The route starts and ends in Lyndhurst, mainly due to its accessibility. It’s the administrative capital of the New Forest and it’s pretty old – even getting a shoutout in the doomsday book in 1086 (referred to as Linhest). History aside, Lyndhurst is great for us because it’s got two bike shops and is absolutely full of cafes. A local favourite is The Lyndhurst Tea House with it being set back in the road there’s plenty of space for bikes and the coffee is good and inexpensive. As I said though, don’t fill up at this cafe stop – make it a quick one as the real prize is up next.
After Lyndhurst we set off along the best time trial course in the world, the P164 toward Beauliea. It’s probably not worth bringing the tri-bars for this one (though they are popular in gravel races) as we soon turn off and ride the gravel track parallel to the road. Up next, we have a short twenty minute spin to the best cafe in the world. This section can get a little muddy in winter, but it’s usually ok. In any sense, after the hard work of the mud you have a great reward coming in Beaulieu.
Deriving from the French for “beautiful place”, Beaulieu is a stunning little village packed with cafes, a motor museum (which is a great day out, even if you don’t care about cars) and cottages. After you turn into the village – you head up Beaulieu high street and turn into The Bakehouse. This cafe is famous for its huge portions of beans on toast, excellent coffee and massive cakes. It’s a favourite of local cyclists from either side of the New Forest. A meal from here will make you bonk proof for at least 30 miles.
Once you’ve had a full meal it’s time to head back up towards Lyndhurst. If you started your route at the train station you have a slightly shorter ride home. It’s time to head back up the final off road track into Lyndhurst. This section is flat and non-technical but it’s often worth being well fuelled for as it’s where you’ll most likely experience the famous Forest wind – going directly into your face. The New Forest is a great place to ride a bike but it’s famously windy as it’s so flat and so open!
You’re back in Lyndhurst now, full from two cafe stops and muddy from 55km of gravel. I always like to add in the post ride cafe stop to refuel for the rest of the day – which Lyndhurst is perfect for. The New Forest is a brilliant place to ride a gravel bike, with a variety of gravel and the option to ride on non technical fire roads or mountain bike style single track. The non paved sections of the New Forest open up a raft of new elevation options – while the paved roads are pan flat the wooded enclosures are constantly up and down. The hills are small but they soon add up over the course of a ride. If you want a variety of options, don’t mind the wind and you love a good cafe stop – riding gravel in the New Forest is the thing for you! Cycing In the New Forest – FAQ’s
Where does this New Forest gravel route start and finish?
The route starts and finishes in Lyndhurst, chosen for easy access (by bike, train or car) and for its bike shops and cafés.
How long is the New Forest gravel ride and how hilly is it?
The route is about 68km with roughly 700m of elevation gain, so it’s a decent day out without being mountainous.
Is the route mostly off-road or on tarmac?
It’s a mix. The ride is described as roughly 53% dirt and 37% paved, with the remaining sections being gravel road or bike path.
What type of terrain should I expect in the New Forest?
You’ll ride a blend of road, gravel fire roads around the wooded enclosures, and a few more technical sections. In winter, some parts can get muddy.
What’s the route shape and can I shorten it?
It’s a figure-of-eight route, which makes it easier to bail early if needed. The first loop heads north west from Lyndhurst towards Blissford and Fordingbridge before turning back.
Are there good café stops on the route?
Yes. Lyndhurst has plenty of cafés (including the Lyndhurst Tea House), and a standout mid-ride stop is The Bakehouse in Beaulieu, known for big portions and great coffee.
Is the New Forest windy for cycling?
It can be. The route mentions the Forest’s well-known wind, especially on flatter, more open sections, so it’s worth saving a bit in the legs for the run back.
What bike is best for this ride?
A gravel bike is ideal because the route mixes tarmac with fire roads and some more technical off-road sections. Wider tyres help, especially if it’s damp or muddy.
Why is the New Forest good for gravel riding compared with other UK spots?
The New Forest has a network of non-technical gravel fire roads that can feel closer to classic gravel riding, rather than the muddy singletrack and towpaths you often get elsewhere in the UK.
