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Obstructions
Northleach/EastingtonSubmitted by: bhsglos 17 08 2013 19:40
A gate on public bridleway KNE 16 had been hung so it opened uphill, such that when the gate was opened as far as possible, the gap was so narrow, it was impossible to get a horse through, even if the rider dismounted and untacked.With the help of the Parish Council, we tracked down the tenant farmer, who very kindly had his lads rehang the gate so it opened downhill, they also did some clearance along the bridleway, and replaced a 'dismount and wrestle' gate on a nearby bridleway. Thankyou!

Obstructions
Eastleach impassable bridlewaySubmitted by: bhsglos 17 08 2013 19:33
We asked for help with an impassable bridleway, KEA 2, north of Eastleach Downs Farm. It looked as if it was once a road, as it's just possible to see the enclosing walls, and estimate it's about 20' wide, but it was badly overgrown, including with blackthorn. Even if a rider dismounted, it would be impossible to get a horse along it, because in some places a walker had to go on hands and knees to get under the overgrowth! It's been cleared - we aren't sure if by GCC PRoW contractors or by Cotswold Wardens, but we're very grateful!

Obstructions
Eastleach gated bridleway bridgeSubmitted by: bhsglos 17 08 2013 19:26
We've reported the gated and stepped bridleway bridge on public bridleway KEA 6 north of Eastleach as an obstruction, as it's impossible to negotiate without dismounting. The concrete steps are of pedestrian dimension; a rider can't reach the latch without dismounting, as the steps are in the way; the bridge is too narrow to offer manouevring room, but the gates are not two-way opening; the latch - apart from being broken - is of a design intended for pedestrian gates, not bridleway gates. The bridge should be approached through a gated 10' box and up a ramp.

new routes
Forest of Dean GreenwaySubmitted by: bhsglos 17 08 2013 17:55
The proposed Spine route crosses the A40. A Pegasus crossing near Huntley had been mooted, but would have been too expensive. An alternative crossing, near a disused railway line, has also been considered, but GH is being cautious about this, although this crossing point is used by walkers. The FoD Group is therefore proceeding to develop and publicise four loops, two north of the A 40 and two south of it, and suggesting (but not promoting) the spine route as an optional link between the loops.

new routes
Cycle tracksSubmitted by: bhsglos 17 08 2013 17:51
The Stroud/Stonehouse/Nailsworth track – the G H Asset Manager has identified work he thought necessary before opening to equestrian use, including widening and installing drainage ; estimated cost between £7,000 and £15,000. The BHS/MCT&TG thought extra notices (which MCT&TG offered to fund) and some clearance work by volunteers would suffice. The AM assumed that users/would-be users would find 50% of the costs, the remainder to be match-funded by GH or GCC. However, the GCC legal dept.advised that the Authority would not match-fund. Ownership of the track is apparently unknown.

new routes
HorsleySubmitted by: bhsglos 17 08 2013 17:32
We were consulted over a proposed upgrade of a footpath to bridleway, with an extension to link it to a junction of two unsealed roads, near Horsley. This was part of a GCC project dating from 1998, it has just come to light that the legal process hadn't been completed. Walking the proposed new bridleway, it was clear that the whole length of it is already in use by horseriders. But sadly, it disgorges the rider onto a busy B road, with no option but to turn either left or right and continue along it for at least 600 metres.

new routes
RedmarleySubmitted by: bhsglos 17 08 2013 17:22
As a result of the landowner applying to divert a public footpath, it has been discovered that the route is shown on the Definitive Map as a footpath, but described in the Statement as a bridleway. Rather than try to untangle this, the landowner has kindly opted to apply to divert it as a bridleway. Although it includes two quite steep gradients, if confirmed, this new route would add a useful link of over a mile from a quiet lane to a junction of two other bridleways.

new routes
Penn WoodSubmitted by: bhsglos 17 08 2013 17:18
The final Inspector's Report in respect of the Penn Wood claims (ongoing since the 1990s) was at last received, and confirmed the bridleway claim. It was shortly followed by an application to divert the new bridleway!

new routes
Paths 4 CommunitiesSubmitted by: bhsglos 17 08 2013 17:11
The “Paths for Communities” (P4C) grant scheme (first described as ‘2 million pounds for new bridleways’) is up and running.The criteria include that the path must be a newly-created bridleway or byway, or the upgrade of a footpath; of demonstrable economic value/benefit; the landowner(s) and Parish Council(s) must be in agreement with the creation/upgrade, and it’s supposed to be a ‘community group’ which applies to Natural England for grant funding under this scheme.Here’s the link:http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/access/rightsofway/p4c.aspx

new routes
Cycle TracksSubmitted by: bhsglos 17 08 2013 16:57
Sue Ellis, of Mid Cotswold Tracks & Trails Group, assisted by William Reddaway, wrote a very comprehensive report on the possibility of opening up the Stroud/Stonehouse/Nailsworth track. We were invited to a site meeting, which included representatives of GCC Rights of Way, Gloucestershire Highways, a local cycling group, a District Councillor...the non-equestrians expressed varying levels of concern on opening the track up, whilst the equestrians were extremely interested to discover that it is not officially a cycle track.

