The New Forest

Participant · 5 Jul 2010 at 17:50

Hi

I'm thinking about coming down to the New Forest some time in mid-August, for a cycling / walking / pubbing / maybe watersports (shut it) break with the wife. Can anyone recommend any decent hotels to stay in the area?

I haven't really decided on a budget, but not excessive since it's just a casual weekend, say anything from Travelodge to 4*.

If you've got any other feeling about where the best area to stay is and what attractions are worth visiting, then let's hear it also! Basically spill your guts about the New Forest!

Thanks, much appreciated

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Aero · 5 Jul 2010 at 17:52

The Little Paddock. Trust me its brilliant. Look at the reviews

Deadbeat · 5 Jul 2010 at 18:12

Ride cows while you're there. Not strictly speaking a regulated activity, but easy enough to do - the whole forest is dotted with these lovely sunkissed meadows, and herds congregate there. They're pretty used to humans around, but they're still wild, so keep your eyes open.

What you wanna do is single one out - a smaller one, definitely not one with a calf, preferably toward the edge of the herd and a back no lower than the bottom of your ribs. Don't immediately run toward it, try and sidle toward being between it and the herd. It'll watch you for a bit, then start to move away as you get closer - this is the time to run. Get between it and the herd, so it doesn't join them all and escape. If you haven't caught up with it in the first 5 seconds or so you probably won't, so don't try too hard - they're surprisingly fast when they get moving. The hair's too short for a good handhold, so you want to throw your leg over it and haul yourself up that way. Lean forward and brace yourself on the neck, but keep your head to one side - if they throw their head back, you'll get one in the face. A few seconds of free riding is all you really need - don't be greedy, we don't want to cause undue distress. Slide off to one side, away from the parabola of her bank if she's turning, and roll when you hit the ground.

If you see a bull at any time, get off and run for the nearest tree - FAST. Standing still won't protect you, because the running herd would have already irritated him somewhat. It doesn't matter if it's a climbable tree - just so long as there's something big and solid between you and the bull. Once you're on the other side of the tree, you can look around for one to get up until the bull leaves, but it's not good to stand around gawping too long.

Murf · 5 Jul 2010 at 18:47

Deadbeat said:
Random craziness....

GoatBotherer · 5 Jul 2010 at 18:48

The High Corner Inn. I've only been there for lunches while walking the dog (really good food). But I know a few people who have stayed there and they love it. It's nestled right in the woods and very secluded so you can have a few beers in the evening and just walk out into the woods. There's loads of cycle hire places in the new forest, so there's no worry about that.