OS Champion

Sue Barrett

Meet Sue Barrett – Trail Runner, Cyclist, Hiker, Adventure Queen, Teacher turned Tour Guide

Credit: New Forest Official Off Road Club

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you like to get outside?

I currently spend most of my time outdoors on my bike. I’m a Ride Leader at New Forest Off Road Club where we facilitate free, social rides on the gravel tracks through the New Forest, Hampshire and sometimes we cycle over to the Purbeck Coast in Dorset.

As a qualified MTB Leader, trained Lowland Mountain Leader and a member of Adventure Queens, I enjoy biking and hiking across more varied terrain around the UK and abroad including some longer human powered adventures. I’ve cycled around Iceland, biked and hiked across The Alps and cycled from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.

My love of cycling started in early childhood and has been a constant source of freedom, exploration and joy ever since. Now in my sixties, I am hoping to contribute to the narrative around pro-ageing, by celebrating it positively with a ‘living adventurously’ mindset.

@adventurequeenmother Collecting chalky mud #gravelbiking #cranbornechase ♬ Are You Having Any Fun? – Elaine Stritch

What’s your favourite route or place to go and why?

Sue Barrett’s Favourite Off Road Cycling Route – Burley to Brockenhurst Loop

This route takes you through a wonderful range of New Forest habitats- woodland, valley mires and streams , moorland and lawns.  There are veteran and ancient beech, yew, oak and holly to enjoy as you pedal through and between the many Inclosures. This route has a mix of roads and off road gravel tracks.

It passes through the three villages of Burley, Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst where you’ll find bike shops, bike hire, cafes, pubs, toilets, shops and accommodation.

Sue's Favourite Off Road Cycling Route – Burley to Brockenhurst Loop

Want to find out more about how to Mountain Biking?

Read our complete guide to Mountain Biking for Beginners, everything you need to get started from essential equipment to fitness and safety advice – Mountain Biking For Beginners

What’s your fave bit of kit available on the OS Shop?

You can select the map area you want and choose a photo and title for the map cover. They make for a very personalised gift for others or yourself!

Small Customisable Ordnance Survey Map

Touch Grass Challenger!

Sue was one of the fabulous ‘Outsiders’ in our Touch Grass Challenge, pitting three unsuspecting ‘Insiders’ against each other in an epic adventure, hiking, cycling, wild camping and as if that’s not challenging enough for the newbies, we sprinkled in some hidden surprises. Watch Sue in action:

Find and follow Sue Barrett online:

Instagram: @adventurequeenmother
TikTok: @adventurequeenmother

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