I know I’ve done a lot of talking about cycling abroad recently and when you read about the fantastic time I had in Catalunya, you can see why. And whilst I definitely want to do more cycling and exploring in Europe, sometimes it’s easy to forget the beautiful cycling we have right here in England. Cycle Southern England launched this week with a brand new website offering a one-stop shop for those keen to cycle on some of the UK’s quietest, and easily accessible, roads and tracks.
Bikepacking
I don’t live in Southern England but there are so many options available when you want to explore other areas of the country; there are lots of cyclist friendly accommodation options to suit all sorts of budgets who are very willing to accommodate bikes too. Bikepacking (where you literally pack everything you need for your trip onto your bike) is next on my list of cycling adventures; I quite fancy a few b&b or hostel stops and carrying only the required essentials with me. (Obviously, if it was warmer in the UK I’d be up for carrying a tent too and doing a spot of camping along the way. Sadly, it’s October and currently pouring down. And our summer was less than favourable too – so indoor accommodation definitely suits me better!)
Lots to explore
Just a one hour train ride from London and easily accessible from the north and west and it’s worth the trip as the Cycle Southern England region looks like it has lots to explore! It covers an area including Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Bournemouth and Poole, North Wessex Downs, Chichester and Arundel, Wiltshire and Berkshire, offering some of the UK’s best cycling experiences for road, mountain bike and family riders. Now, I’ve not explored any of these and when it includes two National Parks, the New Forest and the South Downs, I have to ask myself why not? We’re so lucky to some have some truly beautiful countryside here in the UK and everything looks so pretty in Autumn with all the changing colours.
The region offers over 200 miles of car-free cycle tracks and trails, over 1,000 miles of bridleways, at least 10 cycle hire centres, over 35 cycle friendly places to stay and more than 100 cycle friendly cafes and tea shops. So whilst I’ve been waxing lyrical about what’s on offer abroad, it’s fair to say the UK has a lot to offer too. And something for every cycling ability. Yay!
Loads of different cycling options
If you live close by to these areas you might find something new to explore and if you’ve never been before, well the website offers plenty of easy to follow itineraries, such as the ‘Red Squirrel Trail’ or ‘Mountain Biking at Alice Holt Forest’ within the family cycling section, or the 160 mile ‘Wiltshire Cycleway’ or for those looking for something a little more challenging, the 64 mile ‘Taste Round the Island’ route on the Isle of Wight.
Traffic free trails for family cycling
New routes for 2015 featuring on the website include The Meon Valley, stretching for 10 miles from Knowle to West Meon and a great traffic free trail for families, passing through the South Downs National Park and the pretty villages of the Meon Valley. Improved drainage and surfacing that was completed in July 2015 ensures the route can be used year round. With improved access to great inns and pubs along the route, there are also plenty of places to stay nearby…and plenty of places to grab a well-earned pint, bacon sandwich or piece of cake!
Don’t fancy travelling with your bike in tow?
The trains to the Cycle Southern England region allow passengers to carry bikes onboard free of charge, or if you don’t fancy that, there are an array of places to hire bikes on arrival. Cycle hire hubs are listed across the region in the site’s ‘Plan Your Trip’ section, including, for example, Cyclexperience located in the car park of Brockenhurst train station, offering bike hire from just £17 per day – which is pretty good value for a day of exercise, sightseeing and cycling fun!
Travelling with my bike is something I’m really enjoying at the moment. If Southern England is an area you’ve cycled already, I’d love to hear your tips on places to visit, or top recommendations for places to rest my head and my legs! If you’ve not been yet, why not check it out. I might just see you there!
Sounds fantastic! We lived in Copenhagen for 2 years, where the trains are really bike friendly. Entire carriages are devoted to them with these funny curly wheel holders to keep them safely in place while you travel! Very clever! 🙂
Emma recently posted…Halloween Abroad
That sounds ideal, Emma! Very clever indeed.
Sounds amazing, I love exploring our country x
Sonia recently posted…The Snow Queen 2 Blu-Ray Giveaway
I will admit I have not been on a bike since I was 15, so thats a good 20 years. I really should get back into it and take the kids!
angela hamilton recently posted…Keeping Elders Healthy & Active
Cycling is a great way to spend some family time together. My two love exploring on two wheels.
I have got more nervous about riding on the roads as I’ve got older, but I like cycling on cycle paths and the like.
There are so many lovely cycle paths around the UK with some wonderful scenery and places to explore. It’s definitely worth investigating your local area Erica, or visiting further afield, if you fancy a nice little trip away.
What a fab way to explore a place. I think that this is something that my boys would love to do when they are bigger
Jen recently posted…Vampire Bite Cupcakes for Halloween – Cooking with kids
What a wonderful way to seethe sights. I love the sound of bike packing only my changing bag ways a ton as I just can’t do travelling light
Clare aka Emmy’s Mummy recently posted…A fun filled day at Chessington while potty training
We have lots of bike trails around us and I would love to explore Dorset more – don’t fancy the hills though
Kara recently posted…Premier Innâs Travel Sleep Tips Campaign
We live down south and we have lots of free family cycle paths through the New Forest. We actually picked up a map £3 this summer as we are all getting to the competent cycling stage it would be nice to explore the New Forest on a bike rather than just foot.
Joanne Dewberry recently posted…Smart is the new Cool with Project Mc2
So much more fun than exploring on foot too, Joanne.
I like how some train companies are making it easier to travel with a bike. It helps people to enjoy their hobby!
JuggleMum, Nadine Hill recently posted…Half Term Holiday Essentials
It’s great to hear isn’t it. It makes it much easier to travel around, take your bike with you for exploring and leave your car at home. Much more fun!
I’ve just had a look at the website. What a great idea. My girls love cycling but finding safe areas to go so they get more experience is difficult as there isn’t always enough info out there. It would be great if this spread to all UK regions
bluebearwood recently posted…Forest Fruits Ganache Drip Cake – Birthday Cake
It is a brilliant idea isn’t it! My husband and I had the same conversation today. Finding somewhere safe for children to cycle is difficult, especially when they need somewhere that also suits their abilities. I’d love to see more regions follow suit.
I have enjoyed reading all your biking posts and have found them very informative. Seriously considering getting a bike for next spring and starting a new chapter as a family when it comes to exercising!xx
oana79 recently posted…What this mummy loved in…September
Thank you Oana, I’m so pleased! And I wish you all lots of fun in your new chapter. X
A lovely part of the world, and even better by bike I am sure!
Sonya Cisco recently posted…Higgidy Pie and homemade baked sweet potato fries
This sounds great and I love nothing more than being outdoors taking in all our surroundings. One day I hope to get back on a bike again (knackered pelvis!), I’m sure I will 🙂
I have back problems and find one of the few sports I can do is cycling. Finger’s crossed for you. X
I really want to get out more by bike and need to make it a priority to get the kids cycling so we can do so as a family.
Globalmouse recently posted…The latest must have toys to take with you while you travel – Autumn/Winter 2015
Places like those mentioned in this post are great for family cycling and I’m sure you’ll find the whole family will enjoy it. We’ve had some really great times cycling together as a family, even though my youngest is only four.
wow this sounds fun, I love cycling although my bike doesn’t always like me; good way to exercise though.
Mummy little blog recently posted…The Fear of a choking child
Ha! My bike doesn’t always like me either!