new routes
Charlton KingsSubmitted by: bhsglos 17 08 2013 16:48
We've been approached by riders concerning a non-definitive path which has reportedly been ridden for the last at least 30 years, access to which has just been fenced off. We've liaised with the Parish Council's Chair of the Rights of Way Subcommittee over this issue; it is highly likely to turn into a claim for a definitive bridleway based on user evidence.

new routes
Forest of Dean GreenwaySubmitted by: bhsglos 17 08 2013 16:43
The Forest of Dean Horse Riders and Carriage Drivers Group has succeeded in getting some funding for the Greenways project - £75K from the Forest of Dean Local Action Group, and £15K from the Gloucestershire Environmental Trust – this totals just £1K short of 50% of the projected implementation cost. The Group is going ahead with part of the project, and is hoping to raise further grant money from other sources.

new routes
Cycle tracksSubmitted by: bhsglos 17 08 2013 16:40
In line with a current BHS initiative, we wrote to every possibly relevant person/body concerning equestrian access on cycle tracks. Favourable responses to this general principle were received from the Gloucestershire Local Access Forum, from the Head of the GCC Public Rights of Way team, and from the Gloucestershire Highways Asset Manager. However, in respect of the one track which has so far been identified as potentially useful to horse riders – the Stroud /Stonehouse/ Nailsworth track – the Asset Manager has produced a raft of reasons why he thinks equestrian access to be inappropriate.
new routes
WithingtonSubmitted by: bhsglos 17 08 2013 16:28
Anyone who rides in the Withington area may like to know that, thanks to the generosity of the landowners, there is a new permissive bridleway at Upcote Farm, it links two existing bridleways and runs along a headland to the south of the hedge next to the Thorndale training gallops.

new routes
Forest of Dean GreenwaySubmitted by: bhsglos 17 08 2013 16:25
We had the chance to see the preliminary maps for the Forest of Dean Greenways project, which is envisaged as a long linear route or spine – The Heart of the Forest Greenway - from just north of Lydney to just South of Dymock, with circuits, some suitable for carriage drivers as well as riders, coming off it. It is hoped that the Heart of the Forest Greenway might eventually be extended northwards to meet the Sabrina Way somewhere in or near the Birtsmorton area.

new routes
Submitted by: bhsglos 17 08 2013 16:17
We heard of a landowner in the North Cotswolds, who was reportedly willing to dedicate a length of field headland as a new bridleway link – unfortunately, it transpired that he had been given the impression that he could simply swop a public footpath that he wanted to get rid of for this new bridleway. Once informed that the only way to get rid of the footpath would be by an Extinguishment Order (at a cost to him of at least £2,000.00) he didn’t want to proceed.

 All Information Items - in reverse date order - Click on a heading to see all items for a topic

Forestry Access
FREE Riding Access to SW ForestsSubmitted by: bhsaccesssouthwest 07 05 2013 17:21
You no longer need a permit to ride in Forestry Commission Forests in the SW. Riding will be unrestricted in Commission owned woodland. Riding is not permitted in leasehold woodland at Boconnoc, Clinnicks, Largin, Dunmere and East Wood. Carriage drivers will still require permits as they are taking a vehicle into the forest; event organisers should contact

Wind Turbines
Wind Turbine GuidelinesSubmitted by: bhsaccesssouthwest 11 02 2013 22:24
The BHS has very clear guidelines in its leaflet on the siting turbines.See http://www.bhsaccesscornwall.org.uk/Wind%20Turbines.pdf However the guidelines are not mandatory and planners seem reluctant to follow them. Check with your local council that they are aware of these guidelines and the implications for horses and riders

Forestry Access
Protecting Forests Submitted by: bhsaccesssouthwest 01 02 2013 16:18
DEFRA has announced that a new public body is to be established that will will protect forests for future generations.
See www.defra.gov.uk/news/2013/01/31/protect-forests/


Gates
Self Closing GatesSubmitted by: bhsaccesssouthwest 12 11 2012 10:56
Self Closing Gates (and especially one way opening) continue to be of great concern to riders. Fast closing times and difficult approaches and exits often make it impossible to get your horses through without being guillotined or bashed from behind by the gate. Please report all incidents with gatesto www.horseaccidents.org.uk . Your feedback on gate issues is also welcome via this page's forum.