Cycling around the New Forest - routes?
Discussion
Squadrone Rosso said:
Bit of a late request but away with the family this week staying in the New Forest. Planning on taking my bike.
Not sure of the routes around there so wondering whether to take the Gravel Bike or hardtail MTB.
Any suggestions or observations welcome
Can't suggest any routes but have fun. I took the Hardtail several years ago when my partner was running the marathon, and was able to easily see her at multiple spots around the course. I can't remember how much I was using legally though!Not sure of the routes around there so wondering whether to take the Gravel Bike or hardtail MTB.
Any suggestions or observations welcome
https://bikepacking.com/routes/new-forest-gravel-t...
Ridden it, decent route (don't need to do all of it either), gets a bit lost at the top of the northern mini loop, there isn't really a path, frankly I'd just omit that entirely. Mostly 'champagne' gravel, really smooth, could almost do it on a roadbike territory. Overall a cracking place to do gravel.
Ridden it, decent route (don't need to do all of it either), gets a bit lost at the top of the northern mini loop, there isn't really a path, frankly I'd just omit that entirely. Mostly 'champagne' gravel, really smooth, could almost do it on a roadbike territory. Overall a cracking place to do gravel.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36172997 Done this route a few times, Gravel bike all day long. Oh, just seen it's posted above!
You're only meant to cycle on the waymarked trails - if you look at the OS explorer maps which are available as a layer on bing maps they are marked with orange dots.
I always reckon the northern half of the forest is more interesting because it's slightly hillier, so you get better views, and the trails are slightly more varied and technical.
I always reckon the northern half of the forest is more interesting because it's slightly hillier, so you get better views, and the trails are slightly more varied and technical.
Squadrone Rosso said:
We’re staying at Whitemead near Lydney. Found the 10 mile family cycle route for a go tomorrow (me escaping the family for a bit lol).
First time using the rack for this bike. So much lighter than my MTB
"Whitemead near Lydney"???First time using the rack for this bike. So much lighter than my MTB
Sounds more like the Forest Of Dean than the New Forest, no?
If that's the case I've never been, but on the off chance it's the New Forest it's cracking cycling down here. Gravel bike more than enough I reckon, especially on the official routes. I've done heaps of the "gravel" trails on my road bike, and some shorter Strava segments at "balls out" speeds (when it's quiet though) and as someone else said, much of it is more like "champagne gravel" than a grizz-fest.
If you're off to the Forest Of Dean then I hope you enjoy it, and if anyone notices me pointing out the error you might just get a bit of local knowledge from up that way. Either that or start another thread with the title corrected?
It's an easy mistake-a to make-a!
yellowjack said:
Squadrone Rosso said:
We’re staying at Whitemead near Lydney. Found the 10 mile family cycle route for a go tomorrow (me escaping the family for a bit lol).
First time using the rack for this bike. So much lighter than my MTB
"Whitemead near Lydney"???First time using the rack for this bike. So much lighter than my MTB
Sounds more like the Forest Of Dean than the New Forest, no?
If that's the case I've never been, but on the off chance it's the New Forest it's cracking cycling down here. Gravel bike more than enough I reckon, especially on the official routes. I've done heaps of the "gravel" trails on my road bike, and some shorter Strava segments at "balls out" speeds (when it's quiet though) and as someone else said, much of it is more like "champagne gravel" than a grizz-fest.
If you're off to the Forest Of Dean then I hope you enjoy it, and if anyone notices me pointing out the error you might just get a bit of local knowledge from up that way. Either that or start another thread with the title corrected?
It's an easy mistake-a to make-a!
Edited by Squadrone Rosso on Monday 25th July 20:46
Squadrone Rosso said:
You are, of course, absolutely right & I’m a bit of a tard. It’s not as if I’venot been here before either! I have no defence lol
Defence or not, whatever you do, DO NOT FORGET that bike is up there if you're heading to any car parks where they have height restrictions!!! Make sure that bike gets onto the trails in a rideable condition...Edited by Squadrone Rosso on Monday 25th July 20:46
Squadrone Rosso said:
yellowjack said:
Squadrone Rosso said:
We’re staying at Whitemead near Lydney. Found the 10 mile family cycle route for a go tomorrow (me escaping the family for a bit lol).
First time using the rack for this bike. So much lighter than my MTB
"Whitemead near Lydney"???First time using the rack for this bike. So much lighter than my MTB
Sounds more like the Forest Of Dean than the New Forest, no?
If that's the case I've never been, but on the off chance it's the New Forest it's cracking cycling down here. Gravel bike more than enough I reckon, especially on the official routes. I've done heaps of the "gravel" trails on my road bike, and some shorter Strava segments at "balls out" speeds (when it's quiet though) and as someone else said, much of it is more like "champagne gravel" than a grizz-fest.
If you're off to the Forest Of Dean then I hope you enjoy it, and if anyone notices me pointing out the error you might just get a bit of local knowledge from up that way. Either that or start another thread with the title corrected?
It's an easy mistake-a to make-a!
Edited by Squadrone Rosso on Monday 25th July 20:46
For the New Forest there is no need for a MTB - take a gravel bike.
The bike shop in Burley can probably provide you with some maps of the forest trails if you pop in.
One route which is great is the ridge/track that runs between Frogham and Fritham - part of the way along the route is the site where the the WW2 bouncing bombs were tested:
https://www.google.com/maps/@50.9213882,-1.7331482...
Another great routes is the track that runs from Burley to the[url]Canadian War Memorial|
https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Canadian+War... there is also a good loop the other side around the enclosure by the Canadian War Memorial
Just seen the rest of the thread - OP ... if ever you head to the New Forest it is a great place to ride (gravel).
The bike shop in Burley can probably provide you with some maps of the forest trails if you pop in.
One route which is great is the ridge/track that runs between Frogham and Fritham - part of the way along the route is the site where the the WW2 bouncing bombs were tested:
https://www.google.com/maps/@50.9213882,-1.7331482...
Another great routes is the track that runs from Burley to the[url]Canadian War Memorial|
https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Canadian+War... there is also a good loop the other side around the enclosure by the Canadian War Memorial
Just seen the rest of the thread - OP ... if ever you head to the New Forest it is a great place to ride (gravel).
Thanks again for the replies & apologies for my confusion.
The New Forest sounds like a must visit. The WWII stuff is right up my street.
Ventured out today. 13.6 mile ride around hard packed Forestry Commission gravel. Enjoyable & scenic. Bike was perfect.
Back out tomorrow for a bit more of an explore.
The New Forest sounds like a must visit. The WWII stuff is right up my street.
Ventured out today. 13.6 mile ride around hard packed Forestry Commission gravel. Enjoyable & scenic. Bike was perfect.
Back out tomorrow for a bit more of an explore.
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