Archive
Routes
A small sample of some of our projects over the past ten years. There are too many to feature them all on this page, but each new one is featured in our twice yearly Newsletter.
All the money from our subscriptions and fundraising goes to directly improving bridleways in Mendip
01_Cotton Lane, Keinton Mandeville
A big project for 2018 :
Joint funded with The British Horse Society and Somerset
County Council.
Another huge improvement to this very boggy section of the Restricted Byway.
Known by the local riders as The Glue Pot, this pretty lane is now a pleasure to ride in all weather.
02_Monkley Lane,
Nr Rode
Late 2019 :
The infamous Monkley Lane, Nnr Rode has finally been transformed. This Lane, and its sister lane, Duck Pool Lane, have both flooded each year. The ditches were blocked and water rushed down the lane like a drain. Our contractors spent two weeks clearing, digging, laying drainage pipes and stoning the surface. It is now a delight to ride and hopefully no riders will feel it necessary to trespass on the adjoining fields because the restricted Byway is flooded.
Both ends of Monkley have received work and signs have been put up to confirm that No Motorised vehicles are permitted.
03_Downhead,
‘chicken shed’ route
Job completed successfully in 2018 :
Joint funding with Somerset County Council and The British Horse Society Paths for Communities fund. How’s that for an upgrade!
Now finished. Looking fantastic with all weather stone surface. No more slipping and sliding through the winter months. Big thank you to Norman Baker our contractor. Fully funded by MBBA with the help of Torr Quarry who kindly supplied the stone.
During the past few years MBBA has created a number of Permissive Routes which do not appear on the OS maps. They tend to be known only to MBBA members as they appear on our marked up maps which members may purchase. These routes are given through the kindness of the landowner and usually facilitate avoiding a dangerous road or obstacle. MBBA insures these routes and accepts the maintenance liability, all of which is paid for by our fund raising.
All funds raised by MBBA go towards improving routes. If you ride the bridleways and value well maintained and enjoyable rides, please support our work by joining MBBA
04_Duck Pool Lane Beckington
Clearance Dec 2018 :
Duck Pool Lane links with Monkley Lane
and both have for years resembled a lake where they meet. This is because the old pipe blocked and the surrounding area filled with deep water. Despite some work from our chairman Jo! (see attached photo) MBBA have now funded the complete clearance of the adjoining ditches and a new larger pipe, which is working well.
Further along the lane, the vegetation, which had not been cut back for many years was encroaching across the path, resulting in a very narrow and wet track as riders had to use the same narrow strip. This overgrowth was cleared back and trees removed to offer a wider area on which to ride. Many thanks to Mike Jennings for his work on this route. More improvements still needed.
Super job Mike Jennings – our clearance warrior.
05_Tennantsfield
bridleway
A big project for 2018 :
Tennantsfield Lane/Shoscombe bridleway, Faulkland.
This is a beautiful bridleway through farmland and woods. It offers opportunity to canter and have a superb 3k ride off road through pretty scenery. Except for one area – The boggy ski slope! This is a disastrous 40ft drop of sheer clay which leads down to the bridge over the stream. Needless to say it is lethal and consequently many riders do not use the bridleway at all. MBBA is funding a solution, with the help of Som CC and hopefully a grant from the BHS. The plan is to install sleeper-steps set in concrete filled with stone in an effort to make this route accessible once again. Work will start very soon so please be patient if you find signs showing that work is in progress. Due to the difficult access, our contractors will have to work on this project for a number of days but hopefully it should do the trick and you will be able to enjoy riding Tennantsfield Lane in safety again. Yukky Lane in present state! Work delayed due to wet weather, now a project for 2018.
Super job Norman Baker – our clearance warrior.
01_Cotton Lane, Keinton Mandeville
A big project for 2018 :
Joint funded with The British Horse Society and Somerset
County Council.
Another huge improvement to this very boggy section of the Restricted Byway.
Known by the local riders as The Glue Pot, this pretty lane is now a pleasure to ride in all weather.
02_Monkley Lane,
Nr Rode
Late 2019 :
The infamous Monkley Lane, Nnr Rode has finally been transformed. This Lane, and its sister lane, Duck Pool Lane, have both flooded each year. The ditches were blocked and water rushed down the lane like a drain. Our contractors spent two weeks clearing, digging, laying drainage pipes and stoning the surface. It is now a delight to ride and hopefully no riders will feel it necessary to trespass on the adjoining fields because the restricted Byway is flooded.
