• Guided MTB rides, navigation by bike and skills workshops

    Fully guided - 'turn up and ride' off road mountain bike rides, routes and tuition rides

  • Rides suitable for beginners and intermediate riders

    Fully guided - 'turn up and ride' off road mountain bike rides, routes and tuition rides

  • Navigation by bike courses

    Bronze National Navigation Award Scheme, one and two day how to use a map and compass courses

  • Classic cross country guided rides

    Interesting descents and ascents, gnarly cross country and all weather training rides

Bronze National Navigation Award Scheme - off road & on your bike!

NNAS Bronze, one and two day courses

Learn to plan and navigate off road cycle routes using map & compass alongside smart phone and GPS enabled devices

New Forest courses are all year, all weather and suitable for map reading and off road cycling beginners

Learn how to use a map and compass supported by smartphone apps or GPS enabled devices to plan and navigate your own off road mountain bike routes

  • Suitable for complete beginners

  • One, two day and Bronze National Navigation Award Scheme

  • All weather courses on New Forest tracks

  • Only NNAS provider in south offering the Bronze award scheme, off road and by bike

  • Maps and compass provided - just bring your bike!

You will learn to use a map and compass together with some use of GPS enabled biking devices or smart phone apps to plan and navigate your own routes. Over two days you will gain the confidence to navigate off road on your bike on tracks, paths and public rights of way (location dependant).

The course content will be based around the NNAS syllabus, even if you just do the two days; you can view the syllabus and the difference between the on bike and on foot NNAS...

New Forest tracks are all weather, all year tracks and are suitable for both map reading and off road cycling beginners. Outside of the New Forest you will need some off road experience but the navigation part is suitable for complete beginners.

The majority of navigation by bike courses start at central New Forest locations and Martin area of Crabourne Chase but also on the South Downs, north Wiltshire, Swanage Purbecks and Marlborough area.

Usually the course starts with an indoor session at a community building where you will learn how to use a map, map symbols, contours and start to use the map to plan routes. A quick check of you bike and then the rest of the course is spent out and about using the map and compass together on your bike.

Latest navigation course information

Mountain biking workshops, rides and coaching

2025 dates being added to the website very soon.

Drop Nigel an email for bespoke one to one, couples and small group rides and workshops.

MIAS Level 2 - Mountain Bike Leader

Nigel Parrish - Guided rides, small group and one to one courses and instruction in all aspects off road riding - red and blue trails

MTB guide & instructor

Qualified and fully insured - Guiding, coaching/instruction, off-road cross country, blue and red trail centre routes

Bespoke & groups

1:1, 1:2 & small group off road navigation, cycle skills, coaching & instruction available -

MTB navigation

Bronze National Navigation Award Scheme 'on-your-bike' - Learn how to plan and navigate off-road routes

Guided mountain bikes rides & off road technique workshops

Guided Mountain bike rides

Seeking out the best MTB routes for beginners and more experienced riders

Regular rides take place a few times a month - weekdays and weekends.

Fully guided rides use a mix of tracks, bridleways, drove roads and sometimes very minor roads to 'stitch' together classic off road cross country riding, technical trail riding and scenic views..

Rides in Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire feature sections of woodland single track, field edge and across field bridleways, hidden hollow ways and some hidden gems of technical ascents, descents and technical cross country and single track.

Nigel has spent may hours in the saddle seeking out routes that can be ridden most of the year.

Skills and techniques workshops

Learn essential techniques to ride technical tracks and trails

Beginners can learn how to set up their MTB, how to effectively use gears, brakes and a proactive rider position. Beginners and those with some off road riding experience will learn how to ride proactively and confidently on ride natural trail features and to safely ride small drops, technical descents and ascents.

Workshops have an indoor half day session to learn essential skills, learn what tools and equipment to carry and how to use it and plan the afternoon 'on the trail' session putting things into practice. The optional (highly recommended) second day is spent out on a ride with time to practice skills and techniques and gain confidence in using them.

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Frequently asked questions

Unleash the FAQ!

BIKE - What bike do I need?

Outside of the New Forest cycle tracks you will need an off-road capable mountain bike. Your bike will need to be in full working order, ready to go. Every bike will be checked by the ride leader to make sure they are safe, working correctly and are suitable for the expected ride or activity. If you need some advice and assistance to get the bike comfortable then arrive early and allow time for the ride leader to help you - the ride leader will bring a basic toolset and a track pump but will not be able to make repair or service your bike! . If your bike is not working or is not suitable you may not be able to take part.

