Horse Ridingin Devon

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Map of Devon 3

Horse Riding in Devon 4

Where to ride Public Rights of Way and Other Information 6

Planning Your Route 8

How to ride The Countryside Code 9

Road Safety 10

Beach Riding 12

Further Information Equestrian Attractions 14

Places to ride

National Parks 1. Exmoor National Park 16

2. Dartmoor National Park 17

Circular Trails 3. Tarka Trail 18

4. The Taw Valley Ride 19

5. Dittisham Circular Ride 20

6. Ruby Rides: Village and Lakeside Trail 21

Free-Riding Areas 7. Ruby Rides: Cookworthy Forest 22

8. Haldon Forest Park 23

9. Woodbury Common 24

Further Information Great Places to stay 26

and Equestrian Facilities

Be a responsible visitor! 27

Contents

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Horse Riding in Devon

AGLV Area of Great Landscape Value

AW Ancient Woodland

CWS County Wildlife Site

AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

NNR National Nature Reserve

SAC Special Area of Conservation

SPA Special Protection Area

SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest

Key to abbreviations used in this booklet

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www.devon.gov.uk/horseriding

Devon is unsurpassed for the beauty and qualityof its landscape. The beaches, shores andestuaries, the traditional farmed landscape withits rolling fields, woods and hedgerows, thelowland heaths, the moors and uplands - allmake Devon one of the most stunningdestinations in Britain.

Where else can boast two National Parks, fiveAreas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, twelveestuaries punctuating over 400 km of coastline, aUNESCO Biosphere Reserve and parts of twoWorld Heritage Sites, including England’s firstnatural Site?

This booklet aims to inspire anyone interested inhorses, riding or just enjoying Devon’s beautifulcountryside. It does not matter if you are anexperienced rider or a beginner, this booklet willgive you information about where to ride, howto ride, equestrian attractions and nine areaswhere you can enjoy horse riding in Devon.

The nine areas detailed within this booklet havebeen chosen because they give you a taste ofwhat Devon has to offer for horse riding from allaround the County. They are split into sections:the two National Parks of - Dartmoor andExmoor; four Circular Trails - the Tarka Trail,Ashreigney, Bratton Clovelly and Dittisham; andthree Free-riding Areas - Cookworthy Moor, Haldon Forest Parkand Woodbury Common. These areas also caterfor the different needs and abilities of riders andoffer a huge array of beautifully scenic horseriding opportunities.

If you are considering a horse riding holiday inDevon, don’t forget that Devon is also a havenfor wildlife and has excellent access for walkersand cyclists as well as horse riders. This leaflet ispart of a series of Discover Devon publicationscovering walking, cycling, wildlife and geology.

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Horse Riding in Devon

Public Bridleway

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If you enjoy Devon’s Countryside...

Horses are such a large part of the historyand culture of Devon. There are a widerange of horse riding activities availablesuch as full or half day treks, moor riding,beach riding, carriage riding and evenwestern riding! One of the oldest traditionson horse back in Devon is hunting andthere are many opportunities to join a huntin Devon.

Don’t forget Devon’s environment hassomething to offer throughout the year, notjust in the spring and summer. To top thisall off, access to these horse riding sites hasnever been better. If you decide to have abreak from horse riding and want to travelaround Devon why not leave the car athome or at your accommodation for a dayor two? Devon has an integrated bus andtrain network, 3500 miles (5632 km) offootpath, 734 miles (1181 km) of bridlewayand 150 miles (241 km) of National CycleNetwork. Make your visit even more specialand help to preserve Devon’s natural beautyfor others by using public transport wherepossible. For more information please viewwww.traveline.org.uk or phone 0871 2002233 (calls from landline cost 10p a min).

All of these sites featured are special forhorse riding but they can only provide aglimpse of what Devon has to offer. Thereare many more locations to explore andfurther information on riding plus otheractivities can be found atwww.visitdevon.couk

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Dartmoor Pony

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Interesting Facts aboutHorse Riding in Devon

Did you know that…

1 Horse and Hound magazine ranked Devon asthe horsiest county in the land.

2 Horse riding is one of the best outdooractivities for burning calories.

3 In Devon there are approximately 24,300horses.

4 Approximately 23% of the Devon pathnetworks are bridleways.

5 Champion race horse Best Mate died atExeter Race Course in 2005.

6 You can still have donkey rides on some ofour beaches in Devon.

7 There are three native ponies in Devon, theDartmoor, Exmoor and Lundy

8 The champion horse trainer Martin Pipeworked on the Devon/Somerset border.

9 Devon is home to one of England’s mostfamous horses - Uncle Tom Cobley’s greymare. Widecombe fair is still held in Devoneach September.

10 You can learn how to drive a horse andcarriage at the National Trust’s ArlingtonCourt in North Devon.

Further InformationFor information on horse riding in Devonvisit the horse riding section ofwww.visitdevon.couk for a list ofaccommodation, activities, attractions, placesto eat, towns and villages to visit, that relateto horse riding.

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Horse riding is a significant part of rurallife in Devon, not just for recreation butalso for business. Horses can use any partof the road and public rights of waynetwork except for footpaths. As well aspublic roads, routes that they can legallyuse include:

• Bridleways (approx 1175 km or 730 miles).On bridleways horse riders may encountercyclists, who can use them provided they giveway to horse riders and walkers. Bridlewaysare often waymarked with blue arrows andthey should be signposted where they join orleave a road.

