Sleeping rough in the New Forest National Park

Three gorgeous days of bliss with fabulous company. This time our friend Johnny joined in on the adventure.

We started off day 1 from Andy’s home (we both always loved the idea that, on bikeventures, your adventures starts the moment you left your driveway). Leaving from Andy’s home has various other bonuses, like having slept in very comfy beds, waking up to birdsong, his wife Lisa seeing us off after a hearty breakfast and you just know that your bike is in the best shape because he’s got every single tool (wo)man will ever need.

This was meant to be a easy ride, enjoying the beauty of the New Forest but after a good five hours we were glad to get off the saddle. We found a great place to sleep (at least we thought so), a little hidden in behind high grass and a few bushes. And then the hayfever kicked in. Whoopsee.

On the second day we decided to head South. The gravel roads a fab to ride and wide enough to have a good chat. At times it nearly felt a bit like being in Africa with the red taint in the gravel. And then we found it. Fairy tale. It was so gorgeous we could barely believe the place was real. A little stream with crystal clear water. Just about deep enough to get your but in. A lovely cold temperature to cool us down after a few hours in the saddle. The perfect place to stay the night. We were super happy and content!

When waking up in fairy tale land, you have to take your time. And so we did. We enjoyed a hearty breakfast and good coffee. We did yoga and power poses. Refilled our energy, as well as our water bottles and (after making sure we leave absolutely no trace) headed off to… home.

Sometimes you don’t have to go far to find a great little adventure!