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I've plotted a "legal" route from North Gorley to Lymington ferry but wondered if I could cut a chunk off without being lynched by sneaking through the Appleslade car park to get to Linford/Picket Post? (see map)
I haven't been lynched in 20 years of riding "illegal" routes across the forest although don't tend to ride on that side of the A31
So in reality you can go anywhere sensible without any issues on the open access areas?
As with any cheeky riding someone might tut loudly and say you shouldn't be there. It's a risk I'm usually willing to take.
I'm working on getting better access here in the NF and it's helpful at the mo if people stick to the legal trail network. I won't go into the details as its all on another thread.
On a practical level, legal issues aside, I don't think that's a good track to use as a cut through as it goes through one of the old woods where there aren't decent tracks. IIRC the apples lade inclosure track from the CP takes you up onto the national trust land to the west which skirts the wood. I think you'd be quicker using the legal route you've highlighted than ploughing through Red Shoot Wood where there are most likely (in general in the old growth, non managed woodlands) rubbish tracks and a high propensity to get lost as it all looks the same. I don't think you'd gain much on your shortcut, if anything.
I haven't seen the thread burko's talking about (linky, burko ? - I'd be amazed and delightd if what you're implying is sensible open access but I fear it'll be nowhere near that)
... but I'd not go up through the car park either - it's rideable but can be quite draggy if there's been rain and also a bit of a dogshite alley. I'd be going a bit further West (couple of hundred metres) and round the edge of the woods
Yep, it's crap through there. The trails were more just random deer tracks last time I ventured that way.
Head west on the road and take the main track just to the right of Rockford Common then rejoin your route at Highwood.
I admire your efforts Burko but will be frankly amazed if you get anything past the Verderers.
Thanks for your help. I've re-plotted it taking one of the many lines just to the west of the tree line and then getting back on the approved route just before the main track at Highwood turns to tarmac and is close to properties. It saves 4 miles on the round trip plus we intend to do about 10 miles on the IoW so over 50 miles in all.