The New Forest

[JohnClimber]

I'm down south with work in a couple of weeks and although work pays for a hotel, I'm thinking I could use this as a car park, shower, changing room and breakfast place, then ride out to the New Forest for an after work and before the next day short rde bivi ride.

But is there anywhere you would recommend and wouldn't recommend bivi'ing in and around the Western part of the New Forest area?

I've never been down there before so please go easy on the place names.

Also if there are any locals who fancy it mid week please let me know.

[JohnClimber]

Just a quick google search told me that wild camping isn't allowed in the New Forest, but this was on a couple of sites dates 2008.

So what's the rules for a northern guy down south?

[Dan_K]

I've only ridden there once off road so can't offer much in the way of routes but may be around and up for a night out. Like anywhere, I think if you're discreet it'll be ok.
I'm away during half term week (17th-21st February) but available apart from that.

Where is your hotel?

[BrianP]

In the mid sixties you could camp anywhere. In the mid 80's you could ride anywhere.

Now, camping only in official camp sites and riding only on authorised routes. However once away from busy car park areas it is very quiet and rarely see anyone, especially at this time of year.

There is loads of great riding using forest fire roads, walking routes and because the horses also have their own well trodden routes around the forest, you can follow those as well.

It is very wet just now though, surface water every where, so sticking to official trails will still give loads of good riding.

There are a number of camp sites http://www.campingintheforest.co.uk/england/new-forest and as far as I remember Setthorns is the only one open all year, so probably only one open now.

Some info about routes here http://www.thenewforest.co.uk/activities/cycle-map.aspx

Have a look here, loads of choice http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/new-fore ... e-code.pdf

Brian

[JohnClimber]

I'm away during half term week (17th-21st February) but available apart from that.

Typical, that's the week I'm down there

[Dan_K]

I'm away during half term week (17th-21st February) but available apart from that.

Typical, that's the week I'm down there

Ha ha typical!

That's a shame, I was warming to the idea of a little visit to Mudeford quay for a pint and some fresh seafood from the fish stall.

[thomthumb]

stay away from any houses and you'll be fine.

It will be flooded in a lot of areas atm - as brian says stick to the cyclepaths/ fireroads as everything else will be totally sodden.

you need some high(er) ground to stop on.

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/new-fore ... e-code.pdf