Hyde to Fritham

About

15 miles (route can be extended or shortened) using off road tracks and country roads.

Start:

Abbotswell Car Park (SU11317) or The Hyde-out Café (Hyde Garden Centre SP6 2QB)

After enjoying a delicious New Forest Marque Breakfast at The Hyde-out Café, turn right out of the tea room and take the first right and follow the road (there is a row of houses on the left hand side).

At the brow of the hill turn left down the gravel track, then bear right along the track which will lead you to Abbotswell car park.

Join the off road cycle network at Abbotswell car park (post 4) which will take you across the Hampton Ridge and lead you to Fritham village (post 14) a good spot to see the pigs out for Pannage Season . After exploring this little hamlet village head over to The Royal Oak pub for a mouth watering lunch. Did you know that The Royal Oak pub is called the "forest parliament?"

Alternatively turn left onto the road at the end of the cycle network at the village of Fritham and follow the road down the hill to Eyeworth Car Park. The is Eyeworth pond, which is an ideal picnic spot to feed the ducks your left over crusts!

When you are ready, pick up the cycle network at the far end of the car park and stay on it until you reach the main road (B3078). Turn left and follow the road (Roger Penny Way) to Fordingbridge. As you approach Godshill you will come across the Fighting Cocks pub on your right hand side, a perfect opportunity to quench your thirst (especially after those hills). There are plenty of bike racks to secure your bikes and for horses too!

Heading now to Fordingbridge where the medieval stone bridge in with its seven fine arches provides the crossing point in the small ancient town on the banks of the river Avon. Turn right out of the Fighting Cocks and continue along Southampton Road (B3078), which merges into Bridge Street. Follow the road round to the left into High Street where you can pick up some New Forest Marque sausages and meat from Prices Butchers and some fantastic New Forest Marque cheese from Nelson's Deli perfect for a supper!

Make your way back out of Fordingbridge towards Godshill, at the petrol station turn right and then turn left into Stuckton Road (signed to Stuckton). Carry along the road and when you get to the cross roads go straight across into Abbots Well Road which will bring you back to Abbotswell car park.