Biking
MTB and Off Road instruction - Social guided rides, fitness and technique coaching, navigation and route planning for ALL off-road cyclists
Hiking
Guided walks and activities - Walking workshop and hedgerow safari- Regular group walks for everyone
Walking Workshops
Explore - Discover - Learn
The next few...
Navigation on your bike
Mountain bike navigation courses - One, two day and Bronze National Navigation Award Scheme courses - learn how to plan and navigate routes on your off road bike!
Nigel Parrish - MIAS Level 2 - Mountain Bike Leader & Instructor - National Navigation Award Scheme provider
Off road navigation courses - The only National Navigation Award Scheme provider in the south of England offering the Bronze Award Scheme by bike!
Learn how to plan and navigate your own off road routes using a map, compass alongside basic GPS/route mapping apps on your phone.
NNAS 'Bronze-by-bike' - complete the bronze National Navigation Award Scheme award on your off road bicycle! - The only NNAS provider in the south offering an off-road bronze award
Bronze NNAS training and assessment course. Suitable for absolute beginners with all maps and compass provided. You just need to bring a suitable bike!
On the bronze course you will learn:
How to use a map and compass together along with timing and measurement of distance and easy to recognise map features to plan and cycle routes on cycle tracks in the central New Forest or on public rights of way in other start locations.
Learn how to use a compass to orientate the map verify your direction of travel and to check features on the map match those on the ground.
With over 9 years experience delivering NNAS courses New Forest Navigation delivers the course content so that it is relevant to you and your outdoor activities. Check out the full course syllabus and what you will learn on the navigation by bike page.
Format of the course
- Day one: Planning morning in a local community building - looking at maps and mapping features, route planning for cyclists, bike and rider ready check.
- Day one afternoon out on the bikes learning and using new skills - you may also be given some planning homework for day two.
- Day two: Whole day out - cycling around, navigating the route!
The Bronze National Navigation Award Scheme is a two day course that has an informal assessment element. All navigation maps and compasses supplied - you will be given a link to download a cycle computer app to your phone but can also use a GPS enabled device or cycle computer to measure distance travelled.
The easiest way to learn more about navaigtion by bikes courses is to head straight over to the navigation by bike page.
What you will learn on a Bronze National Navigation Award Scheme course
Difference between the courses - two day or bronze NNAS
What bike, how fit riders need to be and what clothing and equipment you need to bring
Course dates, locations, how many places left on each course
How to book and pay for a course
Very latest information...
Mountain biking
Guided off road mountain bike and skill and technique workshops - suitable for beginners and intermediate riders
Guided mountain bike rides
Fully guided 'turn up and ride' mountain bike rides, fun 'learning' rides with some technical sections to practice and perfect technique and two day area focussed rides.
Variety of rides suitable for off road beginners and intermediate riders looking for fun technical riding.
Rides start in a variety of locations in Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire and surrounding counties. A great fun mix classic cross country routes, technical ascents and descents, ancient drove roads and swooping chalk chalk tracks!
- Regular guided rides - Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and surrounding counties
- Weekend area MTB rides - the best trails the area has to offer!
- Skill and technique 'tuition' rides for beginners and more intermediate riders
- All year riding - winter routes stitched together using better surfaced tracks
- Bespoke guided rides for small groups, one to one and couples
All rides and courses can be delivered on a bespoke basis to small groups, couples and one to one.
2024 dates - More dates being added this week
Mountain bike skills and techniques workshops
Two day workshop for beginners that want to learn rider and mountain bike essentials to ride confidently and comfortable off road.
Learn what clothing, equipment a rider needs to bring, tools and how to use them, rider body position and how to ride confidently on natural trails features.
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 will cover
What clothing and equipment they need for a days riding
How to set up and make their MTB ride ready
What tools and equipment they need to carry out trails side repairs and how to use them
How to effectively, and safely use gears and brakes
Use a rider 'ready' position to respond to all trail conditions
Learn the skills and techniques to ride natural trail obstacles
Workshops will have a half day indoor session and then the rest of the time will be spend out on the trail, playing, learning and perfecting techniques. The workshop will be paced so everyone has time to learn new skills and practice them in a fun, supportive atmosphere.
Guided walks and activities
A variety of fully guided walks and seasonally themed walks and activities in Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Cranbourne Chase and surrounding counties.
Midweek and weekend guided walks within a small group, with plenty of time to enjoy the countryside at a relaxed pace. Walks vary in length and pace so everyone can get out and enjoy a guided walk.
Two day 'area' focussed walks dates and midweek regular, fun and fitness walks dates are available to book now.
Seasonal guided walks and 'Walk & Learn' walks allow time to discover, absorb and appreciate some of the best that 'Wessex' has to offer.
FREE walks - listed now for 2026...
Check out the guided walking pages on the website for more information
Walk and Learn
Take a walk with Wessex Adventures and learn a new skill and gain some knowledge along the way.
Ever wanted to learn something about animal tracks and sign?
Curious about seasonal plants and flowers?
Want to start to use natural navigation techniques while out and about?
Want to learn a bit about the lumps, bumps and ancient features of the landscape?
Each workshop or safari is themed and the distance and pace allows time to look, discuss and learn. These walks are great for those that want to spend time looking and learning, appreciating the landscape, nature and wildlife around them.
Check out the guided walking pages on the website for more information