Solo Bicycle Touring: A Big Change of Plan & Fighting Headwinds to the New Forest

The camping season is almost over, and I wanted one last trip to my favourite spots—but the weather had other ideas! What started as a ride to the Isle of Wight quickly turned into a battle against a brutal headwind along Felpham seafront. After a tactical retreat onto a train at Chichester and a total change of heart, I’ve ended up in the New Forest. This is the reality of cycle touring: sometimes you just have to go where the wind lets you!

In this video:
Racing against the end of the camping season.
The brutal headwind at Felpham and Chichester.
Why I abandoned the Isle of Wight mid-journey.
Jumping on the train to save the day.
Finding peace at Long Meadow Campsite in the New Forest.

TIMESTAMPS;
00:00 Setting off from Felpham: The end of the season
04:39 Battling the headwind (It’s a struggle!)
09:09 The decision: Why the Isle of Wight is off the cards
10:48 Chichester: Tactical retreat to the train station
12:49 Arriving in Southampton
20:05 Cycling into the beautiful New Forest
23:53 Summary at Long Meadow Campsite

What to Expect:
– Solo Cycle Touring: A look at the realities of self-supported travel in the UK from my perspective.
– Cycling through the New Forest: Exploring the stunning scenery of the UK’s National Parks.
– Campsite Review: Setting up camp and summarising the day at Long Meadow Campsite.

Whether you’re a seasoned cycle tourist or a travel enthusiast, my adventures are sure to inspire you to explore the World 🌍 on two wheels 🚲.

Garry’s video 📹 complements his written blog, which he published on his website: https://www.garrymcgivern.com/travelsonabike2-england-tuesday-28th-october-2025/.

Bear in mind when watching: The vlog 📹 is unscripted and recorded as Garry cycles along on his trusty bike 🚲, Passepartout, and might not be of the highest quality. The footage is then cobbled together when Garry gets home. It’s certainly no Hollywood 🎬 production. But it might just make you smile and inspire you to get on your bike and head off on your own bicycle tour.

Garry McGivern 🚴‍♂️ Travelsonabike2 is a long-distance bicycle tourist who has cycled around the World 🌏 and has now cycled more than 60,000 miles on his trusty bike, Passepartout. And still going.

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✋ Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored. Some links are affiliate links. If you buy something, Garry may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Garry earns from qualifying purchases.

Stay safe, and keep pedalling. 🌍🚴‍♂️

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