The best road cycling routes around Ringwood
4.6
(65)
3,161
riders
45
rides
Road cycling routes around Ringwood provide access to the diverse landscapes of the New Forest National Park, characterized by ancient woodlands, expansive heathlands, and quiet country lanes. The region features a mix of flat sections along river valleys and more undulating terrain with varying elevations, offering diverse experiences for road cyclists. Situated on the east bank of the River Avon, Ringwood serves as a gateway to routes that traverse both open countryside and forested areas. The road surfaces are predominantly paved, with some routes incorporating well-maintained country roads.
Best road cycling routes around Ringwood
- The most popular road cycling route is Wilverley Plain – Rhinefield Ornamental Drive loop from Poulner, a 52.0 miles (83.7 km) trail that takes 3 hours 36 minutes to complete. This moderate route explores significant New Forest features and offers varied scenery.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is View of Godshill – Telegraph Hill loop from Poulner, an easy 22.0 miles (35.5 km) path. This route provides scenic views and manageable elevation changes, suitable for a more relaxed ride.
- Local road cyclists also love the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive – Beaulieu Mill Pond loop from Poulner, a 46.4 miles (74.6 km) trail leading through ancient woodlands and past notable New Forest attractions, often completed in about 3 hours 4 minutes.
- Road cycling around Ringwood is defined by ancient woodlands, expansive heathlands, and quiet country lanes, with routes offering options for easy, moderate, and challenging rides.
- The routes in Ringwood are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 3000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Ringwood's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
4.9
(17)
1,059
riders
83.7km
03:36
550m
550m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(4)
588
riders
35.4km
01:25
160m
160m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(6)
256
riders
74.6km
03:04
390m
390m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.8
(13)
275
riders
37.0km
01:41
170m
170m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.5
(6)
117
riders
22.2km
00:55
130m
130m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
Coming down this road (east to west), is stunning.
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Napoleonic Era: During the early 19th century, the site housed a wooden optical shutter signal station. It was part of a line connecting Plymouth with the Admiralty in London, capable of passing messages in under 20 minutes. Thats google telling me
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Imagine a 168-year-old baronial mansion got a modern, sassy glow-up, and you’ve got Burley Manor! Tucked away in the enchanting New Forest, this striking red-brick estate is pure "country chic." It’s surrounded by a wild deer park, meaning your neighbors are literally stags and ponies roaming free. Inside, it's all about cozying up by massive log fires, sipping gin, and devouring spectacular Mediterranean-style food. Whether you're lounging like royalty, exploring the woods, or hiding from your responsibilities, it’s the ultimate, slightly eccentric countryside escape!
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Burley is the New Forest’s ultimate hotspot for all things mystical and wild! Famed for its real-life 1950s "white witch" Sybil Leek, this charming Hampshire village is packed with witch shops, magic potions, and free-roaming ponies. Grab a local cider, dodge a wild donkey, and soak up the enchanting vibes!
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Despite being dug up by bored Victorians, stepped on by New Forest ponies for centuries, and nearly absorbed by the surrounding shrubbery, the mound is still officially protected by law. The outer 3-metre ditch has mostly filled in with centuries of rotting leaves and grass, but it still shows up as a dark ring on modern aerial cropmark photography, proving that nature never truly lets you hide your prehistoric home-improvement projects.
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To the untrained modern eye, this "ancient burial bowl" doesn’t look like a majestic final resting place for a legendary prehistoric chieftain. It looks like a 1-metre-high lump of grass that a municipal lawnmower would aggressively try to avoid. Around 3,500 to 4,000 years ago, the local New Forest Bronze Age community decided that when an important VIP passed away, digging a standard hole simply lacked flair. Instead, they opted for the "Bowl Barrow" design—which is archaeology-speak for an inverted cereal bowl made entirely of dirt, gravel, and rubble.The Thorney Hill barrow is roughly 11 metres in diameter. The entire community spent days digging a massive 3-metre-wide circular ditch, piling all that loose earth into the center to create a giant "Look at me!" hillock. It was the ultimate prehistoric neighborhood flex, designed to ensure that absolutely everyone traveling across the Forest knew exactly where the local bigwig was buried. If you walk up to it today, you will notice a suspicious, sad little dip right in the dead center of the mound.That crater is the calling card of enthusiastic 19th-century amateur antiquarians—which is a polite historical term for Victorian gentlemen who got bored on weekends, grabbed shovels, and went hunting for "pagan gold". Unfortunately for those Victorian treasure hunters (but luckily for science), the intensely acidic soil of the New Forest is notoriously brutal. It eats organic matter for breakfast. Any grand wooden coffins, fancy clothes, or skeletons dissolved into nothingness millennia ago, leaving the tomb-raiders with nothing but a giant pile of damp Hampshire mud.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Ringwood?
