18/5/2009 - Bridleway open for business

A bridleway is now fully open to cyclists and horse riders after a long-standing dispute over its status was resolved by Cumbria County Council. 

For many years the bridleway, which forms a one-kilometre route out of the valley at Orton near Tebay and up over the fell to Great Asby Scar, was only open to walkers because of the need to climb over stiles, which made the route impassable to other users.

But now, following negotiations between the county council, the landowners involved and the National Farmers Union (NFU), new openings have been created in five walls which take the bridleway out onto the fell, stock proof gates installed and signs put in place to re-establish the route. 

Contention over the status of the route first came to light many years ago, and this was eventually resolved at a public enquiry that confirmed it was a public bridleway. The route however remained obstructed and users campaigned to get it opened up. 

Andrew Coleman, Cumbria County Council’s countryside access manager, said: "We recognised this was a long-standing problem which needed to be resolved, and with the cooperation of those affected and improved resources we undertook and completed work to reopen and sign the route last month.

"We’d like to pay tribute to those who have campaigned to open up this route, the affected landowners and the NFU who collectively helped resolve this case. This is a particularly valuable link in the network which we are sure will give pleasure to people using it. The bridleway is already being used and attracting positive comment."

Colin Palmer from CTC –the National Cyclists Organisation, said: "Cumbria has many brilliant bridleways but this is a real gem and the ability to cycle it without obstructions is giving a lot of pleasure to our members –as well as no doubt a glow of appreciation towards Cumbria." 

ENDS

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