Bridleway Regeneration
Ever since the inauguration of NLBS, members have worked hard to try to reopen or improve local bridleways and most of the time there has seemed to be so little progress. At last we are seeing some developments.
Fleagarth, Silverdale. In 1974 a DMMO (Definitive Map Modification Order) was put in to upgrade a footpath in Fleagarth Woods to a Bridleway. This has eventually proved successful, though at the moment it will be a cul-de-sac route. However, it is intended to apply to continue the route round the shoreline, even though this is not currently rideable due to erosion of the beach
Haweswater, Silverdale. This is owned by Natural England, who are deciding whether to allow access to horses. NLBS has offered to provide a track round a section of the route.
Update: In September 2008 Natural England offered part of the mid section of the route, one side of the mid section agreed to their land being used but the landowner at the other end of the trail refused access.
Cantsfield. This is an ongoing issue, the latest proposal being to provide a ford across the river, which will require diversion of the original route and hence permission of the landowner.
Update of progress (or lack of it!!) on the Cantsfield Bridleway
For many years, individuals have attempted to reopen a bridleway at Cantsfield, north of Wennington. This bridleway links with several attractive routes in the Tunstall area but the track crosses the river Greta and now the river is just too deep to be forded, even in dry weather.
Eight years ago NLBS officers met on site with Lancashire County Council officers to see how this bridleway could be re-opened. A bridge was suggested by LCC and, although this solution would enable many more users to access the route, it did seem rather an expensive option to the ‘lay people’ present. We suggested a ford, which was quite feasible, but this would mean diverting the bridleway so the bridge was the way forwards.
After years of voluntary input, persuasion, cajoling etc. and several promises of the bridge in the following year’s budget, yes, you can guess - we are back at square one! Too expensive!!
Once again, we have met on site together with LCC officers, one of which very interestingly & helpfully, has previously been a Mounted Police officer who remembers taking his police horse across this very bridleway and swimming his horse to get across!! We have looked at the very possible way of fording the river in a shallower part and diverting the bridleway.
This course of action is now proceeding and in March ’08 there is a site meeting with land owners to hopefully divert the bridleway fairly smoothly.
Am I satisfied with this? Yes is the answer, but I felt like this eight years ago so we wait with bated breath!! Watch this space! (Barbara – Field Officer for Tatham & Cantsfield area)
A site meeting in March 2008 was successful, the diversionary route was decided upon and agreed. All this was going through with contracts ready to sign then in November 2008, about 2 days before contracts were due to be signed, the ecologists emailed the Rights of Way Officer to say evidence of otters had been found at the new route across the stream so this put a halt to proceedings. The Rights of Way Officer is continuing to try and find an alternative route.
Lune Millennium Track
The Trial Period has ended and the Public Meetings raised no further concerns. So we continue to have access. However, please continue to ride 'politely, friendly and safely' along this track. We hope that, eventually, we shall have a track which extends up the Lune Valley to Wennington, with an off-shoot to Wray and we do not wish to tarnish our reputation!
Canal towpath access
Following a letter from Eve to the Director for development of canal routes, we have been assured that horse riders will be considered when there is redevelopment of the Tewitfield section of the canal and we will also have access to the canal bank, avoiding the busy section of road, between Bolton-le-Sands and Carnforth when this has been made safer for use by different groups ie. walkers, cyclists. Please continue to be patient on this one but this recent development seems to be a real breakthrough.
Yealand to Warton permissive bridleway
As reported in our Activities, this permissive bridleway has now been opened and leads from the end of the bridlepath, which runs between Yealand Conyers & the A6, passes Warton Cricket Club and comes out onto the road from Warton to the A6. When emerging onto this road, be particularly careful as it is a busy and narrow road and motorists will not expect riders to emerge at that point. It may be that we can request warning signs for motorists, but meanwhile - TAKE CARE!
Bridleway near Sedbergh
NLBS member, Carol Graham, has worked for some time opposing a motion to downgrade this bridleway to a footpath, partly because houses have been built over the right of way. After much effort, this motion has been overruled. 'Options will be explored to see if agreement can be reached on a solution that would result in the right of way being diverted so as to be available for users'. This is an excellent decision. Well done, Carol, and thank you for your efforts!
After the above positive comment, we have now been asked to raise £20,000 for the erection of fences, signs and gates along the short stretch from Detron Gate to Crag Bank. This just seems extortionate & is really not acceptable for NLBS. We are still negotiating!