The New Forest has 140 miles of off-road gravel tracks largely thanks to disused logging trails – more than anywhere else in the UK.
This means safe cycling for young and old alike, and a perfect way in which to discover the National Park.
Whilst cycling is great for your health, there has recently been a big expansion in the use of E-Bikes, which are great for encouraging less-active people the chance to get back on two wheels.
The silent bikes are great new for the forest’s famous wildlife, which includes ponies, donkeys and pigs and, as far as the environment goes, more E-bikes means less cars on the roads – which is to the benefit of everyone.
Comments Clare Dark, the Owner of Jaunt e-bikes: “Many people, especially older, want to enjoy the freedom and adventure of a bike but are put off by the dread of rounding a corner to be faced with a giant hill!! The pedal assist ensures that everyone’s on a level playing field, and nobody gets left behind; everyone can ride at their own pace.
“And because you’re pedalling you still get all the physical and mental health benefits of a cardiovascular workout – but without the hard impact on joints and bones. And you’ll be able to cover much, much more distance on an e-bike, take in more sights and explore more. Everyone can enjoy the day, equally.”
There are several bike hire shops dotted around the New Forest, all of which off the opportunity to try E-bikes:
Jaunt E-Bikes is an E-bike specialist based on the New Forest coast at Milford-on-Sea. Retro styled with chunky fat tyres and five levels of cheeky pedal assist at your fingertips, there’s no need to avoid hills or limit your journey. Bikes are supplied with free breakdown recovery and complimentary maps and routes. Hire rates from just £25 for adults and £15 for kids. For further information visit www.jaunt-ebikes.co.uk.
CycleXperience is a long-established business based next to Brockenhurst Station in the heart of the forest. There are bikes of every shape and size and trailers for loading up children! CycleXperience also has a downloadable app with routes to explore, with E-bikes costing from £45. Visit www.cyclex.co.uk.
Based in the village of Burley, renowned for its connections to witches (and famous fudge shop!), New Forest Cycling offers a wide range of E-bikes both for hire or buy. They recommend a wide variety of suggested routes, including one along the disused railway line. E-bikes cost from £43 to hire for a full day. Visit www.forestleisurecycling.co.uk.
Located in the pretty town of Lymington on the New Forest coast, New Forest bikes offer great value, with their Step Through E-bikes, with three levels of assistance. The bike-friendly Isle of Wight ferry, which departs from Lymington, means adventures exploring the island are also an option. Day-long E-bike hire from £38 for the day. Visit www.newforestbikes.co.uk.
The Woods Cyclery can be found in the high street in Lyndhurst, the forest’s capital town. There are bikes of all shapes and sizes and E-bike options include the new Cube Longtail Sport electric cargo bike, which features a huge battery capacity, and an equally huge carrying capacity that can carry up to two kids! Bike hire starts from just £24 per day. See www.thewoodscyclery.co.uk
For further information about the New Forest, including ideas of things to do and places to stay, from camp sites and holiday parks to luxury hotels and everything in between, go to www.thenewforest.co.uk.