Cycling & bike hire at Blackwood Forest, Hampshire

Pre-book your cycle hire and you can hit the trails on your first day at Blackwood Forest. Pick up our walking and cycling leaflet from the Forest Retreat and try the 4.5km trail around the cabin location. A short drive away, starting at Micheldever Woods, is a 26km loop that takes in some pretty villages and Abbotstone Down, where there is a spot to stop and enjoy a picnic.

Cycling around Winchester

Dad and daughter bike riding in the forest

Highways and byways

The National Byway is a 5,150km on-road, signposted cycling route around the UK. It follows quiet country lanes and the local section, the Winchester Loop, is a pleasant 27km cycle in the South Downs. Another easy ride, takes you along the National Cycle route 23 and the River Itchen from Winchester to New Alresford. There are some pleasant country and riverside sections and look out for the rather fine Avington Park country house. The Farley Mount trail, 4 miles west of Winchester is another challenging route with some historic highlights along the way.

South Downs National Park

Longer routes and mountain biking

The South Downs Way is a key cycling trail across Hampshire, taking the old droving routes along the chalk escarpment and ridges of the South Downs. The full route is a two or three-day expedition but the section from Winchester to Old Winchester Hill offers a hilly 25km challenge to that you can do there and back in a day, if you are fit. Also for mountain bikers, the Queen Elizabeth Country park in the South Downs has two exciting trails through woodlands and downlands. Depending on your abilities, take the 6km Novice trail or the 5km Advanced trail.

North Wessex Downs

Explore Watership Down country

The Watership Down trail in the North Wessex Downs takes in some of Hampshire’s prettiest countryside along its 27km route. Start out at Kinsgsclere village and stick with the strenuous uphill section because the rewarding view is worth the effort. In the same area, the 37km Whitchurch cycle route has further spectacular views of the hills, valleys and pretty villages.

National Cycle Route

Family enjoying bike riding in the forest

Winchester and the Hampshire countryside

The National Cycle Network (sustrans) Route 23 runs from Reading to the Isle of White. The section through Winchester was the last to be completed, with the restoration of the Hockley Viaduct. Enjoy this small section through Winchester, which is a lovely cycle in its own right, or head out for a longer trip and stop at one of the pretty villages for refreshments before heading back.

The New Forest

Explore the forest on two wheels

Load up the bike rack and take the 30-minute drive to the New Forest, which welcomes cyclists of all abilities. The New Forest has lots of safe family rides, so pack a picnic and enjoy a day of fresh air and adventure. There is also a great selection of longer routes through this rich and diverse landscape with over 160km of off-road cycle tracks.