There are over 45 road cycling routes around Ringwood, offering a variety of experiences for all skill levels. The komoot community has rated these routes highly, with an average score of 4.6 stars.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes near Ringwood?
Road cycling routes around Ringwood offer diverse terrain. You'll find flat sections along river valleys, particularly on routes like the View of Godshill – Telegraph Hill loop from Poulner, as well as more undulating terrain with varying elevations as you venture into the New Forest. The road surfaces are predominantly paved, with well-maintained country roads.
Are there any easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Ringwood?
Yes, Ringwood offers several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. A popular choice is the View of Godshill – Telegraph Hill loop from Poulner, an easy 22.0 miles (35.5 km) path that provides scenic views and manageable elevation changes for a relaxed ride. Another easy option is the Braggers Lane – Burley Village loop from Ringwood.
Can I find challenging road cycling routes around Ringwood?
While many routes are moderate, you can certainly find longer, more challenging road cycling experiences around Ringwood. Routes that delve deeper into the New Forest, such as the Wilverley Plain – Rhinefield Ornamental Drive loop from Poulner (52.0 miles), offer greater distances and more varied elevation, providing a good test for advanced cyclists.
What natural features or landmarks can I see while road cycling in Ringwood?
Road cycling routes around Ringwood take you through the stunning New Forest National Park, offering views of ancient woodlands, open heathlands, and picturesque villages. You might pass by natural attractions such as Whitten Pond or the serene Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve. The Rhinefield Ornamental Drive – Beaulieu Mill Pond loop from Poulner, for example, leads through ancient woodlands and past notable New Forest attractions.
Are there family-friendly road cycling options in the Ringwood area?
Yes, the Ringwood area, particularly its proximity to the New Forest, offers family-friendly cycling. While dedicated road cycling routes might be on quieter country lanes, the broader New Forest has extensive networks of dedicated cycle tracks and disused railway lines like the Castleman Trailway, which are generally flat and safe for families. The Ringwood Community Cycling Club also offers social cycling activities for all ages.
Are there circular road cycling routes around Ringwood?
Many of the road cycling routes around Ringwood are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Whitten Pond – Burley Village loop from Poulner and the Wilverley Plain – Rhinefield Ornamental Drive loop from Poulner, making it convenient for exploration.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Ringwood?
The spring and autumn months are generally ideal for road cycling in Ringwood. The weather is typically milder, and the New Forest landscapes are particularly beautiful with vibrant foliage or blooming wildflowers. Summer can also be excellent, though routes might be busier. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for colder, potentially wetter conditions.
Where can I find parking for road cycling routes in Ringwood?
Ringwood itself offers various public car parks. When cycling into the New Forest, many villages and popular starting points for routes have designated parking areas. It's advisable to check specific route details on komoot or local New Forest National Park resources for the most convenient parking options near your chosen starting point.
Are there places to stop for refreshments along the road cycling routes?
Yes, the routes around Ringwood and through the New Forest often pass through or near picturesque villages that offer cafes, pubs, and shops. Hockeys Farm, for example, is a popular stopping point with an onsite café. Planning your route with komoot allows you to identify potential refreshment stops along the way.
Can I rent a road bike in Ringwood or the New Forest area?
Yes, if you don't have your own bike, there are cycle hire facilities available in the wider New Forest area. For instance, Sandy Balls Holiday Village offers bike hire, allowing visitors to explore the extensive New Forest cycle routes. It's recommended to check availability and book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
What do other cyclists say about road cycling in Ringwood?
The road cycling experience in Ringwood is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the quiet country lanes, the stunning natural beauty of the New Forest, and the variety of routes that cater to different fitness levels.
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