Both ends of Monkley have received work and signs have been put up to confirm that No Motorised vehicles are permitted.
03_Downhead,
‘chicken shed’ route
Job completed successfully in 2018 :
Joint funding with Somerset County Council and The British Horse Society Paths for Communities fund. How’s that for an upgrade!
Now finished. Looking fantastic with all weather stone surface. No more slipping and sliding through the winter months. Big thank you to Norman Baker our contractor. Fully funded by MBBA with the help of Torr Quarry who kindly supplied the stone.
During the past few years MBBA has created a number of Permissive Routes which do not appear on the OS maps. They tend to be known only to MBBA members as they appear on our marked up maps which members may purchase. These routes are given through the kindness of the landowner and usually facilitate avoiding a dangerous road or obstacle. MBBA insures these routes and accepts the maintenance liability, all of which is paid for by our fund raising.
04_Duck Pool Lane Beckington
Clearance Dec 2018 :
Duck Pool Lane links with Monkley Lane
and both have for years resembled a lake where they meet. This is because the old pipe blocked and the surrounding area filled with deep water. Despite some work from our chairman Jo! (see attached photo) MBBA have now funded the complete clearance of the adjoining ditches and a new larger pipe, which is working well.
Further along the lane, the vegetation, which had not been cut back for many years was encroaching across the path, resulting in a very narrow and wet track as riders had to use the same narrow strip. This overgrowth was cleared back and trees removed to offer a wider area on which to ride. Many thanks to Mike Jennings for his work on this route. More improvements still needed.
Super job Mike Jennings – our clearance warrior.
05_Tennantsfield
bridleway
Tennantsfield Lane/Shoscombe bridleway, Faulkland.
This is a beautiful bridleway through farmland and woods. It offers opportunity to canter and have a superb 3k ride off road through pretty scenery. Except for one area – The boggy ski slope! This is a disastrous 40ft drop of sheer clay which leads down to the bridge over the stream. Needless to say it is lethal and consequently many riders do not use the bridleway at all. MBBA is funding a solution, with the help of Som CC and hopefully a grant from the BHS. The plan is to install sleeper-steps set in concrete filled with stone in an effort to make this route accessible once again. Work will start very soon so please be patient if you find signs showing that work is in progress. Due to the difficult access, our contractors will have to work on this project for a number of days but hopefully it should do the trick and you will be able to enjoy riding Tennantsfield Lane in safety again. Yukky Lane in present state! Work delayed due to wet weather, now a project for 2018.
Super job Norman Baker – our clearance warrior.
06_Limekiln Lane
Clearance 2018 :
Clearance of Roemead Lane bridleway
at Binegar
Fantastic job from our contractor Adam and his flail. first project for 2019 – Many more in the pipeline. The old and wobbly fencing along this length of bridleway is due for replacement this year.
MBBA believes that when a route needs to be cleared it should be cut right back. This enables several year’s use so that it does not disappear under brambles in just one year.
Clearance carried out by the Council is now down to a bare minimum with many routes receiving no attention at all. It is vital that we keep our existing routes open as well as reclaiming lost ones.
06_Limekiln Lane
Clearance 2018 :
Clearance of Roemead Lane bridleway at Binegar
Fantastic job from our contractor Adam and his flail. first project for 2019 – Many more in the pipeline. The old and wobbly fencing along this length of bridleway is due for replacement this year.
MBBA believes that when a route needs to be cleared it should be cut right back. This enables several year’s use so that it does not disappear under brambles in just one year.
Clearance carried out by the Council is now down to a bare minimum with many routes receiving no attention at all. It is vital that we keep our existing routes open as well as reclaiming lost ones.
07_Charlton Route Clearance
Clearance 2017 :
Now a lovely clear ride through pretty woodland that can breathe!
MBBA believes that when a route needs to be cleared it should be cut right back. This enables several year’s use so that it does not disappear under brambles in just one year.
Clearance carried out by the Council is now down to a bare minimum with many routes receiving no attention at all. It is vital that we keep our existing routes open as well as reclaiming lost ones.
07_Charlton Route Clearance
Clearance 2017 :
Now a lovely clear ride through pretty woodland that can breathe!
MBBA believes that when a route needs to be cleared it should be cut right back. This enables several year’s use so that it does not disappear under brambles in just one year.
