The best traffic-free bike rides around Bentley Wood

Our guide features 5 carefully selected no-traffic gravel bike trails around Bentley Wood, ranging from moderate to difficult. These routes offer a fantastic way to explore the expansive woodlands and surrounding countryside without vehicle interference.

Bentley Wood and the surrounding areas offer a mix of terrain perfect for gravel biking. You'll find wide forest roads, compacted earth tracks, and some singletrack bridleways. The historical use of the wood during WWII, with areas laid to gravel for heavy vehicles, contributes to some of the well-established paths you can enjoy today.

Yes, many of the routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the River Test at Stockbridge – River Test at Mottisfont loop from Winterslow is a great moderate option, or for a longer challenge, consider the difficult Castleman Trailway – Ashley Heath Halt loop from Whiteparish.

Bentley Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) known for its rich biodiversity. As you cycle, you might spot various butterfly species, including rare fritillaries, as well as fallow, roe, muntjac, and sika deer. The woodlands are also home to diverse flora like bluebells and orchids, and several ponds support aquatic life such as dragonflies and newts.

While the routes in this guide are generally rated moderate to difficult, the extensive network of tracks within Bentley Wood itself offers many easier, flatter sections suitable for families or beginners looking for a more relaxed ride. For a dedicated route, you might consider shorter sections of the moderate trails, such as parts of the Broughton Chalk Climb – River Test at Mottisfont loop, which offers varied scenery.

Spring and summer are particularly beautiful, with wildflowers like bluebells and primroses blooming, and abundant butterfly activity. Autumn offers stunning foliage. While winter riding is possible, be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially after heavy rain, as many trails are unpaved forest tracks.

While Bentley Wood itself is a natural area, the surrounding villages and towns offer options for refreshments. You'll find pubs and cafes in nearby settlements like Whiteparish, Winterslow, and Mottisfont, which are often starting or ending points for some of the longer routes.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience around Bentley Wood, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Riders often praise the tranquility of the extensive woodlands, the feeling of immersion in nature, and the variety of tracks that allow for peaceful, traffic-free exploration.

Access to Bentley Wood and the starting points of these routes by public transport can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus services to nearby villages like Whiteparish or Winterslow, but a car is often the most convenient way to reach the trailheads and parking areas.

Yes, for experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, this guide includes difficult routes. The Rhinefield Ornamental Drive – View of Hampton Ridge loop from Redlynch is a demanding 101 km ride with significant elevation gain, offering a true test of endurance and skill on varied surfaces.

Bentley Wood is generally dog-friendly, but it's important to keep dogs under close control, especially due to the presence of abundant wildlife, including deer and ground-nesting birds. Always follow local signage and be mindful of other users and the natural environment.