Bridleways
Horse riding is a very popular activity enjoyed by an estimated 3.3 million people. With increasing leisure time even more people are likely to start riding. At the same time, changes in agriculture have brought pressure on farmers to diversify, so many are now interested in catering for the growing demand for horse riding. Lancashire has more than 240 miles of Bridleways in the County, which are being added to as new routes become available.
Listed below is a list of some of these route:
- Mary Towneley Loop
- Fellside Trail Beacon Fell
- Preston Junction Local Nature Reserve
- Billington Wood
- Pennine Bridle Way
- Bridleway Circuit Wycoller Country Park
- North Lancs Bridleway
- West Pennine Moors Bridleways Strategy 2006-2013
Where You Can Ride
Horses can be ridden on bridleways, byways, roads used as public paths, and unclassified roads, but not on footpaths. Riding routes will be waymarked with the blue (bridleway) or Red (byway) arrows, and should be signposted where they leave the road. Horse drawn carriages can only be driven on byways and some roads used as public paths and unclassified roads. To discover the routes of these rights of way use Ordnance Survey Pathfinder or Landranger maps. For more details, see the ' Definitive Maps' or use MARIO - Maps & Related Information Online, Lancashire County Council's interactive mapping site.
Trespass may cause damage to crops or wildlife habitats and could spoil the enjoyment of other visitors to the countryside. Areas of nature conservation value can be damaged by the trampling of surface vegetation, so take care when riding near sensitive wildlife areas or in wet conditions. Also avoid riding near nesting sites and disturbing birds during their breeding season.
It may also be possible to ride on 'permissive' or 'licensed' routes in country parks or on land owned by bodies such as the Forestry Commission or national Trust. Some farmers also permit riding across their land by prior agreement or under licence.
For peace of mind, it is essential to wear a hard hat secured with a chin strap. When riding at dusk or after dark, reflective clothing is strongly recommended and lamps are mandatory for riding on roads and bridleways. Although it is preferable to use bridleways and countryside routes, some circuits will contain some sections on the road. Modern roads are often dangerous to ride on, so ensure that your horse can be controlled in traffic beforehand. Wherever you ride or keep your horse, it is important to obtain at least third-party public liability insurance.