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Bridleways
Bridleways
are very important to horse riders both from a safety and enjoyment point of
view.
Without
proper funding and research, miles of historic routes could be lost if the
definitive map is closed to claims based on historical evidence.
Support
for the BHS amendments will benefit walkers, cyclists and those with
mobility problems.
A
well defined network of byways and bridleways can work towards the
governments goal of a reduction in road traffic accidents by 50% through the
delivery of safe off-road facilities for horse riders and cyclists.
Bridleways Action
Groups
Be
responsible when you use Bridleways
Jargon
Problems
encountered when using bridleways
How to resolve bridleway problems Sources
of bridleway information
Useful
Contacts:
Bridleways
British Horse
Society. The BHS also has details of
equine-friendly beaches (you can
also contact the appropriate local council)
Countryside Stewardship
Scheme
DEFRA -
Walks & Rides
Entrust
East Anglian Farm Rides -
20 miles of routes between Mayland, Southminster and the sea.
Forest
Enterprise
Greenways
Hampshire Lanes
Institute of Public Rights of
Way
Jubilee Ride "pint
to pint" ride in Oxfordshire. Copies of the leaflet can be downloaded from
the web site.
London Orbital Bridleway - H25
National
Federation of Bridleways Association:
Tel:
01943 435178
Email
Address: lisa@rightsofway.org.uk
(there is a help-line on this web site).
National Trails
Ordnance
Survey Maps - The best maps for finding out about byways, bridleways, green
lanes and footpaths together with recreational information is the Explorer
Series. The maps cost around £6.99. The map scale is 2.5 inches to a
mile. Maps can be bought online. Alternatively maps can be downloaded at www.mapsgb.co.uk.
Permit Rides:
Windsor Great Park, contact 01753 860222
Cardinham Forest, Bodmin, contact 01392 832262
Delamere Forest, Lancs, contact 01229 860373
Gisburn Forest, Cheshire, contact 01229 860373
Ride-UK
The National Bridleroute Network, provides information on more than 100 publicly
promoted routes around the UK.
Rights
of Way in Hampshire
Safe Bridle Paths
Streetmap - The
maps are ordnance survey maps. Footpaths are lines with small red dashes,
bridleways are longer red dashes.
Toll Rides Off-Road Trust,
Tel; 01622 765599
Trail Riders Fellowship
UK Chasers, Tel: 01865 351688
Worcester Toll Rides, Tel: 01299 851279
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Explorer maps, excellent for finding bridleways, can also be bought from
Amazon for £5.59! |
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The NFU
(Tel: 0870 840 2030) provides the following Free Country Guide to members:
"Rights of Way"
When
hacking out on bridleways the following suggestions may help to keep a good
relationship with the land owner.
Make
sure gates are securely fastened.
Keep
to the bridleway.
Avoid
cutting up land.
Go
slowly through fields with stock in them.
Stop if livestock run.
Don’t
abuse your right to ride over land.
The
following is a list of the types of remedies available to you when dealing with
bridleways.
Check
the route is on the Definitive Map or
the Highways Register kept by your county council.
Contact the council with any problems encountered and the dates of
challenges or obstructions. Reports
are confidential.
Lack
of use is irrelevant – the right of way exists until changed by a legal
order. It is an offence to block the right of way or turn people away.
Your
county council is responsible for keeping rights of way usable and can
enforce the law. The council has a legal duty to assert and protect your
rights of way under the Highways Act 1980, section 130.
Get
other riders to write to the council and to your MP if necessary.
The
British Horse Society's Bed and Breakfast
for Horses £5.95. An essential
directory when planning an overnight stay or a riding holiday. Over 400
addresses to choose from, offering accommodation for horses, the majority for
humans also, some self-catering. Recommended for those attending a horse show,
competing or on a riding holiday, or for non-horsey holidaymakers wishing to get
away from it all. Contact Sue
Brown on tel no 01926 707814.
Safety
Reflective Gear
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