Join me for a full cycling loop through England’s beautiful New Forest — a landscape of wild ponies, ancient woodland, open heathland and quiet gravel tracks. This national park in southern England has more than a thousand years of history, shaped since William the Conqueror declared it a royal hunting ground in 1079. Today it’s one of the most peaceful and scenic places to ride in the UK, with endless trails, wildlife, and ever-changing scenery. 🚴♀️🌳🐴 My ride begins in Ibsley, a tiny hamlet beside the River Avon. During World War II this was the site of RAF Ibsley, once a busy fighter airfield. The old runways have returned to nature and now form quiet lakes and reserves, with a memorial to those who served here. From the start, the route blends history, nature, and serene forest beauty. Heading south, I pass Moyles Court School and cross Dockens Water, a crystal-clear chalk stream flowing through woodland and meadows. Not long after, the famous New Forest ponies appear. They’ve roamed freely here for over a thousand years, cared for by local commoners who still hold traditional grazing rights. Calm and gentle, the ponies wander through villages, across roads, and over open heath — one of the most magical parts of the New Forest experience. With over 100 miles of cycle routes, the forest is a dream for riders. Smooth gravel tracks weave through ancient woods, bridleways cross vast heathland, and quiet lanes link villages, ponds, historic sites and wildlife areas. The scenery never stays the same for long. Many of the wooded areas I pass through are inclosures — fenced woodlands originally created to protect young trees from grazing animals. Some were planted in the 18th and 19th centuries to grow oak for Royal Navy ships. Today they’re peaceful conservation areas with shaded paths, tall beeches and oaks, and soft forest light. My halfway stop is Fritham, home to the charming Royal Oak, one of the New Forest’s most traditional pubs. With its whitewashed walls, low beams and cosy rooms, it’s a classic stop for walkers and cyclists. After a hearty lunch, I continue through Eyeworth Wood to the still waters of Eyeworth Pond, a Victorian lake once built to supply water to a gunpowder factory. Today it’s known for ducks, swans, dragonflies and quiet views. From here the road climbs gently to Bramshaw Telegraph, the highest point of the ride at 137 metres. Once part of an optical telegraph line linking London and Plymouth, it now offers wide, sweeping views over rolling heathland. One of the best things about the New Forest is that it’s rideable all year round. Winters are mild, summers warm but not extreme, and the gradients remain gentle. Each season brings its own atmosphere — golden leaves, blooming heather, misty mornings or bright green spring foliage. After Bramshaw Telegraph, I descend through Coopers Hill and Pitts Wood Inclosure, joining Roger Penny Way before turning towards Woodgreen. This small village sits high above the Avon Valley, with thatched cottages and a traditional village green. From here I drop into Godshill, passing the Fighting Cocks pub and another group of ponies relaxing outside like regular visitors. Next comes Hampton Ridge, one of the most open and remote-feeling stretches of the day. With big skies and panoramic views, it feels far removed from towns and traffic. Deer and ground-nesting birds can often be spotted here. The route continues across Windmill Hill, over Latchmoor Brook, past Dorridge Farm, and through the tiny hamlet of Ogdens before reaching Furze Hill and South Gorley. My final stop is Hockey’s Farm Shop, where I enjoy a cream tea and say hello to the animals before rolling the last few kilometres back to Ibsley, finishing the loop beside the calm River Avon where the ride began. If you enjoy cycling, gravel riding, peaceful landscapes, wildlife encounters and exploring the English countryside, this ride shows exactly what makes the New Forest so special — history, wildlife, beauty and gentle adventure all wrapped into one perfect loop. ⸻ 🌿 Featured Locations Ibsley • Dockens Water • Bratley & North Bentley Inclosures • Fritham • Royal Oak • Eyeworth Pond • Bramshaw Telegraph • Woodgreen • Godshill • Hampton Ridge • Ogdens • South Gorley • Hockey’s Farm Shop
