Three village circular — New Forest trails

Glorious gravel and historic villages characterise this 25-mile (40 km) loop which connects Brockenhurst, Burley and Lyndhurst. The Tour is mostly on compact gravel but there are a few sections around the villages where you’ll cycle on a short segment of road. There are a couple of climbs but the majority of the route is relatively flat.

Follow National Cycle Network route two down to the Castleman's Corkscrew, a disused railway line and connecting Brockenhurst to Burley. You'll ride under former rail bridges and enjoy a wide gravel path, often populated with horses and ponies.

Cut through the ancient village of Burley to find traditional village stores, cosy pubs and old-fashioned tearooms. You'll even pass a cider pantry with a cafe on your way into the village.

Test your legs at Woods Corner, a gently rising double woodland gravel track lined with ancient oak and tall pine trees. At the top, look out for the Canadian War memorial, a roadside cross marking the spot where Canadian troops were stationed during the build-up to D-Day. From here you can enjoy expansive views across the forest.

Descend towards Emery Down on a beautiful stretch of winding gravel cutting through bracken and a colourful array of trees. You'll soon arrive in Lyndhurst, the 'capital' of the New Forest, which has a good selection of eateries. At the bottom of the high street look out for the Woods Cyclery, a bike shop and hire centre with a popular cafe.

The final section of the Tour uses scenic forest gravel tracks to rejoin National Cycle Network route two to end back in Brockenhurst.