Cycling Holidays 2012

If you're looking for a short break on two wheels, trust Country Lanes to organise a memorable holiday. We can offer unrivalled experience backed up by award-winning service to ensure every detail your trip is covered.

Whether you choose a cosy B&B or hotel accommodation, we only work with a select number of accomodation providers who understand the importance of comfort at the end of an active day. These businesses support local producers and use as many local ingredients as possible when providing you with meal(s) each day.

If you have a particular preference for a certain style of stay, then please let us know.

Our short breaks are priced as standard with two nights' accommodation, and three days' bike hire - take a look at the sample itinerary at the foot of this page.

What’s included as standard in all our Cycling Holidays

• Two nights' quality accommodation, with parking and secure bike storage
• Breakfast at your accomodation each day during your stay
• Tour information pack in advance of your cycling holiday
• Quality cycle hire for each day, with bikes fitted with pannier bags and gel saddle covers on request. We provide mountain bikes as standard and other types of cycle to choice - check out our bikes here
• Expert route advice, including a personalised OS map which is yours to keep
• Welcome pack crammed with local information
• Afternoon cream tea in Brockenhurst village on one of the days
• Luggage transfer to your accommodation
• Complimentary water bottle for each rider
• Complimentary energy bar for each days' riding
• Support of a Country Lanes representative throughout your visit

Price

The cost of our New Forest cycling short breaks starts from £179.99 per person, based on two people staying in a quality B&B in a twin or double room, for two nights mid-week.

Make your holiday your own

Every person wants something a little bit different from their holiday. We can tailor your cycling short break to include any of the following options you require:

• Hotel upgrade
• Evening meals at your accommodation (hotel bookings only) 
• Champagne and chocolates on arrival 
• Extra days of cycling, with fresh routes 
• Afternoon spa visit
• Entry into the Beaulieu attractions, including the National Motor Museum
• Entry into Buckler’s Hard on the river Beaulieu
• A day's cycling on the Isle of Wight
• Canoeing or kayaking on the River Beaulieu
• Horse riding from Brockenhurst 
• A day's guided riding in the National Park 

The additional cost of these can be given on application.

Booking enquiries

In the first instance please email the following information, including your contact details to nf@countrylanes.co.uk. Alternatively on days when we are open you can talk to a member of staff by calling 01590 622627.

• Starting date of your holiday enquiry
• Number of nights you wish to stay (our standard pricing is for two)
• Number of people
• Accommodation preference – B&B or Hotel
• Accommodation type – twin or double room (single supplements are available at an additional cost)
• Dietary needs
• Optional extras you would like included to make your holiday your own
• Height of each person to allow us to check the availability of correctly-sized bikes

Once we have received this information, we will provide you with a price for your holiday and give you the opportunity to book.

Please refer to the Terms and Conditions on our website for more information.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

A Sample Itinerary

We can help you get the most out of your holiday, whether you are a seasoned cyclist, or have less fitness and experience. Below is an example of a four day holiday programme that is popular with our customers.

DAY 1 – Arrival – Standing Hat Loop – 6.7 miles

We recommend you catch the train to Brockenhurst at the start of your holiday. At a time that suits you, make your way to the cycle hire centre to pick up your equipment. A member of staff will introduce you to your bicycles and accessories and explain how to read our route sheets and personalised Ordnance Survey map. Ease into your short break with an afternoon ride through ancient woodland. There are plenty of New Forest ponies to see, and possibly a deer or two, as you cycle through the forest on traffic-free off-road tracks.

As if by magic, when you arrive at your accomodation your luggage will be waiting in your room ready for you to spend a relaxing evening in the heart of the New Forest.

DAY 2 - The Burley Loop - 23 miles

Today’s the chance to appreciate the depth of history in this corner of Hampshire. Your first stop is the Knightwood Oak – the oldest tree in the New Forest – before pressing on to Burley, hidden deep among the trees. The village was a famous centre for smuggling and is renowned for its association with witches both ancient and modern, so beware of black cats and broomsticks! Your route back sees you pedalling in the wheel tracks of the industrial revolution along the disused railway line.

DAY 3 - England in Miniature - 13.5 to 23 miles

Take a short ride to Brockenhurst station where you and your bikes can board the train to Lymington Pier station. Here you can board a Wightlink ferry for a thirty-minute crossing to the fortified port of Yarmouth.

From Yarmouth you’ll cycle through peaceful north coast villages to the 'ghost town' of Newtown. Leaving its creeks and marshes, head inland to Calbourne and the much-photographed row of pretty thatched cottages at Winkle Street, passing Brighstone Forest and Mottistone Manor en route to the multi-coloured cliffs at Alum Bay. There’s time for a short walk with spectacular views of the famous Needles rocks and lighthouse before cycling along the traffic-free river path back to Yarmouth to catch the ferry to the mainland.

At the end of your holiday return your bikes to the cycle hire centre before closing. Your luggage will be collected from your accomodation and will be waiting safely for your return.