Clearance carried out by the Council is now down to a bare minimum with many routes receiving no attention at all. It is vital that we keep our existing routes open as well as reclaiming lost ones.
08_Three Ashes
Clearance 2017 :
MBBA member’s request, the committee duly walked this bridleway in the Autumn of 2009 together with Sheila Petherbridge, who was at that time, the Rights of Way Officer for Mendip District Council. As you will see from the photos, the route was in a pretty bad way and riders were not using it when wet. Large rocks were embedded in the ruts and the surface was very boggy and impassable in places. A considerable budget of over £3,000 and a detailed job spec were agreed with the MBBA contractor, Russell Bateman and after a very wet winter, work commenced in June 2010.
The improvements are obvious in the photos below and should result in a good all-weather surface for many years to come. The clean-stone topping will bed in and mud will be walked across the path enabling grass to grow in due course. Shortly, the gates are due to be re-hung and horse friendly latches will be added to enable riders to enjoy an unhindered ride through this pretty area.
08_Three Ashes
Clearance 2017 :
MBBA member’s request, the committee duly walked this bridleway in the Autumn of 2009 together with Sheila Petherbridge, who was at that time, the Rights of Way Officer for Mendip District Council. As you will see from the photos, the route was in a pretty bad way and riders were not using it when wet. Large rocks were embedded in the ruts and the surface was very boggy and impassable in places. A considerable budget of over £3,000 and a detailed job spec were agreed with the MBBA contractor, Russell Bateman and after a very wet winter, work commenced in June 2010.
improvements are obvious in the photos below and should result in a good all-weather surface for many years to come. The clean-stone topping will bed in and mud will be walked across the path enabling grass to grow in due course. Shortly, the gates are due to be re-hung and horse friendly latches will be added to enable riders to enjoy an unhindered ride through this pretty area.
09_Mill Lane,
West Compton
Spring 2010 :
Mill Lane, in West Compton has always been a popular route for local riders as there are very few bridleways open to horses in this area. However, in wet weather, it took on the character of a muddy river bed and was totally unusable; each year it deposited tons of mud, debris and water onto the adjoining road, blocked the drains and in turn then gushed down into the hamlet.
Finally in May of 2010, after many years of pressure from MBBA, Highways did a very good job of refurbishment on this ancient and pretty lane, digging out the ditches, diverting the stream and levelling the route, revealing a delightful track for all to enjoy. But not for long!!
Sadly, the next night, 4 x 4s used the track extensively and totally trashed a good deal of all the good work done by Highways. This is a tragic situation and one too often encountered by MBBA once a route has been improved. Now repaired again by MBBA
If you ever encounter illegal vehicular access or evidence of it on a bridleway or restricted byway, please take the registration number of the vehicle,
4x4 or motorbike and a note of the time and date and report to MBBA. We will, if you wish, contact the police on your behalf.
09_Mill Lane, West Compton
Spring 2010 :
Mill Lane, in West Compton has always been a popular route for local riders as there are very few bridleways open to horses in this area. However, in wet weather, it took on the character of a muddy river bed and was totally unusable; each year it deposited tons of mud, debris and water onto the adjoining road, blocked the drains and in turn then gushed down into the hamlet.
Finally in May of 2010, after many years of pressure from MBBA, Highways did a very good job of refurbishment on this ancient and pretty lane, digging out the ditches, diverting the stream and levelling the route, revealing a delightful track for all to enjoy. But not for long!!
Sadly, the next night, 4 x 4s used the track extensively and totally trashed a good deal of all the good work done by Highways. This is a tragic situation and one too often encountered by MBBA once a route has been improved. Now repaired again by MBBA
If you ever encounter illegal vehicular access or evidence of it on a bridleway or restricted byway, please take the registration number of the vehicle, 4x4 or motorbike and a note of the time and date and report to MBBA. We will, if you wish, contact the police on your behalf.
10_Watery Lane,
Norton St Phillip
Two Phases : 2011 and 2019
About 5 years ago, local member Lynda le Ray drew our attention to Watery Lane which was proving hazardous for local riders. Lynda kindly ran a fun ride to raise funds to improve this route and after very long and drawn-out negotiations with Somerset County Council, the contractor has finally finished the job and comparison photos are below. This is a jointly funded project between MBBA and SCC and the long delay was partly due to the working conditions and the nature of the specification. 2nd phase starts in 2019.
