A speeded up cycling video following Castle Hill Lane starting from the Ringwood Road in Burley Street and ending up in Pound Lane, Burley.

Cars and horse riders also share this track, so watch out and show consideration for other users. Also, as it is a gravel track be careful when approaching corners and especially on the downhill sections as it can be difficult to stop!

Castle Hill is the site of a historic old fort and also the infamous home of the Burley Dragon. It affords lovely views of the National Park, and can also be used as part of a longer route if you turn right at the end, then turn into the Burbush Hill Car Park where you can follow the disused railway track.

Date: Saturday 1st November 2008
Location: Burley

Burley will be celebrating Halloween on Saturday 1st of November in 2008. Featuring Halloween fancy dress competitions, along with Belly Dancers and Morris Men at the Queens Head Pub, it sounds like it will be a ghouly good time…

< Insert Vincent Price manic laughter here ...>

Be sure to pop in the Coven of Witches to get in the spirit of things…

Here are the pics.

This looks like being a fun day out for all the family, and one that will hopefully raise some cash for Cancer Research.

Two courses: One 8.5 mile ride plus a 20 mile ride for the more adventurous.

Learn More about the Burley Cycle Challenge

I don’t have a dog. I used to own a Rottweiler though, and I know they do like a good walk! I have only had one bad experience with a dog in the Forest. I got chased by one when cycling. This was from a dog from a local farm, and not really related to the walkers ban issue.

Apart from that my experience of dog walkers has been pretty positive. Most of them are considerate to me, especially when cycling. I suspect there will be irresponsible dog owners who use the Forest, but it is a real shame when this minority will potentially curb the freedom of the vast majority of responsible dog owners and their four legged companions.

The New Forest Dog Owners Group (NFDOG) was started to protect the rights of dog owners. Here is their New Forest Dog Walking Code.

• If you cannot control your dog you must keep it on a lead
• Your dog must not be allowed to disturb or chase livestock or wildlife
• Keep your dog to existing tracks when birds nest on the ground
• Prevent your dog fouling on footpaths and around car parks
• Groups of dogs can be intimidating – keep them under control
• Be considerate to other forest users
• Keep well away for any work taking place in the forest
• Prevent excessive barking by your dog

Here is a publication from the NFDOG regarding this draft from the NPA.

Raising between £40000 and £60000 each year for charity. The marathon will start from New Milton passing through Bashley, Wootton, Holmsley, Burley to the South Oakley Inclosure then running back through Sway and returning to New Milton for the finish.

The entry book is closed for this year, but you can learn more about the New Forest Marathon here.

Formed 16 years ago by Diana Hawkins and Suzan Houching. The Woodlanders have created a a now well established New Forest art exhibition. Previously the exhibition has attracted celebrities to support the event.

There is a small entrance fee (50p) which is helping to support Diabetes UK.

CK Art

Went for a nice cycle ride this morning. Headed out for the Bratley Plain, just north of the busy A31. Listening to my iPod helped drown out the traffic noise. Cycling along I saw a nice view of ponies grazing in the purple heather. I stopped, got my camera out, and then saw three stags, who had just seen me. Fumbling with the camera, I was too slow and the three deer made a dash for the cover of the nearby trees.

On the way back I noticed some orange and yellow fungi, just along the road to Burley.

Discover some of the 100 miles of way-marked cycle tracks across the New Forest and also learn the New Forest Cycle Code!

Download the New Forest Cycle Code & Map in .pdf format. An excellent free guide to cycling in the New Forest and with a very useful map with places of interest, and the all important pubs!

New Forest Cycle Code

Here are the 8 points of the Forestry Commission’s New Forest Cycle Code:

1. Keep to the way marked gravel tracks when cycling in the forest
2. Slow down and call out a warning when approaching other forest users. Be courteous and friendly
3. Take extra care when approaching horse riders. When in a group, all cyclists should pass the horse on the same side
4. Do not startle ponies, cattle and wildlife. Go slowly, and give them space
5. Avoid causing obstructions - do not ride more than two abreast. Always ride in single file on narrow roads
6. Keep well away from any work going on in the forest
7. Do not pass any vehicle loading timber unless told to do so
8. Use the map, and plan to be out of the forest by dusk

I enjoyed my visit to New Forest Cider, who are tucked away behind the Forest Tea Rooms, Pound Lane, Burley. I came away with a few litres of their excellent Snake-Catcher Scrumpy too, which made the trip even more rewarding, what’s more I even have the pictures to prove it.

Cider Making Open Weekend

On the 18th and 19th October 2008, from 11am to 4.30pm you can:
" Come and see cider making as t’wer done in Grandfer’s day with a vintage steam driven mobile press, a hand operated twin screw press and a horse drawn travelling press."

www.newforestcider.co.uk