• Byways open to all traffic (BOATS) (approx72 km or 44 miles). Byways are oftenwaymarked with red arrows.

• Unsurfaced unclassified county roads (UCRs)(approx 728km or 450 miles) which may alsobe referred to as field roads or green lanes.

• Common land within Dartmoor NationalPark.

Stewardship areasThe Environment Stewardship Scheme introducedby the Countryside Commission (now NaturalEngland) in 1991 meant that farmers and otherland managers were paid to enhance andconserve landscapes, their wildlife and historyand to help people to enjoy them. For moreinformation please view www.defra.gov.ukThese areas can include permissive riding areasand provide you with safe, off-road routes. Youcan view these areas on the interactive onlinemap “My local paths” atwww.devon.gov.uk/mylocalpaths and clicking onthe ‘layers’ button and selecting ‘DEFRAStewardship Sites’.

Devon County Council’s Rightsof Way Improvement PlanDevon County Council’s Rights of WayImprovement Plan (known as the RoWIP) hasbeen drawn up in accordance with theCountryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 andtakes account of guidance issued by theDepartment for Environment, Food and RuralAffairs. It includes sections by Dartmoor andExmoor National Park Authorities.

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Public Rights of Wayand Other Information

Access Route Legal Users Approx Length in Devon

Footpath 3650km

Bridleway 1200km

RestrictedByway 15km

BywayOpen to all Traffic 80km

Unsurfaced UnclassifiedCounty Road 700km

Legal Users on Public Rights of Way

The main objective of the RoWIP is to improvepublic rights of way and access for all. It sets outthe County Council’s policies and actions for themaintenance and improvement of public rightsof way and access, and includes specific policiesrelating to horse riding and carriage driving.More information and a copy of the RoWIP isavailable at www.devon.gov.uk/rowip. If youhave any suggested improvements then pleaseemail rowip@devon.gov.uk or write to PublicRights of Way, Environment, Economy andCulture Directorate, Devon County Council,County Hall, Exeter, EX2 4QW

Open access rightsThe Countryside and Rights of WayAct 2000 created new rights forpeople to walk on areas of open country andregistered common land. The Open Accesssymbol is used to mark the boundaries of landavailable for area-wide access.

However you cannot ride your horse on openaccess land and registered common land apartfrom the Dartmoor Commons (see page 9). Youmight want to enjoy Devon’s landscape on footas part of your horse riding holiday or day outwhen you have finished riding. You can alsosearch for walks as well as horse rides onhttp://cwr.defra.gov.uk

For more information about open access landand to view online maps please seewww.countrysideaccess.gov.uk

Pleasure ridesPleasure rides are usually run by local equestriangroups in areas which provide good horse ridingaccess and facilities. They are sometimesdescribed as sponsored fun rides. They can rangefrom roughly £5 - 15 per person to participateand can be between a few miles (3km) to 10 or15 (16 - 24km) miles long, often on quiet lanes,byways and bridleways. You can normally searchthe internet for pleasure rides or enquire at localriding centres and clubs. Look at the British HorseSociety’s website www.emagin.org

Riding for people with disabilitiesThere are also many facilities that allow peoplewith disabilities to enjoy horse riding. For furtherinformation please visitwww.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor andwww.southwestregionriding-for-disabled.org.uk

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For more information on public rights of wayand where you can ride your horse in Devonplease visit the Devon County Council PublicRights of Way webpagewww.devon.gov.uk/prow From here you canaccess the interactive online map called “My localpaths” or directly atwww.devon.gov.uk/mylocalpaths This will helpyou to plan your journey and find rights of waythat you and your horse can enjoy. Remember tolook out for bridleways highlighted in green andbyways which are highlighted in red andpermissive routes in orange.

Simple tips on how to usean OS mapThe best maps to use whilst riding are theOrdnance Survey “Explorer” maps 1:25, 000 (2.5 inch to the mile) since these show the fieldboundaries.

SymbolsOn the 1:25, 000 scale Ordnance Survey Explorermaps bridleways are represented as a line ofgreen dashes, byways are represented as a line ofgreen crosses. Unsurfaced ‘C’ roads are markedby a line of green dots.

On the 1:50, 000 scale OS map, bridleways andbyways are the same markings but in pinkinstead. Unsurfaced ‘C’ roads are marked as aline of pink dots.

Map readingUsing the grid lines on the map (the faint bluelines) read the number horizontally first(eastings) and then the number vertically(northings) to find your location on the mapgiving you your grid reference which you cangive to others (such as mountain rescue) tolocate where you are. The grid reference caneither be a four figure (single km square) or a 6figure (by dividing the single km square into10ths and using those numbers too). You shouldalways read the eastings (along the corridor) firstand the northings (up the stairs) second.

Compass readingYou can also use a compass to help you navigate:

1. Place compass on map making sure thedirection of the travel arrow is pointing inthe direction of your route across the map.

2. Keeping the compass base plate still, turn thecompass housing so the index line andorienting lines match up with the easting onthe map.

3. Keeping the map flat and the compass still,you need to rotate your body so that thecompass needle settles in line (opposite) withthe index line.

4. Adjust for magnetic variation by carefullyturning the compass housing 4°clockwise andturn your body again to realign the magneticneedle with the index line. Your map is noworientated to north.

You can also use landmarks and features aroundyou to orientate your map and help you to getyour bearings.

Planning Your Route

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For example on the map below,the 6 digit grid ref would be 674842and the 4 digit ref would be 67,84.

