New Routes

[solomon]

How do we find new routes to go hacking? Not content with the 10 miles yesterday. [!] Is there any good web sites to find hacking routes?

[fleabitten]

Ha!

Here is a list of bridleways groups that would do pleasure rides. www.bhs.org.uk/Riding/Riding_Off_Road/Affiliated_Bridleways_Groups/Bridleways_Groups_Listings.aspx

I have been to an ulster rural riders one and it was good fun, however, i would advise that you pair up. There is a lot of horses and riders that would canter off into the distance after walking past you to over take and your horse might want to follow them but its a lot safer if you are with another horse they mightn't be so bad then. We went with Princess and Jack to an URRA one and although jack was there princess still wanted to overtake although she wasnt too bad and was settled mostly. we took kieran on his own then last july and he just bounced the whole way round whinnying and pulled my arms out.

There is also endurance groups and they would organise pleasure rides too. but i would advise to go on a day when its just non competitive pleasure rides on as if you go on a day when there are different rides on then you will get the endurance racers who will go like the clappers. www.endurancegb.co.uk/html/scheduled.asp?From=1&To=12&RideType=All&Where=All&Order=Date&Branch=&Open=All&FEI=&MR=&B=&OD=99991231&CD=10001231&RF=&RC=&RD=10001231&LE=

Ride UK may have some off road routes: www.ride-uk.org.uk/extent/uk.htm

EMAGIN may also have some too: www.emagin.org/Routes_by_Region.aspx

Or if you just want some roadwork round about your area you can probably get some ordinance survey or roadmaps for your area.

[scattymare]

Loads of great tips there from Flea.
I use an ordinance survey map for local rides. Make sure you use an up to date one - mine was about 10 years old and didn't show any newer routes.
The bridleways are clearly marked for you to find.

[haffyfan]

Sol this is a great site if they cover your area. It's also good for planning day trips!

[fleabitten]

of course they dont cover NI - typical lol!!