12:40pm Saturday 31st July 2010
The British Horse Society has launched the Eden Valley Loops project at a celebratory event in Penrith.
The BHS secured match funding of £18,500 to produce 135 km of routes designed for horse riders, off road cyclists and walkers based in Cumbria.
The grant is part-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in Rural Areas, and awarded by the Cumbria Fells and Dales Local Action Group, Rural Development Programme for England.
The Eden Valley Loops also provide a key link to the Pennine Bridleway, and are a welcome addition to The British Horse Society’s National Bridleroute Network. The BHS aims to extend the network further north, linking the Loops to other major routes.
BHS Senior Executive (Access), Heather Clatworthy, said: “Thanks to the grant we were awarded, we were able to make so much more of this opportunity. We must also thank the many volunteers who have given up their time and energy to this project. The project will provide a significant boost to Cumbrian Tourism and in turn the local economy surrounding the routes. This is a beautiful part of the world that I highly recommend exploring on horseback.”
BHS Director of Access, Safety and Welfare, Mark Weston, said: “The Eden Valley Loops open the beautiful Cumbrian countryside up to everyone who wants to explore it. So many volunteers have worked hard on this project for many years, and it is great to see the routes now open for riders.”
Feedback from members of the public, volunteers, landowners, council and local authority attendees has been very positive.
Riders can view the routes at www.emagin.org or a pack is available from the BHS access department.
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