Can I cycle anywhere in the New Forest?

You can cycle on public roads, byways open to all traffic, public bridleways, restricted bridleways, and dedicated New Forest cycle routes. You are not permitted to ride over the Open Forest, or on Forestry England tracks which are not dedicated cycle routes. Cycling on public footpaths is also not permitted.

Is it illegal to cycle in New Forest?

The National Park is a working forest, with forestry, farming and equestrian activity on its narrow roads and tracks. Ponies, cattle and other animals are free to roam the Forest and most of its roads. Off road cycling in the New Forest is permitted only on certain routes.

Can you mountain bike in the New Forest?

Mountain biking around New Forest is one of the best ways to explore more of this area of Hampshire.

Can you cycle on Ashdown Forest?

Sorry, no. The Conservators have decided that mountain-biking / off-road biking is an activity incompatible with maintaining the Forest as a quiet and natural area. However there are plenty of places you can ride, for example along the Forest Way cycle route at Forest Row or at Deersleap Park in East Grinstead.

Is the New Forest Flat?

The New Forest isn’t a particularly hilly area. There are some raised areas of the New Forest but the forest is mostly flat and low laying. Any hilly areas (mostly in the north) gently rise and fall, there are no steep hills.

Is the New Forest Hilly?

Do you have to pay to go to Ashdown Forest?

Originally a deer hunting forest in Norman times, Ashdown Forest is now one of the largest free public access space in the South East. It is a great place for walking and enjoying spectacular views over the Sussex countryside and is known the world over as the ‘home’ of Winnie-the-Pooh.

Who owns the animals in the New Forest?

New Forest commoners
All ponies grazing on the New Forest are owned by New Forest commoners – people who have “rights of common of pasture” over the Forest lands. An annual marking fee is paid for each animal turned out to graze.

What are the best cycling routes in the New Forest?

Here are six suggested cycling routes in the New Forest. An out and back route from Hythe to Brockenhurst, using part of the National Cycle Network (NCN2). The route uses a mixture of roads and forest tracks and is not suitable for less experienced cyclists.

How long does it take to cycle around the New Forest?

Follow the ‘Castleman’s Corkscrew’ from Brockenhurst to Burley on this easy/medium ride. This ride will take around 2-3 hours, depending on your cycling abilities, and is a great route to explore all of the landscapes and wildlife in the New Forest.

Is the New Forest Cycle Network suitable for families?

The off-road and road-based New Forest cycle network offers something for all the family to enjoy. The Forestry Commission provides over 100 miles of off-road waymarked cycle routes. Most of these routes are particularly suited to families with children and can also be used by people on mobility scooters.

How long is the sway bike ride in the New Forest?

Sway 9 miles (14.5 km) This bike ride is great for families, showing you the best of the New Forest’s landscape. The cycle is mostly an off-road route on quiet gravel tracks starting and finishing at Sway Train Station.