Best cycling routes in Hampshire

Cycling is a great way to explore new places, spend time with friends and family, exercise, and even just take in the sights. Luckily, Hampshire is filled with over 750 miles of off-road cycling routes and urban cycle paths that will fit your riding style. From family-friendly routes to challenging countryside circuits, we’ve put together some of our favourite trails to inspire your next cycling adventure.

Under 5 miles

Shorter bike rides are perfect for families, warm-ups, and days when you’re low on time.

Westwood

Starting location: Winchester

Length: 3.5 miles

An easy-going circular route which follows forest tracks and a bridleway.

Hayling Billy

Starting location: Hayling Island

Length: 5 miles

This cycle route follows the original route of the Hayling Billy Railway along the western shore of Hayling Island.

Beginner

Try these gentle routes to get settled in the saddle.

Lepe

Starting location: Lepe Country Park

Length: 9 miles

A relaxing, circular trail which follows the rights of way that surround Lepe and Blackfield. This stunning route that follows the edge of the New Forest and takes you through Lepe Country Park.

Brockenhurst cycle trail

Starting location: Brockenhurst

Length: 10.5 miles

Winding through the New Forest National Park, this route follows Forestry Commission signed cycle tracks.

Moderate

Step up a gear on these more advanced (but still fun) bike trails.

Lymington Station

Starting location: Lymington

Length: 14 miles

Beginning in the heart of Lymington, follow this circular route along roads and rights of way out into the New Forest. It’s the perfect trail to enjoy stunning views out to the Solent on the way.

Basingstoke

Starting location: Basingstoke

Length: 17 miles long

Weave through the Hampshire farm landscape as this circular trail takes you near the source of the River Test.

Challenging

Test your abilities as you cycle across the county.

Shipwrights Way

Starting location: Alice Holt Forest

Length: 50 miles

Shipwrights Way connects the villages in East Hampshire to the beautiful countryside. The linear route runs from Alice Holt Forest through the South Downs, all the way to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. It can be completed in one extended excursion, or you can create your own cycle challenge by completing individual sections of the route.

Watership Down

Starting location: Newbury

Length: 17 miles

Embark on an invigorating circular cycle ride through the countryside that inspired Richard Adams’ children’s classic. Beginning on a quiet country lane, this trail includes a challenging off-road climb and ride alongside the ridge of Watership Down.

Find out more about the literary landscape of Watership Down in our Hidden Walks of Hampshire video:

Mountain biking

Ready to try something different? Experience the thrill of mountain biking in Hampshire’s countryside.

Lite Blue trail

Starting location: Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Length: 300m

Practice your mountain biking on this short track. It’s a speedy spot for beginners and intermediate riders alike to brush up their skills before heading out to more advanced routes. The Tots Pump track near the visitor centre is also a terrific place for young children up to 1.4m tall to try out cycling.

Green Mountain Bike Trail

Starting location: Staunton Country Park

Length: 9km

Suitable for beginners, Staunton Country Park’s circular trail is crafted to be a family friendly cycle route with no challenging features. For a shorter ride, try the nearby 3.6km loop through Havant Thicket.