From Broughton to the edge of the New Forest

The New Forest is best explored via its offroad tracks as the roads that run across it, almost without exception, carry quite high levels of traffic. This ride just touches on the northern edge of the forest giving you the opportunity of seeing the wonderful broadleaf woodland, wild ponies and perhaps deer, which abound in the area. The ride starts from Broughton, a pretty village to the southwest of Stockbridge and runs south, parallel to the Test Valley. After crossing the A36 in West Wellow a short section of broad stone-based track neatly links quiet lanes and avoids spending time on busy roads. You are now within the boundaries of the New Forest as far as Nomansland and should glimpse plenty of wildlife. The section between Hamptworth and the A36 at Newton is the busiest of the ride for reasons hard to fathom. North of here you climb to a highpoint of 480ft (146m) on Dean Hill. Having briefly strayed into Wiltshire you return to Hampshire in West Dean with one final climb on your way back to Broughton.
Pictures: http://www.viewranger.com/routelibrary/cyclecity/ID007_PIC01.jpgRefreshments: Broughton - Greyhound PH (01794 301464), Tally Ho Inn (01794 301280)
East Tytherley - Star Inn (01794 340225)
Lockerley - Kings Arms PH (01794 340332)
Gilbert Garden Centre (A27) - Conservatory Tearoom
Canada - Rockingham Arms PH (01794 322473)
Nomansland - Lamb Inn (01794 390246)
Hamptworth - Cuckoo Inn (01794 390302)
Whiteparish - Fountain Inn (01794 884266), Kings Head PH (01794 884287)
West Tytherley - Black Horse PH (01794 340308)
Parking: At the back of Broughton village hall, on the road towards Houghton
Busy Roads: 1/4 mile on A27 through Whiteparish (30mph speed limit) (16)
Nearest Railway: Dundridge, northeast of Romsey
Publication: Cycle Tours - Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
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