You simply cannot visit the New Forest without making the most of the miles of tracks. Spot ponies, deer and other wildlife on two wheels whilst working up an appetite for lunch.
Cyclexperience started off in 1993 from a stable building in Brockenhurst. With loan from the Prince’s Trust, New Forest Cycle Hire Centre was born.
You needn’t be Bradley Wiggins, but do be prepared possibly with large Bridget Jones style pants or similar comfort-wear. Routes start at 2 hours ish and for those super keen, lean and mean on a bike there are 5+ hour routes for proper saddle soreness that'll have you truly appreciating the sumptuousness of your New forest luxury cottage!
New Forest Cycle Hire, as the name suggests, hire out bikes for you to enjoy the trails. The team there are utter experts in all things cycling. From a geeky know-how of fitting the right bike to you, to an innate knowledge of the terrain, landmarks and picnic spots, pick their brains to get the best route for you in terms of fitness, ability and what you want to see.
If you are avec your own bicycle, then you can simply park up and pedal off following marked routes along the way. You can also purchase a map for any number of routes from the chaps at New Forest Cycle Hire (if you are feeling very organised you can plan some routes on their website).
A favourite is ‘Bike to the Beach’. Set off upon your wheels and capture views across the Solent from tranquil pebble shores near Milford on Sea. This route takes you from Brockenhurst along the disused railway, through Sway and onto Keyhaven via the Gun Inn. You can opt for a bit of an extra loop to see the historic Hurst Castle. This route isn’t necessarily circular but you can simply cycle back the way you came or cycle to Lymington to catch the train back to the Cycle Hire.
For a meatier cycle try the ‘Bike to Beaulieu’ route, about a 3-4 hour ride. It’s a fairly established trail which takes you through new and old woodland to Hatchet Pond and you can reach the traditional Turfcutter's Inn at East Boldre for a possible pit stop for lunch. You can cycle to Buckler's Hard or Beaulieu along quiet lanes as an extra loop, returning to Brockenhurst with views of the Isle of Wight. To keep you going you pass three pubs along the way…
All that’s left is to get on your bike and ride.
Cyclexperience Hire Centre, Southside Car Park, Brockenhurst Rail Station, SO42 7TW | 01590 624808 | newforestcyclehire.co.uk
