Help! Anybody know their way around the New Forest?

[oofadoofa]

Hi, long story, but I am hoping to take my horses up to the New Forest on Sunday to ride. I did originally have a guide to come with me, but she now can't make it so I am a bit stuck on where to go and wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction? I have trawled websites looking for riding routes but no luck All I seem to find is walking routes or cycling routes and I don't know whether these will be suitable (plus these maps aren't that great either). Ideally looking to go around the Ashurst area but again if anyone says this isn't suitable then I will have a re-think.

Any help greatly appreciated

 

[Rudolph's Red Nose]

Hi, if you have access to facebook may be join / post on a page called New Forest pony people, lovely page & people - I am sure someone on there could help ?

 

[oofadoofa]

Good idea, thank you

 

[sue_nf]

I would drive through Ashurst and on towards Lyndhurst, turn left just before reaching Lyndhurst onto the Beaulieu Road, then just stop at any car park along there. You will see a hill and big green on left and then just pick your direction, you will be able to go for miles.

 

[oofadoofa]

Brilliant, thanks Sue, that's just the sort of information I was after!

 

[sue_nf]

Glad to have helped, anything else, just let me know, have a fab ride.

 

[Charem]

I used to live in the NF, so beautiful there. One of my favourite rides was going from Burley - where I used to live to the Red Shoot pub on the other side of the A35. Turn off at the Burley junction and park in the first car park on the left. Theres a track that goes from there back towards the A35, follow that and it will take you to the underpass so you can get on to the otherside of the duel carriageway, turn left and follow that track until you get to a little lane which eventually takes you to Linford Bottom and a bridge that crosses over the river (If you jump down in to it next to the bridge it's a perfect one stride to jump out the other side!). Gallop up the hill directly ahead (mind it gets wet on the left) and then follow the track that goes right. Have another good gallop along there and eventually you will reach a very steep hill. Go down there, follow the road right up the hill and that will land you at the Red Shoot pub. Great food/drink and you can tie your horses up to the fence and eat your meal on the table right next to them.

Best check a map before you go as it's been a while since i've done that ride. Enjoy!

 

[sue_nf]

Charem, your directions are perfect, where in Burley did you used to live?

 

[Charem]

Just off the high street, next to the Fire station. Such a pretty little village.

 

[sue_nf]

We used to be in Forest Road.

 

[ester]

Or stop before the newforest and come to salisbury lots of off road but poss not quite the same!

 

[oofadoofa]

Ooh thanks charem, I'll have a look at that one too!

Ester I would love to, but am picking up a friend in Southampton, as I say, long story! But love to come for a ride around Salisbury plain one day!

 

[alsxx]

Moved away now, but we used to regularly box out to Deerleap car park (nr Ashurst) and go out from there for a few hours!

 

[Woodsider]

Ah - Burley! Brings to mind the super cream teas at the Burley Tea Rooms long ago. And I still have the leather chaps made for me 40 years ago by a lovely man not far from the Tea Rooms. Enjoy your riding!