The best traffic-free bike rides around Sandleheath

There are 13 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Sandleheath, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes are carefully curated to provide a peaceful cycling experience away from busy roads.

The terrain around Sandleheath, particularly within the New Forest, features a mix of open heathland, sheltered woodlands, and river valleys. Routes often combine compacted gravel trails with quiet tarmac sections. While generally moderate, some routes may present greater ascents, offering variety for different cycling abilities. For example, the Great Bridge, Fordingbridge – Through the Forest Trail loop includes a 'nice narrow single track' through a 'super cool forest with nice tight bends and turns', suitable for riders with basic off-road skills.

Yes, there is 1 easy route available, and 9 routes are rated as moderate, making them accessible for a wide range of touring cyclists. These routes often follow disused railway lines or quiet forest tracks, providing gentle gradients and scenic journeys. For instance, the Castleman Trailway, accessible nearby, offers a relaxed adventure through woodlands.

The routes often pass through the diverse landscapes of the New Forest, including ancient woodlands and vast open heathlands where ponies and cattle roam freely. You might encounter natural highlights such as Eyeworth Pond or the Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve. Historical sites like Bokerley Dyke and Abbots Well are also within reach, offering glimpses into the region's heritage.

Many of the routes are well-suited for families, particularly those that follow disused railway lines or quiet forest tracks, which tend to have gentler gradients and are free from vehicle traffic. The mix of paved and compacted gravel trails provides a safe and enjoyable environment for cyclists of varying ages and abilities. The Moors Valley Forest Trails – Castleman Trailway loop is a good example, connecting to popular country parks.

The New Forest is generally dog-friendly, but it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, especially due to free-roaming ponies and cattle. Many trails are suitable for cycling with dogs, provided they are well-behaved and on a lead where necessary. Always check local signage for specific restrictions in certain areas or nature reserves.

The New Forest offers beautiful cycling experiences year-round. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers and new life, while summer provides warm, long days ideal for exploring. Autumn transforms the woodlands with stunning foliage, and even winter can be picturesque, though some trails might be muddier. The generally moderate elevation gains mean routes are accessible in most seasons, but always check weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, many of the routes around Sandleheath are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. For example, the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive – Whitefield Moor loop and the Highwood Ford – Ford across Dockens Water loop are excellent circular options that allow you to start and finish in the same location.

Cycling routes often lead to charming New Forest villages like Burley, which is known for its commoning heritage and offers opportunities for refreshments. Many routes pass near pubs and cafes, especially in and around Fordingbridge or other settlements on the edge of the New Forest, providing convenient stops for a break or a meal.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the no-traffic routes, the stunning natural beauty of the New Forest, and the variety of landscapes, from open heathland to shaded woodlands. The opportunity to spot wildlife and experience the peaceful side of Hampshire is frequently highlighted.

The Great Bridge, Fordingbridge – Hampton Ridge Gravel Track loop offers a distinctive experience, guiding cyclists through Hampton Ridge and along varied gravel tracks. Additionally, the Castleman Trailway, accessible from the nearby Back of Beyond Touring Park, provides a unique journey along a former railway line, offering a relaxed adventure through scenic woodland towards Ringwood and beyond.