South East England offers a fantastic mix of gravel cycling terrain, from ancient woodland trails in the New Forest National Park to coastal paths around Chichester Harbour and chalk ridge riding across the South Downs National Park.
This guide highlights six gravel cycling routes available on Komoot, divided into 2 Easy routes, 2 Moderate routes, and 2 Hard routes.
Each route can be previewed, saved, and downloaded as a GPX file via Komoot for offline navigation.
About Komoot.
Komoot is a GPS-based route planning and navigation platform. You can discover, preview, save and download GPX files for offline navigation — ideal when exploring rural Scotland with limited mobile signal. Routes below link to Komoot so riders can save or export them directly.
EASY RIDES — Relaxed Forest Gravel & Scenic Trails
1. Rhinefield Ornamental Woodland Loop
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1541018855/rhinefield-ornamental-woodland-loop-new-forest-national-park
Distance: ~18.7 km | Elevation: ~120 m | Estimated Time: ~1 h 20 min
Difficulty: Easy
This peaceful route runs through ornamental woodland in the New Forest near Rhinefield.
The ride follows wide forest gravel roads with very little technical difficulty. It is suitable for beginners or riders looking for a relaxed scenic outing.
Access & Logistics
- Parking: Rhinefield Drive forest car parks
- Rail: Nearby towns such as Lymington provide transport connections
- Amenities: Picnic areas inside the forest and cafés in nearby villages
2. Brockenhurst Gravel Loop — From Beaulieu
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1188180528/brockenhurst-gravel-loop-from-beaulieu-new-forest-national-park
Distance: ~28.4 km | Elevation: ~180 m | Estimated Time: ~1 h 55 min
Difficulty: Easy
This New Forest loop connects the villages of Beaulieu and Brockenhurst.
The route follows quiet bridleways and forest tracks with gentle elevation changes, making it a good choice for relaxed gravel riding.
Access & Logistics
- Parking: Beaulieu Road station area
- Rail: Beaulieu Road and Brockenhurst stations
- Amenities: Local pubs, cafés and village shops
MODERATE ROUTES — Half-Day Gravel Adventures
3. Chichester Harbour Loop — Chichester
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1038406154/chichester-harbour-loop-from-chichester
Distance: ~32.2 km | Elevation: ~200 m | Estimated Time: ~2 h 30 min
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting from Chichester, this route circles parts of Chichester Harbour.
Riders will encounter a mix of farm tracks, bridleways and quiet countryside lanes. Some gravel sections may be uneven.
Access & Logistics
- Parking: Chichester city centre car parks
- Rail: Chichester station has good London and coastal connections
- Amenities: Shops, cafés and pubs in Chichester
4. Three Village Circular — New Forest Trails
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1008918700/three-village-circular-new-forest-trails
Distance: ~39.8 km | Elevation: ~260 m | Estimated Time: ~2 h 50 min
Difficulty: Moderate
This New Forest loop connects Sway with nearby villages using forest bridleways and gravel paths.
The terrain is rolling rather than flat, with changing woodland scenery throughout the ride.
Access & Logistics
- Parking: Sway village or nearby trailheads
- Rail: Sway station is close to the route
- Amenities: Village cafés and pubs along the route
HARD EPICS — Full-Day Gravel Challenges
5. Undulating Lover Loop with Avon Valley Views — New Forest Trails
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1008935012/undulating-lover-loop-with-avon-valley-views-new-forest-trails
Distance: ~51.5 km | Elevation: ~430 m | Estimated Time: ~4 h 10 min
Difficulty: Hard
This longer New Forest gravel route explores rolling woodland tracks and elevated viewpoints over the Avon Valley.
Riders should be comfortable with sustained gravel riding and moderate climbing.
Access & Logistics
- Parking: Burley or Holmsley trailheads
- Rail: Brockenhurst or Sway stations
- Amenities: Pubs and cafés in surrounding villages
6. South Downs National Park Loop — From Lewes
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1653199195/south-downs-national-park-loop-from-lewes
Distance: ~62.4 km | Elevation: ~840 m | Estimated Time: ~5 h 40 min
Difficulty: Hard
A classic gravel challenge inside the South Downs National Park.
The route follows chalk ridge bridleways, grassy tracks and long climbs. Riders should expect exposure to wind and variable trail surfaces.
Access & Logistics
- Parking: Lewes town centre
- Rail: Lewes station has direct London connections
- Amenities: Cafés and pubs in Lewes and nearby villages
🌍 Travel & Riding Tips — South East England
- Chalk and flint gravel surfaces can be slippery when wet
- 35–45 mm tyres are recommended for comfort and control
- Forest trails may stay shaded and cooler even in summer
- Always download Komoot routes for offline navigation
Part of the UK Komoot Gravel Route Series
This article forms part of our ongoing regional guide series showcasing the best gravel cycling routes across the UK using Komoot.
Published so far:
- Gravel Cycling in Scotland: 6 Komoot Routes for Easy, Moderate & Hard Adventures
- North West England Gravel Cycling: 6 Komoot Routes for Easy, Moderate & Hard Adventures
- Best North East England Gravel Cycling Routes (UK 2026 Guide) – 6 Komoot Gravel Routes
- Gravel Cycling in East Anglia & the Midlands
Each guide follows the same structure — 2 Easy, 2 Moderate and 2 Hard routes — helping riders quickly find routes suited to their experience, fitness and available time.
Next in the Series
- Gravel Cycling in South West England – 6 Komoot Gravel Routes
- Gravel Cycling in Wales – 6 Komoot Gravel Routes
- Gravel Cycling in Northern Ireland – the last in the series.
These upcoming guides will explore moorland epics, coastal gravel, national parks and some of the most rugged riding terrain in Britain.
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