Brockenhurst & Sway loop from Burley

Given the mixed terrain, which includes paved sections, unpaved paths, and gravel or forest tracks, a hybrid bike with off-road tires, a gravel bike, or a mountain bike is recommended. Road bikes are generally not suitable for the gravel sections.

The route offers diverse scenery, including ancient woodlands and open heathlands. You'll pass over a Wooden Bridge and Stream in New Forest National Park, cycle along the scenic Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, and experience the Holmsley Passage. A significant part of the loop follows the historic Castleman's Corkscrew, an old railway line converted into a cycle path, and also goes through Wilverley Inclosure.

The loop starts and ends in Burley, a charming village in the New Forest. You can find parking facilities within Burley village to begin your ride.

The New Forest is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn often offer pleasant cycling conditions with milder weather and stunning natural colours. Summer can be lovely, but also busier. Always check the local weather forecast before you head out.

While dogs are generally welcome in the New Forest National Park, they must be kept on a lead to protect the free-roaming livestock and wildlife. This route is primarily for cycling, so consider if your dog can comfortably keep pace or if a dog trailer is suitable for the terrain.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle this route or generally within the New Forest National Park. However, please respect all local regulations and signage to help preserve the natural environment.

You can expect to see the famous New Forest ponies roaming freely, as well as donkeys and cattle. Keep an eye out for various bird species and, if you're lucky, you might spot deer or other smaller mammals in the woodlands and heathlands.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other paths. You'll find yourself on parts of the New Forest Cycle Routes, the Brockenhurst Station Off Road Cycle Trail, and the New Forest On Road Cycle Routes. It also briefly touches the National Cycle Route 2 South Mundham to Christchurch and the Southampton & Dorchester Railway path.

Yes, the route passes through charming villages like Burley and Brockenhurst, which offer convenient stops for refreshments. You'll find pubs, cafes, and shops in these villages where you can refuel.

This route is classified as 'moderate'. While much of it is relatively flat, especially sections following the old railway line, there are also 'gentle hills and curves' and some 'short, quite steep gradients'. A good level of fitness is recommended to comfortably enjoy the varied terrain and distance.

While the route starts in Burley, Brockenhurst is a key village on the loop and has a train station with connections. You could potentially start your ride from Brockenhurst station and join the loop from there, or cycle to Burley if you prefer to start at the official trailhead.