Ideally you will:

  • Clean and oil the chain before you arrive

  • The tyres are in good condition, suitable for the terrain and pumped up to the correct pressure

  • Have a spare inner tube that fits the size of the tyres you have on the bike

  • Check the bike is fully working, changes gears smoothly and the brakes are working well.

A suitable bicycle should be a substantial off road capable mountain bike, with suitable tyres and of the correct size in fully legal working order

ALL participants included on the same booking must read and agree to the ride description, wear and bring suitable clothing, equipment and bring all the mandatory items required to keep your bike in working order for the duration of the course. All bicycles and equipment will be checked prior to the ride commencing.

Any person without a suitable bicycle or without mandatory items of equipment will not be able to take part.

Guided rides, navigation by bike and bespoke courses (mostly-on) on New Forest gravel tracks and paths

Central New Forest

  • Navigation by bike

  • Guided rides

  • Bespoke guided rides

  • Skills based workshops - i.e Introduction to off road riding

Ideally you will have a substantial MTB (as described below)

However central New Forest tracks and paths are gravel surfced and you should be able to use most hybrid, gravel bike or hybrid E-Bike if it is fitted with suitable wide tyres. Some sections of the route will be on loose gravel/rutted surfaces with ascents and descents on loose gravel/rutted surfaces. Drop Nigel an email to check before you book.

A suitable bicycle should be a substantial off road capable mountain bike, with suitable tyres and of the correct size in fully legal working order

ALL participants included on the same booking must read and agree to the ride description, wear and bring suitable clothing, equipment and bring all the mandatory items required to keep your bike in working order for the duration of the course. All bicycles and equipment will be checked prior to the ride commencing.

Any person without a suitable bicycle or without mandatory items of equipment will not be able to take part.

Guided rides, workshops and navigation by bike bike courses NOT in central New Forest - Intermediate riders may have quite a lot of off road riding experince & matching fitness - Martin Down, Cranborne Chase, South downs etc.

A suitable bicycle should be a substantial off road capable mountain bike, with suitable tyres and of the correct size in fully legal working order

ALL participants included on the same booking must read and agree to the ride description, wear and bring suitable clothing, equipment and bring all the mandatory items required to keep your bike in working order for the duration of the course. All bicycles and equipment will be checked prior to the ride commencing. Any person without a suitable bicycle or without mandatory items of equipment will not be able to take part.

Guided rides, workshops and bespoke rides for intermediate riders with quite a lot off road riding experience & matching fitness and for rides and workshops on Blue and red trail centre routes.

A suitable bicycle should be a substantial off road capable mountain bike, with suitable tyres and of the correct size in fully legal working order

ALL participants included on the same booking must read and agree to the ride description, wear and bring suitable clothing, equipment and bring all the mandatory items required to keep your bike in working order for the duration of the course. All bicycles and equipment will be checked prior to the ride commencing. Any person without a suitable bicycle or without mandatory items of equipment will not be able to take part.

Taken from From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"A mountain bike (MTB[1]) or mountain bicycle is a bicycle designed for off-road cycling. Mountain bikes share some similarities with other bicycles, but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain, which makes them heavier, more complex and less efficient on smooth surfaces.[2] These typically include a suspension fork, large knobby tires, more durable wheels, more powerful brakes, straight, extra wide handlebars to improve balance and comfort over rough terrain, and wide-ratio gearing optimised for topography and application (e.g., steep climbing or fast descending). Rear suspension is ubiquitous in heavier-duty bikes and now common even in lighter bikes. Dropper posts can be installed to allow the rider to quickly adjust the seat height[3] (an elevated seat position is more effective for pedaling, but poses a hazard in aggressive maneuvers)."

Off road rides

Basically - a ride undertaken on a bicycle mostly on surfaces that are 'unmade' or 'not sealed' with tarmac or a smooth surface (like a road, smooth cycle path etc.)

Off-road rides may include sections that are on-road, as well as sections* on unsurfaced tracks including bridleways, gravel paths, forest tracks and dedicated mountain bike trails. These may include natural trail features** (such as roots, rocks, drops), fast technical descents with a loose or very worn surface, overgrown or overhung sections and technical ascents and descents that are shared with other users. Sections may also include man made trail features** such as jumps, berms, drops and boardwalks on blue and red on the bike trail grading system. Participants are also personally responsible for riding within their own ability and should stop and dismount where a section would put them at risk.

All cycling activities are risk assessed. The ride leader is qualified, fully insured and first aid trained.

Off-road rides may include road crossings over, or on roads, or byways that are are open to all forms of vehicles. *This is not a complete list of all-off road surfaces, natural trails features or man made features but are provided as examples.

RIDER - How fit do I need to be?

