When overseas you learn more about your own country, than you do the place you’re visiting.Clint Borgen
Summer had set in and we had to do the most of it while it lasts. New Forest in the south of England includes one of the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed pasture land, heathland and forest in the heavily populated south east of England. Join us for a Perfect Day trip from London, Biking in New forest, away from the hustle bustle and onto the lap of nature.
It was someone at Amoli’s workplace who suggested this place for cycling. So on a bright Saturday morning, we drove three hours to reach New Forest. As soon we entered the area, we were simply mystified by this place. Absolutely stunning – bright green forest, pastures and wild ponies grazing away – looked like a scene from an Indiana Jones movie.
We parked our car at the city centre and we hired bikes.
Parking Details – Lyndhurst Community Centre, Main Car Park, Lyndhurst SO43 7NY
Bike Hire: AA bike Hire (very next to the car park above) – Click here
Price: 10£ per day/Bike
We decided to do the 25KM bike ride through the forest. A mile of paved roads to get off the town and we were right into the forest. The bike shop had given us clear maps and it was quite easy to navigate. The beauty of this place kept unraveling in front of us at every corner and turn. And then the ponies started appearing – a lot of them grazing away to the bright sun against green background. Stunning views.
Well three of these ponies – one black, one white and a grey decided to get a little more adventurous. I wouldn’t call it an “attack” but Amoli does beg to differ. These three fellows decided to block our path and when we were off our bikes – they came straight at us with an aura of confidence which was more intimidating.
And the grey one tried turning his back to us and was trying to kick our jaws out! Some quick thinking and we held our bikes in front of our body and moved away. But he didn’t seem to be giving up and came back again and again until I just lifted the bike and dropped on the ground with a thud. It was only then I guess he decided to leave us alone. One hell of a memory. 
The cycling within the forest was quite amazing passing through more pastures. But half way through, it has a lot of paved country roads to cycle through. And it was very hard to ride a Mountain Bike on a paved road with a lot of uphill’s and downhills. But towards the end, we did make it. We were quite worn out towards the end and absolutely smacked! But all worth it and hope to do it again soon.
Visit England with us – Click here
Another Recommended Day trip from London – Mersea Island.
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This is Aldrin and my partner Amoli. We bring you "Earths Pilgrim" - a unique insight into our travel escapades while leaving life in a cubicle. If you are looking for some inspiration to break the shackles of a regular life, then you are the right place. Read more about us- Click here.