Cycle routes and walking trail closures

Updated 1st October 2021

Cycle route closures

  • For your safety, whilst forestry operations are taking place in South Oakley Inclosure the cycle route will be closed from Wednesday 6 October for 3 weeks, between posts 110 and 112. Please use the main road to reconnect you to the cycle route.

  • We are actively working in Kings Copse and we ask cyclist to be cautious of the heavy machinery operating in this area and on the gravel tracks.

  • New Forest Drift, August to November cycle route closures: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/new-forest-car-park-closures

Please make sure you only use the waymarked cycle route in the New Forest all year round. 

Bridge repairs

There are about 250 footbridges across the New Forest that we look after, and we spend thousands of pounds every year trying to keep on top of their maintenance.

Unfortunately, some bridges have reached the end of their natural lifespan and have been closed off, as they are unsafe to use. We ask everyone to stay safe and not climb over broken bridges because it’s dangerous and causes further damage to the structure.

Bridges in the following locations are due for repair in this year’s programme of repairs:

Deerleap, North Hollow, Matley Wood & Ashurst, Kings Gutter Garn, Broad Oak Bottom, Park Inclosure, Brockishill & Furzey Lawn Inclosure.
 

Walking trail closures

  • Old railway line - Route Markers - 195-217 (between Setthorns campsite, Sway and Latchmoor, Brockenhurst).This bridge is now closed to all traffic, including by foot, horse and bicycles due to safety concerns. Please follow the Green diversion signs. Cyclists are advised to dismount and walk down the decline. Please note this leads onto a shared track which pedestrians may be walking. Sorry for any inconvenience caused by the closure and diversion. Both bridges are beyond their lifespan and the civil engineer’s reports recommend they are demolished. Replacement bridges will need to be constructed and planning permission agreed. We hope to submit the planning documentation in January, thank you for your patience.

For further information

Please contact the Ranger Team on 0300 067 4601 (Monday - Friday)

Thank you for your understanding. We hope you continue to enjoy the rest of the forest while this work takes place.