NEW BRIDLEWAYS OPENED UP

Three new public bridleways have recently been opened around Dunster through the goodwill of The Crown Estate working with staff from Exmoor National Park Authority.

The former public footpaths have been dedicated as public bridleways to extend use to horse riders and cyclists. James Maben, Exmoor National Park Authority Access Officer said: “The routes were highlighted by members of the public through our Rights of Way Improvement Plan consultations. One of the routes near Aville Farm was especially important to help prevent horse riders from having to ride a fast section of the A396 in order to link up with other bridleways in the area.”

These new bridleways are the latest in a series of improvements to access within Exmoor National Park. Others include Pitt Bridge, Timberscombe where a new 300m section of permitted bridleway opened in June 2005. This new section enables horse riders, cyclists and walkers to use circular routes in the area without having to ride a busy and winding road. In effect this has opened up an additional 7km of off road routes that were previously difficult to link up. Also at Killington Cross, Parracombe, a 1km permitted bridleway has been opened through a Defra environmental stewardship scheme. The new route is an alternative to an existing bridleway which currently ends on the busy A39, and links into another bridleway.

Chris Binnie, Chairman of The West Somerset Bridleways Association which aims to improve and create bridleways and to monitor and report on existing routes said: “We have been working closely with the National Park Authority to improve rights of way in the National Park through the Rights of Way Improvement Plan. A priority has been to try and improve road safety for horse riders and it is great to see the dedication of these new public bridleways. Through the generosity of The Crown Estate, riders around Dunster no longer have to negotiate a dangerous section of road to link into the wider rights of way network"

Christopher Bourchier, Director of Rural Estates at The Crown Estate said: “The Crown Estate is committed to working in partnership with local stakeholders to help improve facilities for tourists and other visitors to Exmoor. We are pleased to be involved in this latest initiative that contributes to the long-term, sustainable future of the Exmoor National Park.”