Redbridge to Lyndhurst

From Southampton straight into the National Park, cycle along shared paths and quiet residential streets

You can use the well-signposted National Cycle Network 236 signs from the city centre to Redbridge causeway.

From Redbridge, the blue cycleway signs towards the Forest display the National Park logo which you can follow all the way to Lyndhurst. This route largely uses shared-use paths and quieter residential streets; it is suitable for all types of bike.

Overview

Start: Redbridge Roundabout. Postcode SO15 0NF
Finish: Lyndhurst
Ordnance Survey map: Explorer OL 22 New Forest
Getting there: Redbridge Railway Station nearby.
Distance: Approximately 5 miles (8km)
Duration: 30 minutes
Local facilities: There are public toilets and bike racks next to the New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst. Stop at the Centre (free entry) to learn about the New Forest. There are plenty of cafes, pubs, restaurants, shops and banks in Lyndhurst.
Accessibility: Well surfaced minor roads and shared-use paths.
Percentage off-road for cycling: All on minor roads and shared-use paths.

Directions

1. Start

Find your way to Redbridge Roundabout using the Southampton Cycle Map or the MyJourney online journey planner.

2. Join sign-posted route

Join a shared-use path that runs from the roundabout past the Nissan garage and alongside Redbridge Causeway over the River Test. This route mainly follows NCN 236 so keep an eye out for the blue cycle signs with a red 236 box that will help you follow the route.

3. Left hand fork

Take a left fork up the ramp after crossing the river.

4. Follow shared-use path

Continue straight on the shared-use path being careful of any joining roads.

5. Remain on shared path

At a sign pointing down a slope towards Eling and Marchwood, continue straight ahead beside the main road.

6. Cross the A35

Continue along the shared path, being careful of joining roads, until you reach a toucan crossing that will help you cross the A35.

7. Turn left then continue on Rushington Lane

After crossing, turn left and follow shared route across a minor road, around a roundabout. Take the next right onto Rushington Lane.

8. Straight over railway bridge

Continue along road and over the railway.

9. Right onto Buttercup Walk

Turn right onto a shared-use path immediately after crossing railway bridge (Buttercup Walk).

10. Cross Penhale Way

Turn left continuing along the shared-use path and cross over Penhale Way and take left fork.

11. Cross Surrey Close

Remain on the shared-use path as it runs along Ibbotson Way crossing Surrey Close.

12. Take a right

As the shared cycle way you are on meets another that intersects the road, take a right turn.

13. Rejoin the road

After crossing Denbigh Close and passing through a tunnel, rejoin the road (Foxhills) and continue straight on.

14. Straight ahead at give way sign

Continue straight at a give way sign and follow the main road around to left.

15. Right onto Ashdene Road

Turn right onto Ashdene Road and follow it as it curves left.

16. Right onto Fir Road

Turn right onto Fir Road.

17. Join shared-use path

Turn right onto the shared-use path running alongside the A35. Continue straight on crossing Ash Road and over the railway bridge.

18. Straight over Woodlands Road

Cross Woodlands Road and continue straight on shared-use path.

19. Remain on path

Continue straight along the shared-use path, being careful of minor junctions.

20. Arrive in Lyndhurst

Follow the shared path all the way to outskirts of Lyndhurst. The main shared path ends here. We recommend dismounting and walking past the Post Office and car garage up the High Street. Using the crossing, access the Visitor Information Centre.