Bridleways group to map out the future of important off-road routes

Horse riders are calling on outdoor enthusiasts to help them safeguard the future of the area’s bridleways

Horse riders are calling on outdoor enthusiasts to help them safeguard the future of the area’s bridleways.

The recently reformed Milnrow and Newhey Bridleways Group aims to keep local bridleway routes open and properly maintained to give riders access to safe, off-road riding and to preserve and promote these routes for future generations.

The group’s aims are all the more important because a shake-up in legislation means that all footpaths and bridleways created before 1949 cannot be recorded after 2026. This means that any routes used by riders – but not formally recorded on maps – will be lost after the deadline.

Nicola Tonge, one of the riders involved in the group, said: “Milnrow and Newhey has some fantastic bridleways which are on the doorstep of both the Pennine Way and Pennine Bridleway – something which the council promotes to tourists.

“However a lot of the bridleways in the two villages are in a poor state of repair and many are dangerous and un-rideable whilst others are obstructed, which shouldn’t be the case.”

As public rights of way, highway authorities are responsible for the maintenance of bridleways.

To spearhead its campaign, the Milnrow and Newhey Bridleways Group plans to map out existing and historic bridleways and lobby the local authority to improve those which need it. It is creating a bridleways blacklist which details the condition of each bridleway in the area and the work needed to be carried out – ranging from cutting back foliage to resurfacing.

Ms Tonge added: “The bridleways are one of the things that make Milnrow and Newhey special. Many of them are ancient whilst others are the only accessible route through vast open moorland.

“They run far beyond the two villages and are an essential link to many other areas including Saddleworth, Crompton, Littleborough and Burnedge.

“We also know that the bridleways are not just used by horse riders, that’s why we want to get all users involved in our campaign. Cyclists, ramblers, fell runners and walkers – anyone who values these important routes are needed to help us.”

In addition to protecting the villages’ bridleways, the group also plans to contribute to the local and equine community with initial ideas including fundraising for charity and organising sponsored rides.

Milnrow and Newhey councillor, Councillor Andy Kelly has pledged to support the group in their efforts and said: “This is a great initiative which will help preserve the heritage of these really important routes, not only for people to enjoy now but for generations to come.”

Milnrow and Newhey Bridleways Group is holding a welcome meeting on 8 June at 7pm at The Bulls Head, Ogden.

For more information contact Nicola at nicolacragg@hotmail.com