• Fully guided mountain bike rides

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

  • Rides suitable for beginners and intermediate riders

    Seeking out the finest routes for all abilities

  • Exploration rides - time to enjoy!

    Rides with time to look, explore and enjoy the views

  • Classic cross country guided rides

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

Guided mountain bike rides across the south of England

Seeking out the best off road rides in the South of England

Full, half and 'weekend' featured rides - cross country and technical rides for everyone

  • Great mix of classic cross country with some technical ascents and descents
  • Regular training and scenic rides across the south of England
  • Featured area rides - Turn up and enjoy some of the best rides in one location
  • All weather fun - Winter tracks and trails for all year riding
  • Fully qualified and insured ride leader
  • Full joining details and kit list
  • Fully guided MTB - Seeking out the best rides so you don't have to!
  • Bespoke guided and tuition rides for small groups, 1:1 & 1:2
  • Bespoke cross country technical tuition - blue and red trails

Very latest guided rides 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

Regular guided rides

Regular guided mountain bike rides

Regular technical 'learning rides', fitness and just for fun, get out and ride, rides!

Regular rides take place a few times a month throughout the year and start in locations across Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and the surrounding counties. Regular winter and spring rides are a mix of cross country with interesting and varied bridleways, fun descents and ascents stitched up with some all weather drove roads, tracks and the odd minor road.

Summer ride routes are a mix of classic cross country using field edge, hedge lined, across field bridleways, dry swooping downhills and some shady woodland sections.

Technical learning rides stitch together some interesting single track, more technical descents, ascents and tracks and trails with technical natural trail features.

Group sizes are around 6 to 8 riders maximum and can be arranged on a bespoke basis for one to one, one to two and groups.

Fully guided featured area rides

Ride one day, or both days to experience the best trails and technical sections the area has to offer!

2024 dates available to book

Featured area rides take place over two days, either a weekend or midweek with the option to ride either day as a single ride or both days, two rides.

Fully guided routes in each area are chosen to take in the best tracks, trails and technical sections that location has to offer. Each area is well known to the ride leader that delights in seeking out the bridleways and trails that are often overlooked.

Area rides also take place in the surrounding counties such as South Downs, Purbecks, north Hampshire border and beyond.

Riders have the option to ride both days for an opportunity to make a weekend or midweek break, or ride one of the days only. All you need to do is sort out your accommodation and turn up and ride.

Area focussed rides can be arranged for small groups, clubs and even individuals and couples.

Featured area rides

Badge

Frequently asked questions

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

Dates, locations, places left and booking information

All dates and locations - Guided mountain bike rides

Use the 'buttons' to see all the guided ride group dates, bespoke dates when Nigel is avaibale to hire and for guidance of how to book and pay

Minimum numbers - Some rides will require a minimum numbers of participants.

Obscurenigelwessex if you would like toarrange a bespoke guided ride or need further information.

October 2018

Friday, 19th

2018

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Available for hire? - 1:1, 1:2, groups. - Email Nigel for details. - securemail
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All guided ride dates

  • Group wekend area rides
  • Regular one off midweek and weekend rides
Course - Name & LocationDate/s 2024Places left/confirmed as runningLocationSuitable forDistance'ish
Available for one to one, one to two, smalls groups - bespoke rides, skills courses and navigation by bikeAll year!Email Nigel for for infoHampshire, Dorset and WiltshireAnyone!

Bespoke guided mountain bike ride dates

Bespoke dates

  • Good availability for midweek for one to one, one to two and small groups
  • Bespoke rides can be a mix of just guided riding or technique focussed
  • Beginners very welcome on a bespoke guided ride and can learn how to set up and ride the bike effectively off road
Bespoke dates - available for hireDate/s 2023 - 24Places left/confirmed as runningLocation
Available for one to one, one to two, smalls groups - bespoke rides, skills courses and navigation by bikeAll year!Email Nigel for for infoHampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire

Booking a guided MTB ride

How to book a bespoke mountain bike guided ride or pay a ride deposit with Nigel Parrish

Go to the MTB guided ride booking form here guided ride booking form here

From the first selector called 'What do you want to book today - choose from this drop down list' choose

  • Bespoke ride - Nigel told you to do this!

Manually enter the course cost

  • Nigel will tell you the bespoke course cost you need to pay
  • Deposits - Nigel will tell you the deposit amount but as a guide you will need to pay £15 per person, per ride

Complete the rest of the form

  • manually enter the ride date
  • fill to the details required
  • Confirm everyone is over 18 - If not contact Nigel to check what you need to do
  • Enter the other peoples names
  • Check everyone on the booking is able to complete the ride and will be fit enough and have the correct equipment etc.
  • Confirm booking terms and acceptance of risk - share with everyone you are booking for!
  • Confirm that everyone has a suitable bike for the ride location

PAYMENT

  • Pay now via PayPal to securely pay with a debit or credit card
  • Request an invoice if you want to pay using bank details or Stripe payment to process a debit or credit card Please note, PayPal notifications may show as New Forest Navigation (my PayPal business account)

Deposits will be refunded in full via Paypal if

  • The course does not meet minimum numbers
  • Has not need transferred to another course date by your request
  • You place on the course is taken by another participant

Deposits will not be refunded

  • If a payment request has already been sent out and you decide not to take part
  • The course is going ahead and you decide not to take part

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!

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