When horse riding you will probably come intocontact with other public rights of way users.Please remember to be courteous andconsiderate and to care for the land and theneeds of owners and occupiers as far as you areable. For further information on the CountrysideCode please visit www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk/things_to_know/countryside_code

Riding on moorlandExmoor and Dartmoor have good bridlewaynetworks where you can ride and goodaccommodation where you can stay with yourhorse. The Dartmoor Commons Act (1985) dealtwith the regulation of grazing rights and thecontrol of public access on the commons (37% ofthe National Park). The Act established a legalright of access on foot and on horseback to thecommons for the purpose of open air recreation.

When riding on the moors please be wary of softand boggy areas. The best months to visit themoors are between June and September. Shouldyour horse sink get off at once and encouragehim to extricate himself.

In Spring be aware that you could disturb groundnesting birds and that lambing may be takingplace and farmers will be busy. If you do visitduring the lambing season, take great care notto disturb the sheep.

Your horse will need to be fit enough to copewith rough ground and steep slopes. You mayhave to lead your horse downhill. The horse mustbe willing to ford rivers and cross bridges sopractice before you set off. A cooperative well-trained horse will be a great help.

Always follow a promoted route or discuss yourplans with a local rider. Carry a compass, awhistle and an OS Explorer map.

Check the weather forecast before you go. Neverride alone and a party of three is best.

Tell someone where you are going each day.

Close and latch all the gates.

Allow plenty of time to complete your ride.

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The Countryside Code

Poppies © South Hams District Council

Remember to ridewith Moor Care• Ride only where you’re allowed.

• Be prepared, with the right equipmentand clothing including a helmet.

• Be considerate of other users.

• Avoid riding fast on wet ground ashooves can soon turn fragile moorlandinto mud.

For further information on safety and horseriding please view www.bhs.org.uk where youcan find advisory leaflets about safety andaccess issues.

Road Safety

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It is often necessary for horse riders to have toride on roads and therefore it is important toconsider your own and others safety carefullyand keep in mind the following points:

Be aware of the Highway Code and avoidmain or busy roads if possible.

Ride on the left hand side of the roadnear the kerb even when approaching ajunction and intending to turn right.

Never ride more than two abreast. Ridingtwo abreast is particularly recommended ifriding with a young or inexperienced horse,with the more experienced horse beingnearer to the centre of the road. However,when traffic approaches or where the roadnarrows or on the approach to a bend it maybe necessary to ride single file with theexperienced horse taking the lead. Thereshould always be a gap of a horse’s lengthbetween each horse being ridden behindanother.

Use bridleways where possible. Rememberyou must not take a horse onto a footpath,pavement or a cycle track without thelandowner’s permission. Do not ride onfootways next to the road.

Before you take a horse onto a road, youshould: ensure all tack fits well and is ingood condition; make sure you can controlyour horse keeping both hands on the reinsunless you are signalling; always ride withother, more experienced horses if you thinkthat your horse will be nervous in traffic;always ride with a saddle or bridle; keepboth feet in the stirrups; do not carryanother person; do not carry anything whichmight affect your balance or get tangled upin the reins; keep a horse you are leading toyour left and move in the direction of thetraffic flow on a one-way street.

Always wear a helmet fastened securelythat complies with current regulations.Children under the age of 14 MUST wear ahelmet. It may also be advisable to wear a

body protector, and a fluorescent tabardparticularly if riding a young orinexperienced horse.

Wear boots or shoes with hard soles andheels. Light-coloured or fluorescent clothingin daylight and reflective clothing if you haveto ride at night or in poor visibility.

It is safer not to ride on the road at nightor in poor visibility, but if you do, putreflective bands on your horse above thefetlock joints. Carry a light which showswhite to the front and red to the rear.

Always look behind regularly to be awareof traffic behind and continually look andlisten for hazards which may alarm the horse.

Before turning or approaching a junctionalways check for traffic and signal toindicate your intention. When signallingyour intention to turn left or right, ensurethat your whip is in the hand that remainson the reins and hold your other arm outhorizontally for 3 seconds so thatsurrounding traffic is able to clearly see thesignal. Always watch and listen for trafficand be prepared to stop if necessary.

Additional hand signals may sometimesbe required. Holding out the right arm andslowly waving it up and down indicates to anapproaching driver to slow down, whilstholding the arm out with fingers pointing up

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showing the palm of the hand to the cardriver indicates that the rider requires thedriver to stop.

If necessary avoid hazards by taking adetour. If approaching a noisy or dangeroushazard reassure your horse and if your horseseems reluctant to pass the hazard getanother horse to lead.

Always signal your intention to movetowards the centre of the road to cardrivers. If approaching a hazard such as aparked car which requires the horse to bemoved towards the centre of the road,always check ahead and behind forapproaching traffic. Be prepared to stop andwait if necessary.

Avoid roundabouts wherever possible. Ifyou use them you should: keep to the leftand watch out for vehicles crossing your pathto leave or join the roundabout; signal rightwhen riding across exits to show you are notleaving; signal left just before you leave theroundabout.

Safety/training days. The British HorseSociety (BHS) and many riding schoolsoperate a Riding and Road Safety Test ortraining days.

Collisions. It is widely suspected that roadcollisions involving equestrians are under -reported to the police. If you or your horsesuffers injury or damage as a result of the

presence of a motor vehicle on ‘a road orother public place’, the driver must stop andgive his or her details, or else report thecollision to the police. (See Road Traffic Act1988 Part V11). So you and your horse don’tactually have to be hit by a vehicle for thedriver to be required to report an incident.The more details of injuries and collisions wehave, the more this intelligence can be usedto develop road safety programmes.

