18th May 2007
The new Coleridge Bridle way was launched on the Brendon Hills . It is now possible to ride from Nether Stowey to Exford, about 33 miles. The route takes you along some road sections but over 80% is off road, and gives some challenging riding with a few steep climbs and descents.
The way was launched at Windwhistle Farm on the Brendons as this part of the bridle way, from Ralegh's Cross to Treborough is completely new.
The route starts in Nether Stowey and goes through the Quantocks, over the Brendon Hills onto Exmoor finishing in the village of Exford. Like the Coleridge Way this route was organised by project office Alan Martingell, who has worked with his colleagues in the Exmoor National Park office, the Quantock Hills AONB. the Somerset Local Bridleways Association, Somerset County Council as well as West Somerset and Sedgemoor local district government officers to get the route from drawing board to its launch.
The route covers some beautiful countryside a must for riders of all ages. A quick rough guide of the route to give an idea of the conditions more information will soon be available.
From Nether Stowey the route follows the western edge of the Quantock Hills, over Woodlands Hill passing through the villages of Holford and then up to the top to Staple Plain, down quite country lanes across the A358 and through the hamlet of Capton (some of the route either side of the A358 is temporary and will be changed once an alternative route can be arranged). From Capton the route goes through Aller Farm and on to Monksilver.
Monksilver to Luxborough is the most challenging section of the ride with steep climbs, there are a number of gates which might require the rider to dismount. This part of the route takes the rider over the Brendon Hills onto Exmoor.
From Monksilver the route goes up Bird's Hill through some steep woodland tracks to Ralegh's Cross. Then comes the steep descent through woodland to Comberow, here the route follows a quite lane with a steep climb up the valley to Leigh Barton. The grassy track to Coldharbour is followed by another climb up and across Treborough Common, the track is good firm going. On to the road past Hazery plantation down hill to Luxborough.
Luxborough to Exford is the final part of the route. The route takes you across farm land with the hazards of farm stock and gates, to Wheddon Cross then across A396, the rider then follows stony tracks down the valley then across small steams with a ascent to Dunkery, then down to Exford.
A route guide will be available soon, but the route description and maps will be changed as changes and improvements are made to the route.
These photographs were taken at the Launch on 18th May 2007 Cutting the ribbon are Alan Martingell, Stephanie Wheeler from the British Horse Society,Nigel Stone Chief Executive Exmoor National Park Authority and Sarah Littler Head of Rights of Way at Somerset County Council.
Paul and Emma Jobin, the owners of Windwhistle Farm, were the hosts.
Part of the bridle way crosses their land. They have recently opened The Coleridge Way Livery.
The route is not waymarked yet, but a map of the route can be found here.
