Brockenhurst Trailhead, New Forest National Park

Information centre and bike hire shops have route maps and they are happy to share tribal knowledge. It is useful to follow waymarked routes to be familiar with the park.

When exploring offroad you've never ridden, purely relying on computer algorithms for route plan isn't the most reliable method. Some sections of single track are meant for downhill. I failed miserably last time when I ignored the paper map from CycleExperience (bike hire shop I went) and wasted time to get back to trail.

Avoid main road by sticking to plan and preplan it (waymarked area, study local map and have GPS ready).

It is wonderful to see wildlife and nature lovers (hikers, dog walkers, horseriders and cyclists).

Allow a minimum of four hours to enjoy the New Forest. Break your route into a few sections.
There are lots of pubs to refuel. I started with light breakfast in Brockenhurst.

Most pubs have outside tables and spaced out for social distancing.

The New Forest made me plan more cycling trips from Burley and Sandy Balls.
CycleExperience is my favourite hire shop. They have an outlet in Dorset as well.

Awesome gravel tracks that go on for miles and miles

Highly recommend the New Forest gravel trails, great fun and suitable for riders of all abilities.