Driven horses. Make sure you are with anexperienced driver, wear helmets and Hi-Vizreflective tabards and take it slowly andcarefully on the road. The British DrivingSociety organises safety courses.

Walking a horse along a road. Lead on theleft of the road with the horse on your leftkeeping yourself between the horse and thetraffic.

Road surfaces. There are problems withsome horses walking up hills where there isno grip between the shoes and the roadsurface and some horses don’t walk overmetal inspection covers. Please be aware ofparts of the road where the horse may needto change its course, or will be jittery, andconsider pulling over to let traffic by.

Traffic. Where a queue of traffic builds upbehind you, pull over whenever it is safe todo so and let them pass.

Beach Riding

12top left: Baggy Pointbottom: Burgh Island

Beach riding can be a fantastic experienceand day out for both you and your horse.Beaches are good for building up fitness,the sand can encourage muscle tone andstrength and the salt is a natural cleanser. Ifyou do not own your own horse or you area beginner to beach riding then visitwww.visitdevon.co.uk where you cansearch for riding clubs and trekking centresthat will organise treks to beaches with anexperienced guide. Beach riding allows youto enjoy spectacular views of the coast andallows both the horse and rider to getcloser to nature. However, there are a fewthings that you need to remember whenplanning to ride on the beach:

• Do you have permission to ride on thebeach? If so, what times are you allowedto ride there? There will often be set timeswhen horses are allowed or not allowed.Horses are usually allowed at quieter timesof the day such as early morning and lateevening. There may also be areas of thebeach where you are prohibited from riding,such as sand dunes because of conservationissues. Many beaches are privately owned soplease contact the relevant District Council orTourist Information Centre who will give youdetails about ownership of the beach andthe contact details of the land owner whoyou can then contact for permission beforeriding.

• Car parking. Check if there is any parkingnear to the beach before you go. Sometimesyou may have to park on the beach whichmay be difficult when towing a horse box.Height barriers are common on manybeaches which can restrict horse trailers andmany car parks have car parking charges(usually in the summer months).

• Be aware of other people! If there areother people on the beach please remaincourteous and ride past them slowly andleave plenty of room.

• Tides. Be aware of incoming tides, especiallyif riding on narrow beaches with coves. Tidetables are often available in local shops.

• Litter and rubbish. Although the majority ofbeaches are well maintained watch out forgeneral rubbish which could hurt you or yourhorse e.g. glass bottles.

• Sand. Be aware of varying texture anddepth. Riding through deep ‘soft’ sand orriding fast on hard sand can lead to injuriesto your horse. Be aware of holes in the sand.

• Salt. The salt from the sea can often damageleather or metal so ensure that you cleanyour tack after each visit to the beach. Also,remember to wash your horse’s hooves whichcan be dried by the salt.

• Be cautious of the sea. Ride slowly whenentering the sea as some shores can be steepand dip quickly. Approach the sea at anangle when riding in to stop your horse frombeing spooked by the breaking tide andrearing.

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'Beach riding canbe a fantasticexperience'

Racecourses in DevonDevon has two excellent racecourses. ExeterRacecourse which is situated on the top ofHaldon Hill has wonderful views both over Exeterand Dartmoor. The racecourse organises manydifferent race days ranging from family days tohighclass steeplechases. Some of the mostfamous horses to have raced here include DesertOrchid and Best Mate. Newton Abbot also has aracecourse with an excellent reputation as aholiday racing venue.

Bicton ArenaFor anyone interested in horse shows and eventsBicton Arena, near Budleigh Salterton in EastDevon, provides a wide range of activities toenjoy. This site has grass arenas, an all weatherpractice ring, permanent stables, a cross countrycourse and many other facilities. The arena ishome to trials, show jumping and one dayevents. If you are interested in horse shows youcan search for upcoming events in Devon atwww.thedevonhorseshow.org

The Donkey Sanctuaryand Devon Horse and PonySanctuaryAnother site of interest is the Donkey Sanctuarynear Sidmouth. Set in the rolling hills of EastDevon, elderly and formerly mistreated donkeysare cared for and are waiting to meet you. Forfurther information please visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

There is also a Devon Horse and Pony Sanctuaryat Manaton, on the edge of Dartmoor. For moreinformation please visit www.dhaps.org.uk

The Dartmoor Hill PonyDartmoor National Park is home to the nativebreed of registered Dartmoor Ponies and thereare also Dartmoor Hill Ponies which are crossbred. The ponies live on the moor all year round.However, they are not truly wild animals butowned by farmers who let them graze on thecommons. It is believed that the ponies have

lived on Dartmoor for approximately 3,500 yearswith the first written evidence of the poniesrelating back to AD 1012. In the mid 1800s theponies were used to transport granite. It isthought that there are almost 3000 ponies onDartmoor at present. As well as in industry theponies have been used for recreational purposessuch as show jumping, cross country, one dayevents, working hunter ponies, carriage drivingand of course as popular family ponies. For moreinformation please visitwww.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk

