Natural England

Somerset-based Paralympic Gold Medallist and international dressage rider Debbie Criddle will officially open the first of the Neroche Scheme’s walking and riding Herepath Trails on the Blackdown Hills on Saturday 10 May.

Local rider Debbie will cut the ribbon to open the new 13.5 mile circular trail, giving walkers and riders an opportunity to explore and discover more of the Neroche landscape around Staple Fitzpaine. Two guided walks (6 and 13.5 miles) and a fun horse ride (13.5 miles) have been organised to introduce people to the delights of the trail, together with family activities for the less energetic, and refreshments for all.

“The Herepath Trail will provide safe off-road riding and walking in an area with spectacular views and scenery,” explains James Maben, Neroche Scheme Access and Interpretation Officer. “It incorporates existing public bridleways, which have been significantly improved, and new bridleways which have been developed with the help of local landowners.”

This is the first of three planned routes in the area, developed by the Neroche Scheme to establish a 25 mile (40km) network of connected off-road bridleway trails to allow people to explore and enjoy the Neroche landscape on the northern edge of the Blackdown Hills.

“It’s fantastic that Debbie Criddle has agreed to take time out from training for an international competition to officially open the trail for us,” added James. “We would love to see as many people as possible come along and take part in this historic opening, and enjoy the guided walks and rides we’ve laid on.”

The Herepath Trail opening and family activities are being held on Saturday 10th May at Bickenhall Farm near West Hatch between 10am and 4pm, with the official opening at 10:15 am. Places on the walks and rides are limited so please contact the Neroche Office on 01823 680846 for more information and to book places. A Herepath Trail map and route instructions can be downloaded from the Neroche Scheme website www.nerochescheme.org from the beginning of May, or copies can be obtained by calling the Neroche office.

The £3 million Neroche Scheme covers 35 square miles, from Culmstock Beacon to Castle Neroche, and its vision is to ‘liberate the landscape’ through a series of projects to restore wildlife, improve access and uncover the heritage of the landscape and its communities. The local community is closely involved in shaping and running the Scheme, which is a partnership of local authorities and agencies led by the Forestry Commission and backed with money from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Neroche Scheme is working to develop a 25 mile (40km) off-road network of connected bridleway trails to allow people to explore and enjoy the contrasts of the Neroche landscape on the northern edge of the Blackdown Hills. The trails will eventually comprise two circular routes, one in the west and one in the east of the project area, and a linear route linking them together. Following existing bridleways and some new ‘permitted’ bridleways, the trails are designed to be used by walkers and riders, with some sections suitable for use by those with restricted mobility. The new trails have been given the name ‘Herepaths’, which is the old English word for ‘people’s paths’ which were originally important military trackways during the ninth century.

For Further Information Contact:

James Maben
Neroche Scheme
Tel: 07881 847492 or Neroche Scheme office on: 01823 680846