Cycling in the New Forest
Brockenhurst, New Forest
- Independent UK guide
- Free to use
- Affiliate links clearly labelled
- Updated October 2026
What to expect
The New Forest has more than 100 miles of waymarked cycle tracks, mostly on flat gravel, through ancient woodland and open heath where ponies graze. Brockenhurst is a good base, with bike hire shops in the village, and you can also ride from Lyndhurst and Burley. It is a great, easy way to see the Forest, especially for families.
Tips before you go
- Keep a safe distance from ponies, and do not feed them.
- Hire bikes in advance in summer, as shops sell out.
- Take a map, because tracks can look alike.
Book or plan it
Prices and availability change, so compare. These are affiliate links.
Where to base yourself
Ancient woodland and heath with free-roaming ponies
A weekend in LyndhurstHampshireThe capital of the New Forest, with ponies in the streets
What to pack
Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.
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More kit guides: Wet-weather gear Walking gear Cycling gear
Related activities
The New Forest is one of the few places in England where ponies, cattle, pigs and deer roam freely on open heath and ancient woodland, under a system of rights known as commoning.
Stonehenge visitNear Salisbury, WiltshireStonehenge is a prehistoric stone circle on Salisbury Plain, completed around 4,500 years ago, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Seven Sisters cliff walkSeven Sisters Country Park, East SussexThe Seven Sisters are a row of white chalk cliffs on the Sussex coast, between Seaford and Eastbourne.
Frequently asked questions
Is cycling in the New Forest hard?
No. Most routes are flat and gentle, though some tracks are rough, and the distances can add up.
Last reviewed October 2026. Prices, opening times and conditions change, so check with the provider before you go. Report an error or share a tip.