The Exmoor PonyExmoor National Park is home to the distinctiveExmoor Pony. This unique breed is thought to bethe closest breed to the wild horses of Europe.Many people believe that the ponies are wild butin fact they are all owned and allowed to grazeon the moor all year. Exmoor ponies havedistinctive features such as a mealy buff colouron the underparts and the area around the eyesand nose while the mane, tail and points areblack. The colour on the rest of their body candiffer from from dun (a smoky-brown) to bay(red-brown) or brown (dark brown). The summercoat is fine and glossy but in winter the poniesgrow a thick, two-layered protective coat.Average height is about 12 hands. For moreinformation please view www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Lundy PonyThe Lundy Pony is a breed of pony originallydeveloped on the offshore island of Lundy in1928. The breed was created by the crossing ofNew Forest Pony mares and Arabian stallions.The harsh environment of the Island led to theponies becoming strong and hardy. For furtherinformation visit www.lundyisland.co.uk

Grand WesternHorseboat CompanyExplore the Grand Western Canal near Tivertonaboard a traditionally painted horse-drawnbarge. Step back in time as you board the‘Tivertonian’ and enjoy the peace and tranquillity

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Equestrian Attractions

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of the Canal. The Grand Western Horseboat Co.is one of only a few, traditional horse-drawnbarges remaining in England today. The horse-drawn barge operates in all-weathers and hasvarying lengths of trip available. Other featureson the canal include rowing and self-drive dayboats for hire and the floating canal gift shop,which also provides refreshments. For moreinformation visit www.tivertoncanal.co.uk

Miniature Pony CentreThe Miniature Pony Centre near toMoretonhampstead on Dartmoor gives you achance to see, meet and touch a range ofminiature ponies and donkeys. Please visit www.miniatureponycentre.com

Donkeys onExmouth BeachIn the spring and summer you can enjoy views ofthe two miles of golden sand at Exmouth, byriding on the back of a donkey! Exmouth lies atthe mouth of the Exe Estuary in East Devon.

Carriage DrivingCarriage driving is fast becoming a popular horseactivity too. There are many centres that providehorse drawn carriages and tuition to help youenjoy a more laid back style of riding. TheNational Trust at Arlington Court, nearBarnstaple, has a magnificent carriage collectionon display and even offers courses on carriagedriving. For further information about carriagedriving please visit the British Driving Society’swebsite at www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk orthe National Trust websitewww.nationaltrust.org.uk

HuntingFollowing a hunt allows you to ride where youwould not normally be allowed. Hunts ride ondifferent days and around specific local areas. Ifyou are interested in joining a hunt then pleasecontact your local hunt group’s secretary forfurther details. Hunt groups can be found on theMaster of Foxhounds Association website atwww.mfha.co.uk

below left: Grand Western Canal, bottom left: Donkey Sanctuary

1. Exmoor National ParkStatus: National Park, SSSI, SACManagement:Exmoor National ParkAuthority

Experience the romance, mystery and beauty ofwild moors and beautiful river valleys in Exmoor,one of England’s prettiest National Parks. Exmooris a great place to come and ride and with 693square km (69,000 ha) of National Park it offers agreat sense of freedom and choice for horseriders. There are 400 miles (approx 600 kms) ofbridleways. The National Park has a responsibilityto ensure that bridleways are open, usable andthat every path is signed where it leaves or joinsa public highway. The more popular bridlewaysare way-marked in the national colour of blue.

Exmoor covers mixed landscapes including semi-natural areas of moor and heath, woodland,coast and foreshore. A number of these habitatsare of national and international importance.One third of the National Park is in Devon (201sq km) and two thirds in Somerset (492 sq km).The Park also provides attractive recreationalopportunities for cyclists and walkers.

There are facilities available for you to bring yourhorse with you whilst on holiday in Exmoor witha number of farms and riding stables offeringaccommodation for bothriders and their horses. Pleasevisit the website atwww.visitdevon.co.uk tosearch for accommodationwith horse facilities in thearea. Exmoor offers variedscenery, from exhilaratingrides across open ruggedmoorland with far reachingviews to Dartmoor or evenWales. You may even get thechance to catch a sight of thefamous wild Red Deer or anative herd of Exmoor Ponies.

FacilitiesExmoor has visitor centres in Combe Martin,County Gate, Blackmoor Gate, Dunster, Dulvertonand Porlock (all visitor centres are open dailyfrom the 31st March but are closed for most ofthe winter season).

AccessRoad: Exmoor covers a large area clearlysignposted on the Devon and Somerset border.There are many minor roads on and aroundExmoor.

For further information about Exmoor NationalPark please visit www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk or www.visit-exmoor.info or call 01398 323665

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National Parks

Exmoor Ponies

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2. Dartmoor National ParkStatus: National Park, NNR, SAC, SSSIManagement: Dartmoor NationalPark Authority

Dartmoor is ideal for all horse riders frombeginners to more experienced riders; everyonecan enjoy what Dartmoor has to offer. You canride out on the open moorland (providing that itis common land), trot along woodland trails andbridleways or follow historic byways. There is awide selection of trekking centres and ridingcentres that allow you to hire horses or poniesand many provide tuition for all levels of needsand ability. Some stables even offer guided tours.

See the famous wild Dartmoor Ponies andBlackface Sheep grazing as you trot by. See foryourself the setting of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s‘Hound of the Baskervilles’ and enjoy the variedlandscape brimming with a long and interestinghistory. You can even take your horse on holidaywith you! Many farms and riding centres nowprovide accommodation for you and your horseto stay. Whilst trekking you can visit the famousgranite outcrops of Dartmoor’s Tors and enjoysome amazing views across the Park.

