The British Horse Society is promoting a scheme to create a long distance riding route from Peterborough to Peddars Way, Norfolk. Once complete, this route will take its place amongst other long distance rides in England, like the Ridgeway, The Three Shires Way, and The Peddars Way. The route crosses areas in Fenland, which will be adversely affected by the Common Agricultural Policy reform, and promotion of this route will be of significant advantage to landowners and farmers, and the local community. As Peterborough City Council, Huntingdonshire District Council and Fenland District Council all have independent Countryside Access projects at early stages it seems sensible that the authorities should be aware of the scheme. The purpose of this paper is to provide an outline of the scheme.

Summary

The Peterborough to Peddars Way bridleroute is a mechanism for enhancing equestrian tourism in areas of Cambridgeshire in particular those areas which will be disadvantaged by the Common Agricultural Policy reform. It will benefit local economies of areas it passes through, and provide a safe recreational route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Introduction

The British Horse Society proposes a scheme to create a long-distance bridleroute for the safe use of horse riders. This will provide opportunities to link Peterborough to Peddars Way in Norfolk via Fenland, and to link with the Three Shires Way, Huntingdonshire, in the west. The route will also be available to both walkers and cyclists.

Rationale

Riding is a major outdoor recreation and continues to increase in popularity, providing opportunities for a wide spectrum of the public to participate at all levels of skill. It offers opportunities for informal enjoyment of the countryside in keeping with the natural surroundings. The traditional use of the horse as the main means of transport has now been replaced by the motor car, and continued provision for increasing use of motorised transport has meant that a significant proportion of the ancient rights of way network has either been severed, or lost to development.

The proposed long distance route will provide a safe route for use by riders, cyclists and walkers. As the scheme comes to fruition, there will be opportunities to develop more circular paths to create shorter more local routes, and the creation of shorter bridleways between settlements will encourage more local use by walkers and cyclists.

Support

Although formal consultations have not yet begun, various organisations with an interest in the areas the proposed route will pass have been consulted informally.

	Cambridgeshire County Council's Countryside Access Team Leader replied that the project is a very laudable initiative which will tie in well with Sustrans Cycle Routes and the Fenland Countryside Project which is the County's main focus of activities over the next few months. Any initiative, which improves access for all users and in a responsible way, is to be welcomed and Council would be pleased to offer any information or advice, which would help the project progress.
	The Countryside Agency's Countryside Officer is very interested about this idea and in seeing how all the current Fenland access initiatives inter-relate.
	Fenland District Council's Head of Leisure Services stated that it is Council policy to link Whittlesey, March and Wisbech by bridleways and as our aims coincide support the principle of this route and its inclusion as part of the Fenland Countryside Project which may provide funding.
	The Fens Tourism Project Manager indicated that they are keen to provide information on activities in the Fens and support the project in view of its strategic significance and would include it with their many promotions.
	Peterborough City Council stated that the bridleway sounds very interesting and Peterborough City Council support its provision and that there may opportunities for co-operation with the Peterborough Green Wheel project.
	East Cambridgeshire District Council's local plan says, "The creation of new long distance footpaths and bridleways can improve accessibility to the countryside and encourage tourism associated with such routes. The Council will support the establishment of long distance recreational footpaths and bridleways such as the proposed Peterborough to Peddars Way link which may pass through the northern part of East Cambridgeshire."
	Peterborough Environment City Trust stated that they are interested in and support the route which has some similarities to the Green Wheel and that they are currently undertaking a feasibility study to determine potential equestrian use of the Green Wheel.
	The Ramblers' representatives for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough expressed an interest in the project and appreciation at being consulted in the early stages. Ramblers prefer wider routes for multi-user paths as this allows walkers, riders and cyclists to pass each other more easily than in confined spaces. Ramblers will gain from additional paths being opened up.
	The Sustrans Regional Manager stated that ideas for a cross-country bridleway are very interesting and could link in with their own plans for similar routes to link Peterborough and Huntingdon and across Fenland.

It is clear that there is support for the scheme from those who would have to help in its implementation, and from those whose members will use it. The British Horse Society has substantial support from horse riders and their representatives for the project.

Route

The route is not yet certain, and will be determined by local British Horse Society officers, in consultation with the appropriate authorities, local landowners and other user groups. Unfortunately, some of the route is likely to use minor roads initially, and the Society with its Partners in the scheme will seek off-road alternatives for the on-road stretches, by negotiation with land owners and occupiers.

Further Information

If you would like to see up-to-date information as the Peterborough to Peddars Way bridleway scheme progresses, please book mark this page.

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© 2007 The British Horse Society