Essec UK - photos Aug 04

Evenement Essec UK - Aug 04

Promenade a Velo @ New Forest

The New Forest was created in 1079 by William I (known as William the Conqueror) as a hunting area, principally of deer. It is a unique area of historical, ecological and agricultural significance, and retains many of the rural practices conceded by the Crown in medieval times to local people. Principal of these is the pasturing of ponies, cattle, pigs and donkeys in the open Forest by local inhabitants known as Commoners. The New Forest has also been an important source of timber for the Crown. It is an outstanding recreational area for walking and riding.

There are more than 100 miles of Forestry Commission owned offroad tracks to explore, wildlife in abundance and plenty of sites of interest to visit.

This network of cycle routes which links the main villages, is constantly being expanded and improved and is shared with walkers and horseriders. It has been developed by Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council.

All tracks are signposted and only vulnerable areas and those where forest work is taking place are barred to cyclists. Trails are well maintained and therefore open in the winter as well and most roads have a 40mph speed limit.

Cycle hire is easy if you don't have a bike with you you can hire a bike in Ringwood, Fordingbridge, Lymington and Brockenhurst.