The Dartmoor Commons Act (1985) gives a rightof access on foot and horseback to 35,531 ha ofregistered common land within the NationalPark. There is access to further land throughagreements negotiated by Dartmoor NationalPark Authority through the open access policiesof other landowners and through customary use.The extent of access land in 2004 wasapproximately 43,834 ha (438 sq km).

FacilitiesThere are many visitor information centresaround the Park: High Moorland Visitor Centre,Princetown (open all year) Postbridge, Haytor orNewbridge (open Easter - end of October).

AccessRoad: There are many major roads that runaround the boundary of Dartmoor such as theA386, A38 and the A30. There are also a numberof minor roads that run across Dartmoor.

For further information on Dartmoor, please visitwww.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk or call DartmoorNational Park on 01822 890414 or DartmoorTourist Association on 01822 890567.

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Dartmoor Ponies

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3. Tarka TrailNearest Town: Great TorringtonOS Grid reference: SS 475190 to SS 516105Status: AGLV, CWSManagement:Devon County Council

The Tarka Trail is a walking and cycle routebetween Braunton and Meeth built on oldrailway lines through Tarka Country in NorthDevon. It passes through the largely unspoiltcountryside as described by Henry Williamson inhis classic novel ‘Tarka the Otter’ first publishedin 1927. This part of the trail is designed forwalking and cycling but horse riding is onlycurrently allowed along the section betweenPetrockstowe Station and Servis near Torrington.This is the least well known but most peacefuland tranquil part of the Tarka Trail. This section isa really wonderfully quiet and scenic stretchpassing through a varied landscape of woodlandand farmland. The former railway track bed hasbeen converted to a surface suitable for walkingand cycling, reducing risks involved in mixingsuch activities with road traffic. The gradients areshallow when compared with much of thesurrounding countryside. Many visitors attractedto the Tarka Trail are on holiday, and theirrecreational use of the facility can helpcontribute to the local economy by making useof green tourism businesses along the route.

Guidance for horse riders on the Tarka Trailbetween Servis and Petrockstowe Station:

The following additional conditions need to beobserved when riding along the Tarka Trail so asto avoid conflict with other recreational users:

• The horse riding route extends from thebridleway at Servis to Petrockstowe Station.Use of the trail beyond these points is notpermitted.

• The use of the Tarka Trail by horse ridersdoes not create bridleway rights.

• Riders should give way to other users of theTarka Trail.

• The route may only be joined or left at the

public highway (or the bridleway at Servis).Other gates and access points may not beused.

• All gates across the route should be left in aclosed position.

• Cantering or galloping is not permitted.• Jumps are not to be erected.• Riding in a group of more than three horses

is not permitted. • The parking of horse boxes or vehicles used

to bring horses to the Tarka Trail is notpermitted in Tarka Trail car parks.

• Hunting or following a hunt is notpermitted.

• Lights shall be worn after dark.

FacilitiesThe section designated for horses runs close toGreat Torrington which has a car park and atourist information centre. Other car parks areavailable at Watergate Bridge, East Yarde andMoormill area.

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AccessServis: There is a bridleway accessing the Servisarea. Petrockstowe Station: There are roads fromsurrounding villages. Road: The A386 runsparallel to the Tarka Trail connectingOkehampton to Bideford via Great Torrington.

For further information about the Tarka Trailplease visit www.devon.gov.uk There is specialguidance and conditions for horse riders usingthe Tarka Trail; please visitwww.devon.gov.uk/advisory_code_of_conduct_for_tarka_trail_users_2.pdf

4. The Taw Valley RideNearest town: ChulmleighOS grid reference: SS 613125Status: AGLV, CWSManagement:Devon County Council

This circular ride is based around the village ofAshreigney in the Taw Valley. The ride is alongpublic bridleways and is approximately 20 miles (32 km) long. The ride takes you through localwoods and past scenic village lanes and cottages,rolling hills and farmer’s fields. It is possible tomake the ride longer or shorter depending onyour experience and fitness. Crossing fields andstreams you will really experience the beautifulcountryside that Devon is renowned for. Thereare also many farms to pass and even a mill.

The trail is along public bridleways throughwoods, over rough fields and through forestedland. There are excellent views of the River Tawalong the way. Please note that there are a fewsteep slippery hills.

FacilitiesThere are a number of car parks along the trailand in the surround villages and towns. Pleasecheck your OS map.

AccessRoad: From the Barnstaple to Crediton road(A377) turn off and follow signs and minor roadsto Ashreigney village. For local riders: There aremany bridleways connecting Ashreigney with thesurrounding villages.

For further informationabout this ride in more detailplease visit the website atwww.visitdevon.co.uk

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Tarka Trail

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5. Dittisham Circular RideNearest town: DartmouthOS grid reference: SX 861549Status: AONB, CWSManagement:Devon County Council

The Dittisham Circular Ride is based in the scenicparish of Dittisham, linking the parish’s threebridleways with a network of country roads andgreen lanes. One section of ‘main road’ has to benegotiated. The distance is approximately 9 miles(14km). It is suitable for both riders and walkers.

The route follows public bridleways, green lanesand metalled roads. One recommended startingpoint is from the off-road lay-by at Foxenhole(SX 857538). The trail takes you through BrambleTorre, Coombe Cross past the Coombe Hotel andlocal farms. The ride also takes you over BarberryWater Bridge and through Capton Mill andCapton Wood which is carpeted with bluebells inthe spring and foxgloves through the summer.

Further along the route, excellent views can behad across the River Dart toward Torbay andKingswear. The trail passes Little CoombePlantation and climbs upto Dowton Cross. Youwill also come across OldMill Creek and pass boatyards, old quarryworkings and reach FireBeacon Hill at the endof your ride to finish inDittisham.

