Cycling in the New Forest | Discover Our 5 Favourite Routes
Summer is here — what are your plans?
At Balmer Lawn, we love little more than heading into the New Forest for a day of adventure and exploration.
That’s why, this summer, we’re sharing our 5 favourite cycling routes, to encourage you to come along and do the same:
Cycling in the New Forest: Rhinefield Ornamental Woodland
Cycling is a brilliant way to spend time in nature, reconnect with your family, and embrace exercise in a fun and exhilarating way.
Bring your own bikes, or use a local bike hire centre, and head on the first of our favourite cycling routes in the New Forest: Rhinefield Ornamental Woodland.
Ideal for families, this route starts just a few minutes away from Balmer Lawn Hotel at the Brockenhurst Railway Station — meaning you can stop for refreshments in The Lodge Restaurant and Bar after completing the circuit!
A stunning introduction to the New Forest, the whole family can explore the woodland, marvel at the wildlife, and enjoy the tranquillity of our surroundings.
2. Cycle From Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard
One of the most popular routes for cycling in the New Forest is from the fantastic National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, to the historic Buckler’s Hard.
Offering a terrain perfect for little legs, this route is ideal for families — and is just 2 miles long.
With activities to do at either end (begin at Beaulieu, and end with a visit to Buckler’s Hard Museum), we recommend packing a picnic and making a day of it!
3. Cycling in the New Forest: The Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst Loop
For a scenic tour of the New Forest, start your route in the village of Brockenhurst, and cycle through the magical woodland to Lyndhurst.
With winding paths and towering trees, this trail promises beautiful vistas of the national park, whilst the dedicated gravel tracks offer easy terrain for all skill levels.
Fancy sharing the load when it comes to pedalling? Enhance your experience by hiring a tandem bike! Whether it’s for a romantic activity, to enjoy a giggle, or to alleviate your aching legs, Cyclexperience offers the perfect bike for two…
Why not stop for lunch on our terraces on completion?
4. Explore the History of the Hawkhill Trail
A must-see for any history buff, the Hawkhill Trail starts and ends at Roundhill Campsite, and snakes through some of the surviving parts of Beaulieu Airfield. Here, you can find evidence of its incredible WWII past.
A completely enclosed area, this route is traffic-free, ensuring a safe and secure route for all the family.
5. Cycle Near the Sea and Discover Christchurch
When you think of the New Forest, it’s easy to forget our proximity to the beach.
Christchurch is less than a 30-minute drive from our hotel, and offers a host of cycle routes with breath-taking views of the sea.
We recommend the Burton to Mudeford loop. This 10km trail offers a leafy setting with manor houses and country pubs, before coming into Mudeford — and the sea!
Stop off in Mudeford Quay for refreshments and to enjoy the coastal vistas, before heading back to Balmer Lawn Hotel to sink into a restful nights’ sleep.
For more information, or to check our availability, please contact a member of our team by calling us on 01590 421040, or emailing info@blh.co.uk.
Alternatively, why not read our previous blog to find out about our afternoon tea experiences?
