We cycled today on the Brockenhurst Trail

That once carried passengers travelling by rail;

We left from near Holmsley around half past ten

(We’d biked it before and we’ll bike it again)

By tarmac the road was an easier travel

Than fighting the slip of the grit and the gravel;

But after a couple of challenging hills

That tested our stamina and biking skills

It’s on to the Trailway’s embankment o’er Heath

With views of the New Forest moorland beneath;

Observed from above by a buzzard or kite

And spooking a fallow deer taking its flight;

Folks stepped aside and then looked agog

To see in a Safeway container a dog;

As Alfie’s expression conveyed bold as brass

”You Two-Legs keep walking; But I Ride First Class”;

Slowly by-passing the ponies that stray

To lazily graze on the path in our way;

It pays to remember that we’re in their home

And pay them respect as they saunter and roam;

Then finally road signs of Brockenhurst bid

A rumbling welcome from steel cattle grids;

And seasonably warm at this time of year

We head for a pub for a cob and a beer;

Then on the return we stopped off at the station

That once was at Holmsley for liquid libation;

A pot of Earl Grey helped us on our way home

Accompanied (always) with jam and cream scone;

Re-energised then we bike onwards until

The prospect looms large of those challenging hills;

But gritting our teeth and ignoring the burn

It’s Holmsley at last and a Happy Return.