St. Leonards And St. Ives
St. Leonards And St. Ives
The best traffic-free bike rides around St. Leonards And St. Ives
4.7
(51)
1,374
riders
20
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around St. Leonards And St. Ives traverse a landscape characterized by woodlands, open glades, and river valleys. The region offers a mix of terrain, from relatively flat paths suitable for leisurely rides to more undulating routes with moderate ascents. These routes often follow former railway lines or designated cycle paths, providing a safe environment away from vehicular traffic. The area's geography includes sections of the New Forest, offering diverse natural scenery for touring cyclists.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around St. Leonards And St. Ives
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is National Byway and Cranborne Chase Loop, a 31.6 miles (50.9 km) trail that takes 3 hours 19 minutes to complete. This moderate route features varied terrain through the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Through the Forest Trail – Moors Valley Forest Trails loop from St. Leonards and St. Ives, a moderate 15.8 miles (25.5 km) path. This route explores the woodlands and trails of Moors Valley, offering a mix of forest scenery.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Ocknell Plain – Great Bridge, Fordingbridge loop from St. Leonards and St. Ives, a 44.7 miles (72.0 km) trail leading through the New Forest, often completed in about 4 hours 20 minutes.
- Touring cycling around St. Leonards And St. Ives is defined by forest paths, river valleys, and open heathland. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy family-friendly rides to more challenging long-distance routes.
- The routes in St. Leonards And St. Ives are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 50 reviews. More than 1000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore St. Leonards And St. Ives's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
5.0
(3)
9
riders
50.9km
03:19
430m
430m
Embark on a moderate touring cycling adventure through the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, covering 31.7 miles (50.9 km) with an elevation gain of 1395 feet (425 metres). This route offers about 3 hours and 18 minutes of riding through diverse scenery. You will pedal across undulating chalk landscapes, ancient woodlands, and peaceful river valleys, enjoying views of rolling chalk grassland. Keep an eye out for the Moors Valley Country Park — Play Trail as you pass by. On clear days, you might even catch glimpses of the Isle of Wight from higher elevations.
Planning your ride on this loop is straightforward, as there are no specific permits or seasonal closures to worry about. Parking is generally available in towns like Ringwood, which makes for a convenient starting point for this loop. Be aware that some sections, especially off-road bridleways, can become rutted and very muddy. This is particularly true after rain, so consider conditions before you set out.
This route stands out for its journey through the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, an area celebrated for its rich heritage. You will encounter historic villages and ancient sites that add significant charm to your cycling experience. The diverse environment, from chalk landscapes to ancient woodlands, showcases the unique natural beauty of the region. It offers a rewarding experience for those who appreciate both natural scenery and historical context.
4.7
(13)
519
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(8)
252
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
89
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
31
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around St. Leonards And St. Ives
Tips from the Community
Lovely place overall, but the visitor centre area can get very busy. We found the trails a bit tricky to locate at first—look out for the “dog wash area” and then the “bike hire” just after it; they’re good waypoints to find the trail access, which is to the right and slightly behind the visitor centre (when facing it from the car park). Also worth noting there’s free parking at Potterne Park, not far from the centre.
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Nice wide pathways for a large section of this routes.
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The "Fordingbridge Bridge," known as the Great Bridge, is a historic seven-arched medieval stone bridge in the town of Fordingbridge, Hampshire, England, over the River Avon. While the current structure dates from various periods, including significant 19th-century widening, the original medieval bridge was built before 1252. It remains a prominent landmark, with views of the bridge best enjoyed from the nearby park or The George pub.
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Great traffic free route for the whole family. Bit muddy at times
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The Castleman Trailway is a 16.5-mile (26.5 km) route in Dorset, ideal for walking, cycling, and horse riding. It follows the old Southampton to Dorchester railway and offers scenic views of East Dorset and links settlements from Ringwood to Poole.
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Lovely woods and hilly views nice coffee shop nearby
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The Through the Forest route is a great ride for somebody who has some basic off-road riding skills, but exciting enough for everyone. It’s a nice narrow single track that winds its way through a super cool forest with nice tight bends and turns. It is a good route for the younger riders too, as long as they have a decent amount of bike experience. Just follow the rectangular posts with blue arrows.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in the St. Leonards and St. Ives area?
There are over 20 traffic-free touring cycling routes available in the St. Leonards and St. Ives region, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and challenging options to explore.
What do other cyclists say about touring cycling in this region?
The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in this area, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet, scenic paths and the diverse landscapes, from forest trails to coastal views.
Are there family-friendly, traffic-free cycling routes suitable for children?
Yes, several routes are ideal for families. The Moors Valley Railway – Moors Valley Forest Trails loop is an easy option, perfect for younger riders. The region's focus on traffic-free paths makes it safer for family outings.
Can I bring my dog on these no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Many of the traffic-free routes, especially those through forest areas like the Through the Forest Singletrack, are dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with wildlife or other users, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions.
Where can I find parking for these traffic-free touring routes?
Parking is generally available near the start points of many routes. For example, routes around Moors Valley Country Park often have dedicated parking facilities. For routes like the Castleman Trailway, you can often find parking in nearby towns or designated trailheads. The Bournemouth Lower Gardens also offers parking options if you're exploring routes in that vicinity.
Are these routes accessible by public transport?
Public transport access varies by route. Some routes, particularly those closer to larger towns like Bournemouth or Hastings (for St. Leonards-on-Sea), may be reachable by bus or train. For routes further inland, such as the National Byway and Cranborne Chase Loop, public transport options might be more limited, making a car transfer more practical.
Are there any amenities like cafes or pubs along these routes?
Yes, many routes pass through or near villages and towns where you can find cafes, pubs, and shops. For instance, routes in the St. Leonards-on-Sea area often have amenities along the promenade or in nearby Hastings. For routes like the Ocknell Plain – Great Bridge, Fordingbridge loop, you'll find options in Fordingbridge. It's always a good idea to check opening times, especially in rural areas.
Are there circular no-traffic touring routes available?
Absolutely. Many of the touring cycling routes in the St. Leonards and St. Ives area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the National Byway and Cranborne Chase Loop and the Through the Forest Trail – Moors Valley Forest Trails loop.
What kind of scenery can I expect on these routes?
The region offers a diverse range of scenery. In the St. Leonards-on-Sea area, you'll find coastal promenades with sea views and nearby forest trails. The St. Ives (Cornwall) area boasts dramatic coastlines, golden beaches, and remote moorlands. Routes often feature woodlands, open glades, and historic sites. You might even spot landmarks like the Jon Egging Memorial or the Old Oak Tree in New Forest National Park.
What interesting sights or landmarks can I see along these routes?
Beyond the natural beauty, you can discover several points of interest. The Castleman’s Corkscrew Railway Path itself is a historic cycleway. Other notable sights include the Site of 'The Naked Man', Abbots Well, and the tranquil Upper Gardens, Bournemouth.
What is the best time of year to enjoy traffic-free touring cycling in St. Leonards and St. Ives?
Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions with milder weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for enjoying the coastal views and forest trails. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, particularly in the New Forest areas. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for cooler temperatures and potentially wet conditions.
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