FacilitiesThere are two car parks in Dittisham.

AccessRoad: There are many minor roads fromDartmouth and the surrounding area toDittisham.

For further information about this circular rideplease visit the website at www.visitdevon.co.uk

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Circular Trails

Dart Estuary

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Car parkOff-road route

On-road route

6. Ruby Rides:Villageand Lakeside TrailNearest town: OkehamptonOS grid reference: SX 438912Status: CWS, AWManagement:Devon County Council

Ruby Country is renowned for some of Devon’smost beautiful and unspoilt countryside. Visitorsare always struck by its diversity, the wonderfulviews of Bodmin Moor, Dartmoor and Exmoor,the range of wildlife and clarity of its night skies.

The Ruby Country Partnership is delighted to beworking closely with Devon County Council onthe Ride the Ruby Country project. This hasimproved access to the natural environment forhorse riders, walkers and cyclists as well ascreating economic and social opportunities formany people in Ruby Country.

Ruby Rides is available from local TouristInformation Centres or download fromwww.devon.gov.uk/horseriding. This highlights aseries of six circular routes for riders. One suchroute is the Village and Lakeside Trail.

FacilitiesTo access the ride, use Roadford Lake Forest orGaddacombe car parks, both of which are near

the route. From Gaddacombe Cross you canaccess a permissive bridleway which runsnorthwards and around the perimeter of thelake, courtesy of the South West Lakes Trust. Youcan also ride on the cycleway here in dryweather. These routes are shown in green on theroute map. Alternatively, paid parking isavailable at the main visitor centre. If parkingwith a horse-box or trailer, please use the toptwo (unsurfaced) tiers of the car park.

AccessRoad: Roadford Lake is signposted from the A30halfway between Okehampton and Launceston.Follow the brown signs.

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7. Ruby Rides: CookworthyForestNearest town: HolsworthyOS grid reference: SS 414014Management:

Forestry CommissionAlso within Ruby Country is Cookworthy Forest,an impressive conifer plantation situated in thegentle hills of north west Devon, betweenOkehampton and Bude. Red Deer are a commonsight at dawn and dusk. TheRed Deer is Britain’s largestnative land mammal andhas been present sincebefore the Ice Age. Theforest is also a good place tospot green woodpecker andbarn owls. Cycling is alsopermitted on all forest roadsin Cookworthy Forest. TheCookworthy Forest Centrehas a reconstruction of atraditional roundhouse andis a favourite with localschool groups. The forest isalso popular withorienteering groups.

There are numerous forest roads throughout theforest that horse riders are welcome to use or,you can follow Route One from the Ruby Ridesbooklet (see page 21) for a circular route.

FacilitiesCookworthy Forest Centre has toilets and publiccar parking available, the main public car park issituated on the opposite side of the road to thecentre. It is possible to de-box in the public carpark. However the car park is small so space maybe restricted at weekends and busy times of theyear.

AccessRoad: From Okehampton take the A3079signposted for Bude. Two miles after passingHalwill Junction, the public car park is on theright and the Cookworthy Forest Centre on theleft. From the Bude direction take the A3072 andthen the A3079, heading towards HalwillJunction and Okehampton. Follow this road fortwo miles. The car park will be on your left, andthe Cookworthy Forest Centre on your right.

For further information about Cookworthyplease visit the Forestry Commission’s website atwww.forestry.gov.uk

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8. Haldon Forest Park Nearest city: ExeterOS grid reference: SX 884849Status: AGLV, SSSIManagement:Forestry Commission

Situated on the edge of Dartmoor, Haldon ForestPark covers 3,500 acres of clean, green woodswith 25 miles (40km) of trails where you canwalk, run, cycle and ride at whatever pace suitsyou. There are dedicated riding trails with aquarter mile stretch for galloping. Haldon ForestPark provides a safe and pleasant place to rideyour horse. The Harcombe Riding Trails and theridge trails are connected so that you and yourhorse can enjoy a total of 10 miles (16km) of trailin one ride.

Riders are welcome to bring their dogs butshould keep them under control and are advisedto keep to the designated trails. The riding trailsare waymarked with blue signs. Use of the ridingtrails is also free of charge.

Haldon Forest Park is an excellent place for anylevel of ability. The Harcombe riding trails link tothe trails along Buller’s Hill, towards BelvedereTower. Horse riders are requested not to use themain car park at Haldon Gateway but instead usethe designated parking at Harcombe Horse BoxPark. This is for horse riders with horse boxes andis free of charge to use.

FacilitiesThere are toilets, aranger’s office, a first aidpost, a picnic andbarbecue area, andrefreshments available atweekends and bankholidays. Open all yearround 8.30am - 5pm.

AccessRoad: Take the ExeterRacecourse turning offthe A38 DevonExpressway. Past theLittle Chef restaurantand follow lane forabout half a mile and carpark is on left.

For further information onHaldon Forest Park, please visitwww.forestry.gov.uk/haldonforestparkor telephone 01392 834251

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9.Woodbury CommonNearest town: ExmouthOS grid reference: SY 034872Status: SSSI, SPAManagement: Clinton DevonEstates\Pebblebed HeathsConservation Trust

The East Devon Pebblebed Heaths (locally knownas Woodbury Common) are a combination ofseveral heaths owned by Clinton Devon Estatesand managed by the ‘Pebblebed HeathsConservation Trust’. The site has severaldesignations. It is a Site of Special ScientificInterest and has European listings for its rareflora and fauna.

