The best traffic-free bike rides around Ringwood

There are over 50 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Ringwood, offering a wide variety of experiences. These routes are carefully curated to provide peaceful and scenic rides away from vehicular traffic.

Yes, Ringwood offers a good selection of easy, traffic-free routes perfect for beginners. For instance, the Highwood Ford – Fordingbridge loop from Poulner is an excellent option, providing a gentle ride with minimal elevation. Many paths, especially those following disused railway lines like parts of the Castleman Trailway, are generally flat and well-maintained, ideal for a relaxed touring experience.

Absolutely. The Ringwood area is fantastic for family cycling, with many routes designed to be traffic-free and accessible. Moors Valley Country Park & Forest, located nearby, offers a variety of safe cycling trails suitable for all ages. Additionally, routes like the Bluebell Path — Broomy Inclosure – Gravel Path from Splash Bridge loop from Poulner provide a moderate challenge that can be enjoyed by families with some cycling experience.

Many of the traffic-free routes in the New Forest area, including those around Ringwood, are dog-friendly. However, it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, preferably on a lead, due to the presence of free-roaming ponies, cattle, and other wildlife. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, especially in nature reserves or sensitive habitats.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Ringwood are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location without retracing your steps. A popular example is the Bolderwood, Brockenhurst & Sway loop from Ringwood, which takes you through the heart of the New Forest on a scenic circular journey.

The terrain varies, offering a diverse touring experience. You'll find everything from flat, well-surfaced gravel paths along disused railway lines to more varied elevations within the rolling landscape of Cranborne Chase. Routes within the New Forest often feature forest tracks and quiet country lanes, providing a mix of surfaces suitable for touring bikes.

The routes offer a wealth of natural beauty and points of interest. You can expect to cycle through ancient woodlands, open heathlands, and along picturesque river valleys like the River Avon. Keep an eye out for free-roaming New Forest ponies and other wildlife. Notable highlights include the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, where you might spot deer, and various viewpoints such as Holm Hill and View of the Avon Valley and River Avon.

Parking is generally available at various points around the New Forest and near Ringwood. Many New Forest car parks provide access to cycle routes. Moors Valley Country Park & Forest also offers ample parking for visitors looking to explore its trails. It's advisable to check specific starting points for routes for the most convenient parking options.

The Ringwood area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the traffic-free routes, the stunning natural beauty of the New Forest and Cranborne Chase, and the abundance of wildlife. The well-maintained paths and varied landscapes are frequently highlighted as key attractions for touring cyclists seeking a peaceful outdoor experience.

Yes, the Ringwood area and the New Forest are well-equipped with charming cafes and traditional pubs. Many villages and towns along or near the routes offer welcoming spots for refreshments, snacks, or a full meal. It's a great way to experience local hospitality and refuel during your ride.

Spring and autumn are often considered the best times for touring cycling around Ringwood. In spring, the New Forest comes alive with vibrant greenery and blooming wildflowers, while autumn offers spectacular displays of changing leaf colours. Summer is also popular, but routes can be busier. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions on some unpaved sections.