New Forest Gravel Taster, UK

• When to go: keep an eye on the weather and anytime is good, though May-September promise better weather and longer daylight hours, autumn being crowd-free but cooler.
• What bike: the bike you have, though a 700x40mm tyre is probably ideal.
• Getting there: South West Trains run a service between London and Brockenhurst (limited spots for bikes), which makes a good starting point for the loop. Pro tip – pick up a Network Card, which is good for a year, and enjoy a 30% discount outside of peak travel times. It only takes a couple of trips to the South West to break even (the Purbeck Bimble is on the same train line).
• There’s a free parking spot on the edge of Lyndhurst, at the junction of the A35 and Beaulieu Road, if arriving by vehicle.
• Bring some insect repellent for the summer, if mozzies bother you, and inspect yourself for ticks if frolicking in the long grasses and ferns.
• Note that this route occasionally crosses busy A roads (and follows one or two in and out of Lyndhurst for the briefest of moments) that are plagued by fast drivers, so take care.
• If you’d like to extend this route and you don’t mind easy asphalt miles, a loop can be made on country lanes out to the Solent, via Bucker’s Hard and Lymington.
• Be respectful and give way to other forest users; the area is popular with walkers and horse riders. Watch out for working forest vehicles that occasionally ply the tracks.
• Be aware of ground-nesting birds (particularly between March and July) and don’t stray off the route/bridleways/designated bike paths.

• Wild camping isn’t permitted in the National Park
• We’ve marked two recommended campsites on the map, at either end of the loop. There are plenty more around. The Roundhill campsite is definitely the more relaxed of the two. It’s spacious, the pitches are large and informal, there’s a 50% discount for hikers/cyclists, and even without a booking, you won’t be turned away. Note that it doesn’t offer charging points; best option is to ask to leave your phone in the office. The Red Shoot camp spot is well-positioned if you start in Brockenhurst. It’s more organised, pricier, and you’ll likely need to book, but it’s a well-run spot too.  There’s a charging point in the area with the washing machines. See their website for restrictions during the holidays.
• A little off route, the Oknell Campsite is recommended too. It’s part of the group who run the Roundhill campiste, so similar prices and bike-friendly policies. It’s located between Fritham and Stoney Cross.
• There a YHA hostel in Burley, a few miles off route.  The Land Pods look cool!
• Off route in Lymington, Teddy’s Farm (£8-12pp, depending on day of the week) is recommended.

• Check out the map for food spots; you won’t go hungry. As per the Woods Cyclery recommendation, look out for the Oak Inn, Lyndhurst, The Cider Pantry and White Buck in Burley, Philly Inn in Setley, The Royal Oak in Fritham (similar to the Square and Compass, a Purbeck Bimble classic), The Forage in Lyndhurst, and for fancier eats, The Pig in Brockenhurst.
• In the summer, parts of the route are exposed, so make sure you carry plenty of water – capacity for two to three water bottles is likely ideal.
• The camping ground behind the Red Shoot pub has a store. And, you can order fresh pastries for the morning. The pain au chocolat is excellent!
• Note that the Red Shoot pub only serves food at the weekend.

Additional Resources

• Aside from some B-road connectors, the New Forest is family-friendly too; here’s some ideas for routes.