Although the Common is not overburdened withbridleways it has many wide non-dedicated firebreaks and paths that all users can use.

The site comes alive from spring to Septemberwhen the land is covered by the purple haze ofthe three types of heathers. The whole year seesone or the other of the two yellow floweringgorses. On the high points of the Commons look

out for Woodbury Castle a hill fort built 500-300BC and as you ride you will see the manyprehistoric barrows (burial mounds). Please donot ride on these monuments. In some places youget views of the coastal cliffs of Sidmouth and onthrough to Dorset. On a clear day you will seethe distinctive shape of Portland Bill pokingthrough the shimmering sea. The heaths arehome to rare species such as the DartfordWarbler which can be seen all year flittingaround the dense stands of gorse. In the summerexpect to see many orchids on the wide andopen heaths. There is a major influx of butterfliesfrom spring to autumn. The rare Silver StuddedBlue can be found on some of the wide open firebreaks during July and August.

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The Common is known for its openness and thewet and dry heaths. Please stick to the hardtracks and do not stray off into areas that havehad conservation work on them. The area is alsothe training ground for The Royal MarineCommandos and there are red flags and sentriesin place when they fire live on the grenaderange. No motorised vehicles can use thecommons without permission.

FacilitiesCar parks are available around WoodburyCommon, please check your OS map.

AccessRoad: From Exeter, Woodbury Common isreached via the A3052 Sidmouth road. Past theHalfway Inn, turn right onto the B3180 whichbecomes the B3179. At this turn off you will seesigns for the East Devon AONB. After a shortdrive you will reach the Common and there areseveral car parks where you can stop.

The Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust is inthe process of producing a leaflet with routesthat should be available in the summer; pleasesee their website for further information atwww.clintondevon.co.uk

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There is a wide range of accommodation inDevon ranging from delightful hotels on thecoast, cosy country pubs, idyllic guesthousesand friendly farmhouses ideal for familyholidays. You can discover some wonderfuland luxurious self-catering accommodation aswell as relaxing holiday parks, camping andcaravanning… all ideal for that perfect ridingbreak, all year round. You can even take yourhorse on holiday with you. There are manytypes of accommodation around the countythat provide horse stables and equestrianfacilities such as, horse riding lessons andcourses, horse hire, DIY livery, breeding,breaking, training and horse riding half dayand full day treks. There are even horsecaravans available! For more information visitwww.visitdevon.co.uk and search theaccommodation and activities sections for‘horse riding’. Making your selection couldn’t be easier.

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Great Places to Stayand Equestrian Facilities

Need more informationor want to make a booking?

Visit the websitewww.visitdevon.co.uk

For more information about horse riding in generalplease visit:

British Horse Society www.bhs.org.uk

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairswww.defra.gov.uk (find walks and rides athttp://countrywalks.defra.gov.uk)

Pony Club www.pcuk.org

Association of British Riding Schools www.abrs-info.org

Countryside Access www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk

The National Bridleroute Network www.ride-uk.org.uk

National Equine Welfare Council www.newc.co.uk

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Devon has the most fantasticnatural environment and weall want it to stay that way.

If you are not bringing your horse,why not leave the car behind andexplore Devon by foot, by bike oreven by boat?! Much of Devon’scoast and countryside is accessibleby public transport and it can begreat fun! Why not Discover DevonDifferently?

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Be a responsible visitor!Explore a greener Devon. . .

Be a Green Visitor1. Do not disturb any livestock, keep your

dog under close control and fasten allgates.

2. Take your litter home with you andrecycle it if possible.

3. Do not disturb wild animals, birds orflowers.

4. Whether you are walking, cycling ordriving, take special care on countryroads.

5. If possible, leave your car at home andtake the bus or train.

6. Buy locally produced goods, includingfood and souvenirs.

7. Support local shops, garages and otherlocal services.

Come and explore! More and more people are realising thattaking the bus or train is an easy, convenient,fun alternative to worrying about drivingalong narrow, unfamiliar country roads andfinding somewhere suitable to leave the car.

Devon is blessed with a very mild climate.Spring arrives early with daffodils andbluebells filling the undergrowth of thevalleys and woodlands and delicate yellowprimroses, the Devon flower, carpeting thebanks of the lanes.

The summer lingers for longer in Devon. It canbe well into September before any mistymornings herald the start of autumn, a seasonwhich also lends itself to discovering thecountryside on horseback. Rich autumnalcolours give a golden glow to the landscapeand the upper moorland areas becomeclothed in flowering heathers.

Winter can be an appealing season to exploreDevon’s countryside too. Riders and walkerscan wrap up warm and take leisurely lunchstops relaxing in front of a warming log fire!

© Mark Passmore/Apex Ltd

If you enjoy Devon'scoast and countryside . . .

For visitor information including accommodation availability visit

www.visitdevon.co.uk

The details in this brochure are believed to be correct. Devon County Council will not acceptresponsibility for losses arising due to inaccuracies or omissions within this publication.Published by Devon County Council, County Hall, Exeter EX2 4QW. Tel: 01392 382000February 2013. ISBN: 1-85522-973-0

Why not pick up one of our free booklets atTourist Information Centres across Devon orvisit www.devon.gov.uk

If you need this in a different formatplease contact 01392 382104 oremail: environment@devon.gov.uk

This is printed on recycled paper. When you have finishedwith it please recycle and help the environment.