New Riding Routes for Exmoor and the Quantocks

A new publication of riding routes on Exmoor and the Quantocks is to be launched at Exford by Debbie Criddle, three-times equestrian Gold Medallist at the Athens Paralympics, on Thursday 25 May. ,

The publication ‘Exmoor and the Quantock Hills on Horseback’ is the result of a partnership between The British Horse Society, Exmoor National Park Authority, the Quantock Hills AONB Service and www.equinetourism.co.uk

Exmoor and the Quantock Hills are renowned as having some of the best opportunities for riding in the country. With peaceful forest tracks offering excellent going, wide open spaces for exhilarating gallops, meandering riverside trails, wooded valleys for strengthening hill work and rolling pastureland for relaxing hacking, the area really is a rider’s paradise.

Thanks to funding from the Exmoor Sustainable Development Fund, the new publication comes in the form of an A5 sized pack of pull-out laminated cards, including 11 new circular routes based on Ordnance Survey mapping and easy to follow route details.

The launch promises to be an exciting occasion and an opportunity to support an initiative that will bring increased socio-economic benefits to many rural tourism and equine-related businesses and local communities.

INVITATION.. INVITATION..INVITATION

People are invited to attend the launch from 10 am onwards, where refreshments will be available in the marquee, along with display materials of the new routes and even a chance to meet some Exmoor Ponies. The morning will include speeches, an awards ceremony and an official ‘ribbon cutting’ launch of the rides by 3-times equestrian gold medallist at the Athens Paralympics, Debbie Criddle. Please note that parking on the day of the launch will be limited, so anyone keen to attend the launch or take part in the ride should contact Robert Downes on 01398 322174 or at rmdownes@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk beforehand to book your place.

Following the celebrations a ride that follows part of the new 16 mile route from Exford via Simonsbath is being planned. The route travels through some of Exmoor’s most diverse and visually stunning landscape and is a great example of what can be experienced in the area.

Sustainable Tourism Officer with Exmoor National Park Authority, Robert Downes says:”For the partners involved the launch will be the culmination of two years hard work on a project that it is hoped will encourage riders to explore more of the area and learn why the area’s variety of terrains makes it such a great place for riders of all abilities.”

More information about the new routes are now available on www.equinetourism.co.uk. The site is the principal source of information on all equine businesses, activities and riding holidays in the region and the new riding routes section will provide visitors and local people with access to all the information they need for the perfect riding experience.