k -> 22km
Brockenhurst
Easy, watch the fords+70 m up · 63 m down · 19–27 m
Railway, fords, cafés. Watch for animals on the tarmac as you ride through the village.
22k -> 26km
Beaulieu
Easy spinning+18 m up · 19 m down · 12–12 m
Palace House, the Motor Museum if that is your rest stop, and the river. Buckler's Hard is an out-and-back from here on this GPX.
26k -> 47km
Buckler's Hard
Easy out and back+122 m up · 100 m down · 3–25 m
Shipbuilding hamlet on the Beaulieu River. Ride down, look, ride back. Then the Forest closes in again toward Rhinefield.
47k -> 55km
Rhinefield
Easy, gravel edges+61 m up · 41 m down · 25–46 m
Ornamental drive, tall conifers. Gravel edges are kinder with 32 mm, especially after rain.
55km
Lyndhurst
Back where you started
A half-day if you do not stop. A full day if you do it properly, with ponies still in the road.
FAQ
How long is the New Forest loop?
About 34 miles / 55 km from Lyndhurst through Brockenhurst, Beaulieu and Rhinefield. A half to full day.
Is the New Forest loop hard?
No. Ponies and fords, not gradient. A half day if you keep moving, a full day if you stop for ice cream.
Where do I start?
Lyndhurst is the usual start. Hire is available in the village.
Do I need a road bike?
No. Any bike. Watch for ponies and fords.
Where do I download the GPX?
Use the button on this page. The file is public and available without an account.
More route guides
NCN 2
South coast when you are already near the Forest.
Hebridean Way
Island touring if a forest loop is not far enough.
London to Brighton
Another south-of-England classic, with a proper climb.
All route guides
The rest of the named-trail library.
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