There are sections with long open straights that are truly exhilarating, some punchy hills, and also some longer gradual climbs. The maximum gradient is at Blissford hill near the end of each route where you will encounter a 25% climb. This is a short, sharp climb that looks like a wall as you approach it. The routes have been designed to encounter as little traffic as possible, and there are mini
mal miles on bigger roads. In places, the routes narrow to single lanes and extra care will need to be taken on these sections. Riders will also need to be extremely careful when passing any of the livestock that resides in this wonderful part of the country. Horses, in particular, tend to get easily spooked by passing cyclists, so please take care while enjoying what has become a favourite fixture in many people's cycling calendar. The epic 102-mile route offers the more experienced sportive rider a fantastic challenge, and completely showcases the fantastic New Forest National Park. Be warned though - the last 20 miles of the epic route are the hilliest!