Regular cyclists and off road riders will have a good idea of personal fitness. Know what fitness they need to ride off road terrain with natural trail features and be fit eneough to cycle up and down moderately steep hills. All the guidance on fitness is subjective because it is not feasible to describe every technical aspect or difficulty of a route, course, workshop or bespoke ride!

Riders are responsible for checking route descriptions and make an honest assessment of their own ability to ride technical terrain and the fitness required for a day in the saddle. If you are unsure then the 'Martin round regular' is a good ride to start on. The ride is a regular training ride with time to assess features and learn hwo to ride them.

All the central New Forest rides and navigation by bike courses take place on the permitted cycle tracks (except the odd bridleway if used). Riders will need little or no off road riding technque but will be required to ccyel on gravel tracks that may be loose or a little rutted. Any hills will be short and sharp and not particualry challenging - you can get off and push of you want! Most of the New Forest is quite flat and the rider will need enough stamina to spend a day in the saddle - on navigation y bike courses some time will be spend off the bikes looking at features or practising non cycle techniques. The maximum ride distance is around 25km on day one and 36km on day two. Bespoke rides can be any distance up to around 40km and can use some bridleways.

Everywhere else (not the New Forest) - navigation by bike courses can/may take place on public rights of way as described below. The main purpose of the navigation by bike courses is too learn how to navigate on Bronze NNAS appropriate terrain - Most of the route should be ridable if you ride regularly and can manage around 25/30km with some ups and downs. Depending on the weather it is usually possible to plan routes that used better surfaced drove roads and bridleways.

Riders will require enough fitness and stamina to ride all day - we will get off bikes through day to look at features not accessible by bike or to compare non cycle techniques. Courses not in the central New Forest include some short steep ascents and descents with a variety of surfaces, sections of bridleway and drove road that are deeply rutted and field edge bridleways - these natural trail features require a degree of fitness and some off road riding technique. If you need some extra tuition in off road riding then consider the skills and techniques workshops or join Nigel for the regular Martin ride before you do a navigation by bike course. South Downs - This is a much hillier area with some steep ascents and descents on rutted and chalk slippery tracks and paths - these require more intermediate riding techniques and enough fitness to get up long hills!

Off-road rides may include sections that are on-road, as well as sections* on unsurfaced tracks including bridleways, gravel paths, forest tracks and dedicated mountain bike trails. These may include natural trail features** (such as roots, rocks, drops), fast technical descents with a loose or very worn surface, overgrown or overhung sections and technical ascents and descents that are shared with other users. Sections may also include man made trail features** such as jumps, berms, drops and boardwalks on blue and red on the bike trail grading system. Participants are also personally responsible for riding within their own ability and should stop and dismount where a section would put them at risk.

All cycling activities are risk assessed. The ride leader is qualified, fully insured and first aid trained.

*Off-road rides may include road crossings over, or on roads, or byways that are are open to all forms of vehicles.

**This is not a complete list of all-off road surfaces, natural trails features or man made features but are provided as examples.

Everywhere else (not the New Forest) - navigation by bike courses can/may take place on public rights of way as described below. The main purpose of the navigation by bike courses is too learn how to navigate on Bronze NNAS appropriate terrain - Most of the route should be ridable if you ride regularly and can manage around 25/30km with some ups and downs. Depending on the weather it is usually possible to plan routes that use better surfaced drove roads and bridleways!

Riders will require enough fitness and stamina to ride all day - we will get off bikes through day to look at features not accessible by bike or to compare non cycle techniques. Courses not in the central New Forest include some short steep ascents and descents with a variety of surfaces, sections of bridleway and drove road that are deeply rutted and field edge bridleways - these natural trail features require a degree of fitness and some off road riding technique. If you need some extra tuition in off road riding then consider the skills and techniques workshops or join Nigel for the regular Martin ride before you do a navigation by bike course. South Downs - This is a much hillier area with some steep ascents and descents on rutted and chalk slippery tracks and paths - these require more intermediate riding techniques and enough fitness to get up long hills!

Off-road rides may include sections that are on-road, as well as sections* on unsurfaced tracks including bridleways, gravel paths, forest tracks and dedicated mountain bike trails. These may include natural trail features** (such as roots, rocks, drops), fast technical descents with a loose or very worn surface, overgrown or overhung sections and technical ascents and descents that are shared with other users. Sections may also include man made trail features** such as jumps, berms, drops and boardwalks on blue and red on the bike trail grading system. Participants are also personally responsible for riding within their own ability and should stop and dismount where a section would put them at risk.

All cycling activities are risk assessed. The ride leader is qualified, fully insured and first aid trained.

*Off-road rides may include road crossings over, or on roads, or byways that are are open to all forms of vehicles.

