Cycling & Mountain Biking

Whether it’s ambling along, taking in the beautiful scenery, a sunset cycle along the promenade, or an off-road inland adventure, Bournemouth is a brilliant place for fun on two wheels.

Our beautiful coastal town and surrounding areas are a magnet for cyclists seeking both exhilarating downhill rides, traversing long coastal distances with fellow MAMILs, or simply enjoying a comfortable ride out with the family. Bournemouth has options for every age and ability.

Need a ride?

If you haven’t got bikes or are visiting the area, our cycle hire services make getting around Bournemouth a doddle. Beryl bikes are available all over the Bournemouth and Poole areas and can be dropped off at multiple locations across the destination. Alternatively, you could book Dorset Guided E-Bike Day Trips; these e-bikes are as easy to ride as a conventional bike and your electric bike will take you to all the best sites in and around Poole, Bournemouth, & Christchurch.

Kool Cyle Hire and Front Bike Hire are both located near Bournemouth Pier and are perfect for that beach front ride.  

Cycle routes

Seafront: Bournemouth Beach has a great promenade for cycling, which stretches from Hengistbury Head in the east to Sandbanks in the west. Although it’s not permitted to cycle on the prom between 10am and 6pm in July and August due to the high number of people, you can ride between the piers on the road at all times throughout the year. Just be sure to give pedestrians the right of way while you enjoy a great way to get around our wonderful coastline. See our leaflet for more information on seafront cycling.

To the east: Routes to Christchurch offer great scenic riding, with great coffee shops to park up and rest at in the town centre. You could stop for a walk around the Priory Gardens or continue through to Mudeford and join the coast again at Avon Beach.
Further trails inland will take you to Burton and Sopley, or you can continue along the coast into Highcliffe. Alternatively, hop on the train and jump off at New Milton or Brockenhurst station to explore the New Forest.

To the west: Follow the promenade, and you can travel to the very tip of Sandbanks, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Hop on the Sandbanks-Shell Bay Chain Ferry for a 15-minute crossing to Studland, and from here, the Isle of Purbeck is at your feet. With great cycling routes around Swanage and Corfe Castle, it's perfect for a big day’s ride.

Inland: The most suitable location for mountain biking locally is Moors Valley Country Park near Ringwood. There is bike hire available, various woodland trails and a dedicated single track. More details are available here

For more detailed trails and routes you can download the Bournemouth cycling map here.

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