Our guide to New Forest cycle hire

The New Forest is a great location for cycling - both enthusiasts and beginner’s alike will enjoy the abundance of cycling tracks here which offer the opportunity to get fully immersed in the great outdoors. With beautifully natural surroundings there is no better place to explore on your bike whether on your own, with friends or with your family. If you don’t want to bring a bike with you, our guide to New Forest cycle hire will help you get the most out of cycling in this fantastic National Park.

Where to Hire a Bike

There are good companies offering bike hire in all major towns and most sizable villages in the New Forest.

Forest Leisure Cycling is located in the picturesque village of Burley close to many popular cycling trails. The centre offers bike hire as well cycling accessories, a repairs centre and expert staff on hand to give you plenty of advice about your bike and about cycling the New Forest itself. Cycles on offer include Premium Suspension bikes, road bikes, tandem and a number of others and hire prices range from around £16 up to £30 each day. Children’s bike hire costs £6-£7 and child seat or trailers buggies can also be hired for much younger children. The price includes a helmet, a backpack, pump, bike lock and puncture repair kits to give you peace of mind.

Cyclexperience based in Brockenhurst offer sports bikes, mountain bikes, tandem bikes and bikes for comfort, options for children including trikes, and child seat and trailers too. The daily rate for hire ranges again from around £16-£30 depending in the bike you choose and £6-£7 for children’s hire. You’ll get a helmet, pump, rucksack and a route map included in your hire. Online booking is available and it is recommended you do this well in advance as they can get extremely busy during peak seasons.

Other poplar places to hire cycles from include Country Lane Hire in Brockenhurst and AA Bike Hire in Lyndhurst.

Choosing a Cycle Route

There are over 100 miles of approved cycle routes in the New Forest which are clearly marked on this map. There are tracks suitable for all levels from beginners and families to expert cyclists, ranging from easy to more challenging routes. We recommend as a starting point the Old Railway Route which begins in Burley and takes you on a 5-13 mile track along a disused railway. This route is traffic free and therefore ideal for families with young children. Another good starting trip is the 9 mile Hill Fort Route, which is an interesting ride down quiet lanes and part of an old railway track passing the stunning streams of Mill Lawn.

Cycling Code of Conduct

There are a few extra considerations to bear in mind when cycling in the New Forest. It is important to stick to the marked tracks in order to protect the National Park and the natural landscapes around you. The usual precautions for cycling on the road apply here but be especially careful of the New Forest ponies and other animals that you will come across - cycle slowly and quietly and give them plenty of room. The main point is to have a safe and enjoyable trip!

Equipment to Bring

The New Forest is mostly made up of flat, well-defined tracks that are suitable for any standard bike. Children should always wear a helmet and adults should consider it - cycle hire companies usually include a helmet in the price. If you are riding in the dark you will need lights. Also a good idea is a tyre pump, a water bottle to keep you hydrated and a bike lock. It is wise to wear lightweight layers that can easily be pulled on and off and pack waterproof clothing in case it should rain.

Without a doubt, cycling the New Forest National Park is one of the best ways to see the park and spend time during your camping holiday. With a number of great companies offering bike hire, the whole family will enjoy seeing the beautiful surroundings and wildlife during this great outdoors activity.