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A new Bridleways Group has been formed to campaign for improved off road riding in the Saffron Walden area in affiliation with SWDRC.
The area has one of the richest networks of ancients by-ways and bridleways in the county but many of them have become neglected and are poorly maintained.
The group will identify practical riding routes around Saffron Walden of between 5 and 20 miles by exploiting the existing network and publish them for the benefit of local riders. We also hope to publish them on the SWDRC website.
The aim is to make it easier for riders to enjoy the countryside by following established tracks that are well maintained and waymarked and so reduce riders’ reliance on busy roads. Essex has the unenviable record of having the highest incidence of road traffic accidents involving horse riders in the country.
The group will also seek out and identify new routes suitable for riding with the possible creation of new bridleways, the reinstatement of lapsed rights of way and the introduction of permissive rights of way which we hope to persuade landowners to introduce.
Work has already started with the support of the Essex County Council Public Rights of Way organisation and the Essex Bridleways Association.
The group wants to hear from you if you are interested in joining or supporting us, if you have a problem with an existing riding path or track, or you can give us details about riding routes you use. We also plan working parties for improvements on the ground and path way marking.
Contact garronbaines@btconnect.com or call 01799 541079
The Group is hoping to merge with the North Essex Bridleways Group and also to be accepted under the county’s Parish Paths Partnership Scheme (P3) which will provide funds for improving the network.
A Public meeting is planned early in 2007. Please contact Garron Baines (above) if you would be interested in attending.
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Essex County Council has a responsibility to ensure all public rights of way are adequately maintained.
Common problems are signs that are broken or missing, routes that are overgrown and waterlogged and rutted tracks caused by four wheeled vehicles and trail bikes.
Please ensure report each and every problem to the Bridleways Group (email above) and most importantly email highways.westarea@essexcc.gov.uk
Make sure you give an accurate location and ask for a response with 4 weeks. Copy the Group on all responses or lack of responses.
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One of the first circular routes we hope to publish will follow part of the original London to Cambridge stage coach route from Saffron Walden to Manuden.
A research team has started work and is investigating ancient records. Let us know if you want to be involved. |
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To campaign for improvements to rights of way on horseback and promote and publish suitable riding routes around Saffron Walden that support the ambitions of countryside riders and reduce their reliance on busy roads.
The Group will:
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- record, report and champion necessary improvements to local by-ways and bridleways
- identify, document and promote realistic routes of between 5 and 20 miles duration and identify amenities en route.
- identify and seek to create potential new routes requiring new permissions for riders
- investigate lapsed equestrian routes and activate plans for reinstatement and/or challenge
- encourage developments in equine tourism in the area
- encourage positive relationships with landowners and other users of the countryside |
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