www.harrogatebridleways.org.uk Affiliated to the British Horse Society

Within the HBA area, there are some places in which public bridleways have recently been created or diverted, or where special access for horses has been offered by the landowner.   Although some of these have been mentioned in our members' newsletters, more recent members may not be aware of these arrangements.  If you know of any others locally, which could be mentioned here, then please email the Press & Publicity Officer.

Countryside Stewardship Schemes providing public access for fixed periods

Within HBA's area, there are a number of stewardship agreements in place, some of which provide permitted access for horseriders.  These include land at Manor Farm, South Stainley; Rudfarlington Farm between Harrogate/Plompton; and Hopewell House at Knaresborough.  For full details, including maps, showing these routes, and others around the country, go to http://countrywalks.defra.gov.uk/Default.aspx?Module=CountryWalksFullSearch

Forestry Commission Land offering access for Horses

Currently none shown in the HBA area, but through this link you can find out about access for horses on FC land throughout Great Britain.  Our nearest one at present appears to be Hamsterley Forest, Co Durham:  http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/recreation.nsf/WebHorseRidingSearch?OpenForm&c=England

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal:    Fenced corral at visitor centre:     Grid reference: 274 687.

Several years ago, HBA approached the National Trust at Fountains Abbey to ask if they would consider creating a small corral for use by accompanied horses, to enable their riders to tie up their horses in a fenced off area, and use the facilities at the visitor centre.  The National Trust agreed, and created a small, hardcore, fenced corral in the visitor centre's east car park (just beyond the coach parking bay). 

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal:    Public bridleway link between visitor centre and B6265:    Grid reference: 275 470 to  275 692.

This short bridleway link runs adjacent to the National Trust's access road leading from the B6265 Ripon/Pateley Bridge road to the visitor centre.

Off-road riding and carriage driving routes in your area

Off-road riding and carriage driving routes elsewhere in Britain

Details of your nearest BHS promoted routes and B&B accommodation

Who to contact in your local area for further information: such as your local British Horse Society Access Bridleway Officer

Put you in touch with your nearest BHS Affiliated Bridleway Group

Most importantly we can guide you in locating the most up to date information in your area regarding equestrian access.

To find out more about this fantastic service simply contact your GIS officer, Sarah Shackleton, 01926 707 812 or emagin@bhs.org.uk

Sarah will also be available on the BHS stand at a number of major equestrian events throughout Britain. Keep an eye on the BHS website to find out if the Where to Ride service will be coming to a show near you.

York:    Upgrade of Footpaths at Huntington and Earswick to Public Bridleways

In 2005, the City of York Council upgraded these public footpaths to bridleways.  The route runs from North Lane, Huntington to Greystones Farm, Towthorpe Moor Lane, Earswick.

Yorkshire Water

Yorkshire Water has created a number of routes on their land for use by horses.  At Swinsty, in the Washburn Valley near Otley, Yorkshire Water has provided specialist parking for horseboxes, a saddling area with tethering posts and a mounting block.  Click on Yorkshire Water's links below for more details:

htp://www.yorkshirewater.com/recreation/?OBH=3742