Andy Puntis suggests a 10-mile circular cycle ride in the New Forest, starting near Minstead

This ride is just under 10 miles (15.9km) and about half the route is off-road. There are good gravel tracks, some designated and signposted cycleways.

Bournemouth Echo:

Starting at the car park at Acres Down, near Minstead, go straight on to the sign-posted route to Bolderwood, through managed woods and inclosures (1), across Highland Water and turning due north and climbing for just over a mile, (2) through the enclosure gate, near Bolderwood.

Turn right on to the road and continue downhill, under the busy A31 and take another right-turn through the gate into Slufters Inclosure, (3).

After half a mile turn right (4) on to the tarmac road for a mile and a half, taking you due east along one of the disused runways of the Second World War airfield of Stoney Cross, (5).

At the T junction turn right, this road takes you back towards the A31, and just past the turning to Ocknell Caravan and Camping site (6), take the track that leads off to the left. It leads to an underpass beneath the A31 (7).

Carry on towards Furzey Gardens, a nice place to stop and have a look round.

Moving on from the gardens (8) the narrow, single-track road brings you to a T-junction with Minstead Hall on your right.

Carry on down into Minstead and just before the Trusty Servant pub, turn right. There’s a climb and a steep drop (9) towards a ford which needs care when crossing.

With Minstead Study Centre to your right, climb the hill and proceed towards the crossroads with Acres Down signposted.

Go down the hill and up the other side and back to the car park where you started.

This ride is featured in our Seven Days magazine inside this weekend's Daily Echo