"Ancient" New Forest Circular (2020 Route)

Due to Covid 19 we are limited to six in a group, total. During and after the ride we will be following Government Guidance regarding Covid-19 symptoms, hygiene, health, safety and social distancing. Please be patient and considerate in keeping the social distancing measures as we resume group rides

This is 25 miles circular route starting from Eling Car Park to Minstead for Coffee, via Marchwood, Beaulieu Road Station, Lyndhurst, Furzey Gardens, Minstead, Bartley, Woodlands, Ashurst Bridge & Totton. The route is mostly on roads, and some cycle paths and gravel tracks.

This circular route takes you into the New Forest National Park which is believed to have the highest concentration of ancient trees in Western Europe. The route starts in the carpark by Eling toll bridge, where you can see the ancient tide mill, the route takes us on the new cyclepath to Marchwood where we pass Saints FC club training ground, before heading across the wide open expanse to Lyndhurst. Return via the greenery of Minstead and Woodlands villages. We will be stopping at the community café in Minstead for coffee and snack, just over half distance, and there are some toilets at start and on route.

In the Forest the route will be on minor and B roads, with some traffic free cycle paths and gravel tracks, at the beginning and end of the ride.

The will chance to take photo's of ponies and grazing animals that freely roam the Forest, and the pretty villages and lanes on route. There will be a brief stop at Lyndhurst to admire the Italian supercars, with a coffee stop at either Furzey Gardens or Minstead Community Shop at around 2/3rds distance.

Its advisable to wear Helmets on this route, and a rain jacket in the possibility that we may have a shower. Riders should bring spare tube and puncture outfit, together with a lock for the café stop. Its also essential to bring water and money for the coffee stop.

We never leave anyone behind