**This is not a complete list of all-off road surfaces, natural trails features or man made features but are provided as examples.

Nigel Parrish will always strive to be as fully inclusive as possible and welcomes everyone onto his courses or activities. Occasionally folk are not able to fully participate on a group course if for example they lack some fitness, riding skill or have other additional requirements.

Nigel will be happy to chat to you and a bespoke courses or riding experience may be able to be arranged.

RIDER - Clothing and kit

Ideally you will have a rucksack or water bladder rucksack that allows you to look safely behind you, has a waist strap and chest strap that prevenst the bag moving around when you manoeuvre on the bike.

The rucksack should sit close to the back and allow you to ride the bike without it 'getting in the way'. The other option is to carry water on the bike in water bottles and use a smaller day bag or waist bag.

You will need to be able to safely and comfortably all the recommended clothing and equipment requied for the day/s.

A couple of weeks before the course date you will get full joining details with a kitlist. If this is your first time riding a bike with the extra equipment try and use what day rucksacks you have and make do - safely and comfortably.

Check out the full kit list here

View the kitlist here in a pop up window

NO - All maps and compasses, some maps cases and tools to mark up maps are provided for use by Nigel.

You are welcome to bring you own compass and learn how to use it, where to store it and how to carry it/use it on the bike.

See the FAQ below for information about what phone applications or devices you can bring - if you have them!

Yes - outdoor courses are all weather -fun! It is expected that outdoor enthusiasts that want to learn to plan cycle routes independently will be able to complete the course in poor weather. Learning to use a map and compass is a 'hands-on' and visual experience best learnt and understood outside.

Participants are advised to bring a full set of weatherproofs, warm layers and enough extra layers to keep warm when we are standing around looking at maps.

During the winter a lot of the navigate by bike courses take place on gravel cycle tracks that can be ridden all year. Courses are only cancelled if the weather is dangerous or extremely cold and wet. The format of the course and the duration spent riding outside might be altered and participants might be given some homework looking at route planning so the riding day length on day two is shorter with less time spent stopping, looking and planning.

Check out the full kit list here

View the kitlist here in a pop up window

Use of cycling computers, GPS and smartphone mapping 'devices' - on navigation courses using a map and compass such as the one, two day and Bronze NNAS

You can use a device to measure distance and/or time but should not use it to keep a constant track of you location, or to relocate yourself on the paper map. It is suggested that devices are mounted to the handlebars using an appropriate mounting system, in a case or protective cover or used hand when at a complete standstill and always in a hard shell case. Participants accept full responsibility for the use, lose or damage to mounted or hand held devices.

Recording the route when on a navaigate by bike, workshop or guided ride

You are welcome to bring devices with you but ask you do not publish guided rides or routes from courses in a format so that others can follow them for free. Nigel's livelihood depends on guiding and leading folk. Nigel spends a lot of time pre-riding and choosing routes that are great fun but also challenging and within the capabilities of participants. Publishing routes without any guidance or safety notes could put others at risk if they follow a route beyond their riding experience. Suggested apps to put on your phone for your use to navigate and keep safe include: OS Locate. OS mapping and What Three Words. No tuition will be provided in the use of devices whilst out on a guided ride or navigation course - read the manual!

What apps and devices do you recommend?

Suggested apps and devices are listed below - They are just course recommendations. You are responsible for checking them out before loading them onto your phone or purchasing them!

Please note - You will need to learn how to use your device before the course!

MTB links and information

Cycle computer Free cycle computer to measure distance on your iphone. You will need a mount for your phone to keep it secure on the bike handlebars and also in some sort of case to protect it and keep it dry. Or use the phone with a lanyard pouch or in a pocket to check distance when you have stopped at a checkpoint.

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/cyclocomputer/id1562436729

Android Bike Computer - Cycling Tool - not tried this one https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fehmin.bikeometer&pcampaignid=web_share

From Ordnance survey - get the official apps that are free! Search you app store for them

OS Locate - this gives you a 6 figure grid reference for where you are - Even when you do not have a phone signal

iOS - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/os-locate/id810024913

Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.ordnancesurvey.oslocate.android&pcampaignid=web_share

OS maps - this is the OS mapping app - If you subscribe or buy a map you have access to the same map or all maps that can be downloaded to your device. You can also use this app to track your progress and as a basic way to measure distance travelled - the display how ever is quite small!

iOS - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/os-maps-walking-bike-trails/id978307846

Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.ordnancesurvey.osmaps&pcampaignid=web_share

What Three Words - can be useful in an emergency.

iOS - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/what3words-navigation-maps/id657878530

Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.what3words.android&pcampaignid=web_share

GPS devices - if you have a handheld GPS device you can bring it with you to use a cycle computer.

