Bridleways provide a lovely view of the countryside and an excellent location for exercising a horse or pony.  It is up to members of the public to maintain them, making sure they remain open for every one to enjoy.  A group called NAGBAGS, Newquay Area Bridleways Action Group, are one of the many groups in the country who make it their business to keep bridleways in their area clear.  Click HERE to find out more about NAGBAGS and how you can help.

Always follow the country code when out hacking.

• Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work

• Guard against all risk of fire

• Fasten all gates after going through them to keep livestock from escaping

• Keep to the bridleway when going across farmland

• Do not tamper with livestock, crops or machinery on farmland

• Do not drop litter

• Help to keep all water clean

• Protect wildlife, plants and trees

• Take special care on country roads

• Do not make unnecessary noise

Before going hacking in the country you need to know where you are allowed to ride and what your rights are.  If you are unfamiliar with the area you can find out where all the bridleways are by looking in a ordnance survey map.

In the countryside there are three categories of public rights of way.  'Public rights of way' are paths which any member of the public can travel.  Collectively known as highways, only some are open to riders so you need to know how they are classed.

Country Footpaths

These are highways on which you can only walk - unless you have consent from landowners to ride.

Bridleways

These can be used for riding or leading a horse, as well as for walking and cycling.

Byways

Byways are open to all, although in practice they are used mainly for walking or riding.  Local landowners and farmers may also give permission for riding over their property and the National Trust and Forestry Commission usually allow riders on their land.

Unfortunately every year more countryside is developed and land is farmed more intensively.  It is important that every rider does their utmost to keep existing bridleways open and if possible, to create new ones.

You can help by following the country code, be courteous and considerate.  Behaving politely encourages farmers to keep bridleways open.  You should always shut gates behind you, ride slowly past livestock and keep to your path unless it is blocked.

Landowners should keep bridleways clear, but it is also up to riders and walkers to clear natural obstructions such as fallen trees and undergrowth.

The more you help, and the more you use bridleways, the longer they'll be open to all who enjoy the countryside.

Most Bridleways will have a sign as below indicating their location.

As you can see from these photos, some of the bridleways are in such a poor state and are in desperate need of tidying and  modernisation.

A lot of bridleways are virtually impassable and if you do manage to ride them you are constantly ducking and diving the low branches and extended arms of  hedges.

This bridleway is clearly dangerous with the exposed piping on a steep hill, making it a hazardous risk for the horses and rider.

Drainage is needed on many bridleways to help prevent the track getting too bogged down.

Newquay Area Bridleways Action Group

It has soon become clear that there is a need for such modification orders on several local paths.  In addition to this people are needed to carry out important work such as clearing bridleways, improving surfaces, carrying out research about where people can ride safely off the roads, and liaising with bodies such as Parish Councils and Imerys.  This is the work that NAGBAGS have taken on.  Our area spans roughly from Ladock through Grampound Road, up to St Mawgan and easterly to Demelza and Roche.  This is a large area and we really need enthusiastic members in each area who will work with us.

The NAGBAGS will soon be affiliated to the B.H.S. which means that when carrying out clearance or taking part in fun rides through us, members will be fully insured at these times.  They will have the satisfaction of being part of an organisation that is doing something positive to improve riding facilities for us all, and most importantly, safeguarding riding for our children and their children's children.

The cost to join NAGBAGS is just £4.00 per year per family.  You will receive a newsletter twice a year to keep you informed as to our progress, future plans and any socials that are happening.

For more information, please contact Louise Michaelides on (01726) 860637 or Kay Barrett on (01208) 861041.

British Horse Society's RIDE-UK project it thoughtfully designed for safe off road riding.  County Bridleways Officer Jane Combes, is on the lookout for 6 suitable circular tracks, that is one in each borough district.  The tracks should be between 5 and 15 miles long and ideally link up with existing bridleways.  This is an exciting project and is in honour of H.M. The Queen's Golden Jubilee 2002 and will, hopefully reduce the amount of accidents on the roads involving horses.  If anyone knows of any tracks that would be suitable for this project, then contact your local equestrian representative.   

Visit RIDEUK website.

www.ride-uk.org.uk