The New Forest National Park lies at the heart of this trip with its vast forests, heaths and pasture-land where deer, ponies, and pigs have the right to roam. Tucked into the peaceful landscape are pretty villages and charming estuaries where maritime history abounds. And just off the coast lies the delightfully English Isle of Wight.
Using awesome gravel tracks through the forest and disused railway lines, much of this tour is free of traffic and leaves plenty of time to explore. Discover: forest life and villages at Burley, Brockenhurst and Beaulieu with its fine estate and Motor Museum, maritime delights at Buckler’s Hard and Lymington, the Isle of Wight experience and the charms of Yarmouth where your ferry arrives. You'll be very tempted to return!
Holiday details
Price
- Classic
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from £1,330 per person
- Luxury
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from £2,160 per person
Based on two people sharing a room
What’s included?
Return ferry to the Isle of Wight on Day 4. See what’s included as standard
Duration
5 nights
Start & Finish
Starts Sundays and is circular from Burley. Burley is a short taxi ride from Brockenhurst station which is 1.5 hours from London by train. It is also close to Bournemouth airport
Hotels
- Classic
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Centrally located hand picked hotels and inns
- Luxury
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2 quite charming boutique hotels and a country house hotel
Holiday type
Self-guided
This tour is priced without a guide and you are free to explore on your own. If you would like a guide for part or all of your trip, we are happy to provide a knowledgeable, local guide
Activity level
Gentle cycling (1) More info...
Electric bikes
Available
Mileage
3 days of cycling 13 - 20 miles (21 - 32 km) per day and 1 day of optional cycling
Terrain
Flattish
Traffic-free
70% very low traffic on the rest
Options
- Enjoy the assurance of our local guide cycling with you and sharing their knowledge on your first day
- Let us book you a boating, fishing or horse riding experience
- Extend your trip to include Studland beach and our walk along the stunning Jurassic coast
- Add on a ride or transfer to include Stonehenge
Itinerary day-by-day
Classic & Luxury
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1. Day one
Burley
Arrive in Burley and check into your hotel in this cosy forest village. At a time to suit you make your way to our base a few minutes walk away, which is open from 09.00 to 17.30, to pick up your cycling equipment.
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2. Day two
Burley to Brockenhurst
Your host will meet you at your hotel to run through your itinerary and to familiarize you with the route. As you cycle today you will see the best of the New Forest on this wonderful route of off-road gravel tracks giving you a great opportunity to see deer, ponies and pigs as they roam freely in their natural setting. Wonder at ancient and majestic trees and absorb the peace and tranquillity as you ride deep into the forest and into the heart of forest enclosures. Snatch a glimpse of civilisation in the village of Lyndhurst and enjoy an overnight stay in the forest village of Brockenhurst.
20 miles (32 km)
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3. Day three
Brockenhurst to Lymington
The scene changes gradually from forest to open country as you ride to the pretty Beaulieu river where you will discover the charming village of Beaulieu. Housed here is the not to be missed National Motor Museum and a notable house and garden. If that were not enough, the estate also includes the picturesque hamlet of Bucklers Hard running down to the river, where many famous naval vessels were built. From here it’s a gentle wander to Lymington – a historic maritime town where you will spend the next two nights. Once a busy port rife with smugglers and now a bustling centre with yacht marinas, fishing boats and a ferry, there’s plenty to unearth here.
20 miles (32 km)
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4. Day four
Lymington to the Isle of Wight and back
Hop aboard the ferry for the half hour trip to the Isle of Wight and discover a different scene today. Landing at Yarmouth with its working pier and tidemill, you could linger for much of the day here. There is a delightful ride on a former railway track heading to the south coast of the island at Freshwater for those wanting to explore the island further and a ride inland to a vineyard with plenty of ferries to return you back to Lymington for your second night there. Not known as gentle cycling territory, we have tailored the ride so your holiday will not be spoilt!
Optional 10 or 18 miles (16 or 29 km) or more
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5. Day five
Lymington to Burley
Much of the route today follows an old railway line as you pedal along embankments and steam through bridge holes. There are fresh forest tracks to discover and we hope some wonderful encounters with wildlife. Enjoy the old station cafes and this unique landscape as you return to Burley for a final night, with a rich variety of memories.
14 or 20 miles (23 or 32 km)
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6. Day six
Depart Burley
Return your bikes to our base and depart at your leisure.