The best gravel rides around Ashurst And Colbury

Ashurst And Colbury offers a wide selection of over 70 gravel bike trails, catering to various skill levels and preferences within the New Forest National Park.

You can expect a diverse mix of terrain, including smooth gravel tracks, fire roads, and some more technical sections. The routes traverse extensive woodlands, open heathland, and pasture land characteristic of the New Forest. While generally flat, there are rolling hills that add dynamic elevation over longer distances.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options, with 19 easy routes available. The Whitefield Moor – Beechen Lane Gravel Track loop from Totton is a moderate route that offers a mix of smooth gravel and fire roads, suitable for those looking for a less challenging ride.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Castleman's Corkscrew Trailway – View of Hampton Ridge loop from Ashurst New Forest is a difficult 118 km route with significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Castleman's Corkscrew Trailway loop from Ashurst New Forest, a 72.1 km path known for its enjoyable gravel surfaces along a historic railway line.

Many of the gravel routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the South Oakley Inclosure – Poundhill Inclosure loop from Totton is a 59.5 km circular trail leading through wooded enclosures and heathland.

The New Forest is rich in natural beauty. You might encounter free-roaming ponies, donkeys, and horses. Notable natural features include extensive woodlands like Ashurst Wood and Matley Wood, and open heathland. You can also visit unique spots like Dead Trees Marsh, or the serene Hatchet Pond.

The New Forest offers enjoyable gravel biking year-round. While some areas may get muddy, especially during winter, many gravel routes are designed to hold up well in different seasons. Autumn is particularly beautiful with the changing colors of the extensive woodlands.

While the routes themselves are primarily natural, nearby villages like Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst serve as popular hubs for cyclists, offering cafes and other amenities for refueling. Lyndhurst, often considered the capital of the Forest, is easily accessible from many routes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 600 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the well-maintained gravel tracks, and the stunning natural beauty of the New Forest, including the free-roaming wildlife and ancient woodlands.

Yes, there are various parking options available throughout the New Forest National Park, often near trailheads and popular starting points for rides. Specific parking details can usually be found on individual route descriptions or local New Forest visitor information.

Ashurst and Colbury are situated within the New Forest, which has some public transport links. While direct access to every trailhead might vary, main villages like Ashurst New Forest often have train stations or bus stops, providing a starting point for rides into the park.

Many routes offer scenic views as they traverse open heathland and through woodlands. For specific viewpoints, consider routes that pass by areas like Bolton's Bench, which offers expansive views of the surrounding landscape.