____Schwingis Southampton

This trip brings you into the northern parts of the new forest. Its one of the oldest intact forests in Britain and an really enjoyable ride

Leaving Basset cross the sports centre near Lord's Wood (40/17), and cycle trough the wood on the bridle way to the east. In Nursling (38/16) turn north and stay on small roads to reach Romsey (36/21). At the first round about turn west and after leaving the town turn right onto A27 to Salisbury. Follow it up the hill till a small road heads south again (33/21). Via Redwood Lane and Romsey Road cycle on to West Wellow (29/19) where the A36 brings you to Plaitford. Turning onto New Road Nomansland (25/17) is reached. Till this point the trip to Salisbury follows the same path but now we head south to reach the B3078 (24.5/15.5). Turn right and soon left again to follow the cycling route that leads to Fritham (23/14). From there follow the cycle signs to Frogham (17/13). This part leads over open country to the Avon Valley and is probably the best part of the trip. Keep going south on small roads till you reach Moyles Court (16/8) where we start our way back. Shortly after Appleslade Bottom (19/9) one of the marked cycle routes turns south to rejoin the road near the underpass of the A31 (23.5/10). After crossing the A road the Bolderwood and Rhinefield Ornamental Drives bring you to Brockenhurst (30/3). Stay on the north edge of the village and turn right onto B3055 after following the A 337 for a short while. Soon the official cycle route turns north again to Lyndhurst. Try to head more to the east so that you hit the B3056 behind the village (33.5/7). This is a bit tricky as the woods in this area are crisscrossed with cycling routes and it is difficult to find your way trough this maze. Once you reached the road the stay on the B3056 till Beaulieu Road Station (35/6) where you turn east again on an other small road. Unfortunately there may be a lot of traffic on this road but I didn't find anything better so far. At the next crossing (38.5/7) turn left to reach the A326 (38/10). Cross over to Marchwood and follow the small roads to Totton. After crossing the Toll bridge (free for cycles) join the Southampton cycle network to go back to the city (36.5/13). How you return to Basset is up to you and depends manly on how familiar you are with Southampton's streets. I normally cycle along the docks to the city centre and then along the Avenue back to the starting point.