Tuesday, 14 March, 2006 10:39
On your bike |
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| Southampton
Common | | | Southampton
and its environs is perfect cycling territory - from the New Forest to the South
Downs or Hampshire's river valleys. There's plenty of countryside to enjoy - without
too many strenuous hills. | |
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City
centre
Southampton
has 29 km of cycle lanes, tracks and shared-use footways. The Common is at the
centre of the network of paths linking the University with the Railway Station
and General Hospital as well connecting areas like Portswood and Bitterne with
the City Centre.
Southampton
Primary Cycle Network map
The New Forest
Although
it does get busy in the summer, you can use the roads, and gravelled tracks or
explore some of the quieter spots of the forest.
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| Cycling in
The New Forest |
There is plenty of wildlife to spot which is a great experience on two wheels.
If you don't own your own bike, there are plenty of cycle-hire centres around
Lymington and Brockenhurst.
Off-road cycling
Forest Parks offer safe traffic-free paths,
although they are limited in size. Itchen
Valley Country Park has an Off-Road Cycle Route which goes through the
park's woodland and wetland areas and around High Hill Field. There is a wide
variety of habitats within the park - shaped by centuries of traditional farming
and woodland management.
Forest trails
Further afield, Moors
Valley Country Park near Ringwood has up to six miles of cycle track.
Just follow the signs around the 'Corsican Circuit' there is a cycle hire facility
at the Park.
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