Cycle computer or cycle GPS device - A handlebar mounted device is ideal to measure distance travelled when navigating by bike. It is recommend you only use the device to measure distance and time and not to check your position on the map. You will not gain confidence in using the map if you do this and you will not pass the bronze award!

If you are joining Nigel for a navigate by bike course or a skills and technique workshop you can have a comfortable day out by planning what to bring.

Do not buy loads of kit for cycling if you are just starting out or not sure weather you will like it!

Rucksack - Ideally for cycling the rucksack should sit close to your back and have a waist strap to stabilise the bag and stop it 'swinging' about when you are cycling off road. Some have room for a water bladder or water bottles and all the mandatory and recommended kit. You should be able to look over you shoulder when wearing it.

You can use your normal walking waterproof jacket and trousers on the bike - You can use rubber bands, parcel tape to the like to gather the leg of the waterproof trousers =in if they are flappy!

Rubber coated 'builders gloves' are great to go over wooden type gloves to keep out the wet and keep in the warmth.

Always bring MORE layers that you would need to a walk or leisure cycle because you may spend more time standing around looking at map features. Synthetic layers (not cotton) are ideal because they are light and warm.

Bring a flask when it is cold so you have a hot drink (use of stoves is not permitted in the New Forest)

Bring lots of high energy snacks you can munch on during the day.

Cycle specific shorts can make a lot of difference to all day riding comfort or choose underwear without 'intrusive' seams when you are sat in the saddle'

More experience cyclists will probably have a lot of the right kit and be more used to carrying it comfortable and safely.

Check out the full kitlist here

View the kitlist here in a pop up window

You will learn the same navigation skills and techniques on both courses.

Those signing up for the Bronze National Navigation Award Scheme will be registered with the National Navigation Award Scheme, be informally assessed with a check list of syllabus skills and some question and answer's about route choice, contour interpretation etc. After passing you will be awarded the bronze level.

You cannot be awarded the Bronze twice.

You can complete the course again as a two day navigation-by-bike course to learn how to use the bronze skills and techniques.

Check out the FAQ below if you have already completed the Bronze on foot with Nigel.

ObscureMyEmail if you have completed the Bronze NNAS on foot with New Forest Navigation.

Exclusive price for past candidates - two days on a bike navigation for £89 per person (for all courses between 1 October 23 and 31 March 24 - some courses may be subject to a minimum numbers of bookings to go ahead).

Central New Forest - You will need to be fit enough to ride up to 26KM (around 16 miles) on forest gravel cycle tracks, with some ups and downs, in any expected weather conditions. Beginners: Introduction to off road riding day/two day - You will need to be fit enough to ride around 20-26km on a variety of off road terrain - some steeper ascents and descents can be pushed.

Martin Down and Cranborne Chase - You will need to be fit enough to ride up to 30 (40 max) KM on a variety of tracks, paths, field edge bridle paths and more technical sections of single track with short sharp ascents and descents. The total amount of ascent will depend on the route (see the ride description) but all rides will involve more than 300/400 metres of ascent.

Yes - outdoor courses are all weather -fun! It is expected that outdoor enthusiasts that want to learn to plan cycle routes independently will be able to complete the course in poor weather. Learning to use a map and compass is a 'hands-on' and visual experience best learnt and understood outside.

Participants are advised to bring a full set of weatherproofs, warm layers and enough extra layers to keep warm when we are standing around looking at maps. During the winter a lot of the navigate by bike courses take place on gravel cycle tracks that can be ridden all year. Courses are only cancelled if the weather is dangerous or extremely cold and wet. The format of the course and the duration spent riding outside might be altered and participants might be given some homework looking at route planning so the riding day length on day two is shorter with less time spent stopping, looking and planning.

No! You will need to bring a fully working bike suitable for the ride. Every bike will be checked by the ride leader to ensure it is ready to go...

The ride leader will check every bike to ensure it is in good working order but will only be able to carry out minor 'trail-side' repairs, fix punctures or emergency (some) repairs to get you going again or able to ride back to the start location.

Start locations

Mountain bike instruction, MTB guided rides, guided walks and NNAS courses start in the New Forest, Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, South Downs and occasionally the surrounding counties of Sussex, Surrey, Somerset and also South Wales. Blue and red route bike park skills can be taught at Queen Elizabeth Country Park (Hampshire). Many of the MTB rides, guided walks and courses are accessible by car from London, Bristol and Swindon.

Navigation courses - Map and compass on foot! - New Forest Navigation

Wessex Adventures - Nigel Parrish - ©2023