Love cycling by the sea? Then read on…
When it comes to Lymington in the New Forest, you’ll hear many say that two wheels are certainly better than four and that’s because there’s so much of the great outdoors to explore and experience. From ancient woodland, heaths and pretty villages to a 40-mile ‘secret’ coast, there are some incredible routes for cyclists not to mention that there are more than 100 miles of certified cycle trails in the New Forest that are car-free.
A well-known route is one that starts and ends in Lymington, with ample opportunities to stop for breathers and refreshments en route. The start point is at the car park of a bar called the Bosun’s Chair – with the aim to head back here afterwards for a well-deserved drink.
The route is mainly paved and is right on the edge of the New Forest. This is an easy route set over 18 miles and is bordered on the southern side by the Solent. Opportunities on a bright and clear day on this route include seeing the Needles on the Isle of Wight, as well as yachts out on the water. Shortly after you start, you’ll pass by The Gun Inn and from the castle you head through Milford on Sea, Hordle, Shirley Holms and eventually back to Lymington.
Another fairly easy route for those that are torn between taking in the idyllic woodlands and scenic views of the coast. Just over six miles long, this route is pretty flat and suitable for most cyclists; it combines grassland with the coast and is in the south-most part of the New Forest. Start along Hurst Spit, where you’ll see Hurst Castle, and then continue along winding footpaths through the grasslands of Keyhaven. This cycle route also passes through the Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. At the end, you’ll find yourself in the quaint seaside village of Lymington – an ideal place to rest.
If you’re after a more advanced cycle route, then this freshwater bay view route should take your fancy, as it’s rated as ‘difficult’ and requires good fitness levels.
The route is set over five hours and is mostly well-paved surfaces that are easy to ride. This cycle route includes a crossing by ferry – so our first tip would be to double check the ferry timetables! It also contains a movable bridge, so monitoring open times is advised and you’ll need to dismount and push your bike over a course of the route where cycling is forbidden. We did say this wasn’t for the faint hearted!
The starting point of the route is Lymington train station and is accessible with public transport.
Another ride for beginners and cyclists of all abilities is the route from Milford on Sea to Lymington. This 10-mile cycle ride is ideally suited for those with mountain bikes and explores the wetlands between Milford on Sea and Lymington.
Although a fun and casual route, there is a section where you’ll need to carry your bike along a shingle spit to Hurst Castle – but we promise it’ll be worth it, thanks to the seawalls, clear skies and birdlife – not to mention the sea bustling with ferries and boats. The route starts by leaving Milford on Sea and Hurst Castle through Keyhaven to the Lymington nature reserve.
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