10_Watery Lane,
Norton St Phillip
Two Phases : 2011 and 2019
About 5 years ago, local member Lynda le Ray drew our attention to Watery Lane which was proving hazardous for local riders. Lynda kindly ran a fun ride to raise funds to improve this route and after very long and drawn-out negotiations with Somerset County Council, the contractor has finally finished the job and comparison photos are below. This is a jointly funded project between MBBA and SCC and the long delay was partly due to the working conditions and the nature of the specification. 2nd phase starts in 2019.
11_Burnt House Drove,
near Shepton Mallet
Complete Upgrade :
Burnt House Drove was claimed as a dedication several years ago by MCTT, however the surface of the route was not improved at that time in line with SCC guide lines and as such has been extremely boggy for many months of each year, thus rendering it unrideable in all but the driest conditions.
MBBA member Irene Minty was concerned by this situation and speaking on behalf of local riders asked MBBA for their help. After a number of site meetings, work commenced on the gateway area earlier this month and the results are shown below.
Having negotiated match funding with Mendip District Council, MBBA have allocated a further £2,000 (half the cost of the £4,000 bill) to be spent on this route in August in order to create a good riding surface.
For the whole project, the total bill for MBBA will be nearly two and a half thousand pounds – money well spent in order to bring the route up to standard and allow riders to use this pretty lane. The photos show the route as it is today; the ‘after’ shots will be available for comparison when work is completed!! Contractors are due to begin work in the latter half of August and while this resurfacing is in progress it is regretted that the route will be closed for a week.
11_Burnt House Drove,
near Shepton Mallet
Complete Upgrade :
Burnt House Drove was claimed as a dedication several years ago by MCTT, however the surface of the route was not improved at that time in line with SCC guide lines and as such has been extremely boggy for many months of each year, thus rendering it unrideable in all but the driest conditions.
MBBA member Irene Minty was concerned by this situation and speaking on behalf of local riders asked MBBA for their help. After a number of site meetings, work commenced on the gateway area earlier this month and the results are shown below.
Having negotiated match funding with Mendip District Council, MBBA have allocated a further £2,000 (half the cost of the £4,000 bill) to be spent on this route in August in order to create a good riding surface.
For the whole project, the total bill for MBBA will be nearly two and a half thousand pounds – money well spent in order to bring the route up to standard and allow riders to use this pretty lane. The photos show the route as it is today; the ‘after’ shots will be available for comparison when work is completed!! Contractors are due to begin work in the latter half of August and while this resurfacing is in progress it is regretted that the route will be closed for a week.
All funds raised by MBBA go towards improving routes. If you ride the bridleways and value well maintained and enjoyable rides, please support our work by joining MBBA
12_Huckeymead
and Hembridge Drove,
East Pennard
Clearance 2007 :
Mendip Bridleways and Byways Association have recently improved the condition of these two Droves using money raised from the excellent Glastonbury Festival Fun Ride held in September 2007. Local landowner Bernard Kingston assisted by doing a superb job of cutting back hedges and digging out the ditches. Local contractors Tom Yeoman of Ditcheat and Roger Cox of East Pennard did a good job improving the surfaces.
For many years local horse riders from around East Pennard, Ditcheat, Parbrook and Lottisham had been asking for help to improve the surfaces of the Droves. Over the years lack of maintenance and neglect had resulted in the route becoming virtually impassable for horses because of thick clay bogs, brambles and fallen trees. There are very few safe off-road routes for horse riders to use in this area and therefore Hembridge and Huckeymeade are important as they allow riders to get off the narrow lanes and busy roads. Unfortunately because these two Droves were not on the Definitive map as either an unclassified county highway or bridlepath, Somerset County Council and Mendip District Council were unable to help so MBBA decided to use the money raised from the Fun Ride on the Festival ground to improve the route.
A total of £2,900 has been spent on Hembridge and Huckeymeade by MBBA, with both Droves being open to riders from November 2007. Again special thanks to Bernard who gave us so much help and support.
12_Huckeymead
and Hembridge
Drove,
East Pennard
Clearance 2007 :
Mendip Bridleways and Byways Association have recently improved the condition of these two Droves using money raised from the excellent Glastonbury Festival Fun Ride held in September 2007. Local landowner Bernard Kingston assisted by doing a superb job of cutting back hedges and digging out the ditches. Local contractors Tom Yeoman of Ditcheat and Roger Cox of East Pennard did a good job improving the surfaces.
For many years local horse riders from around East Pennard, Ditcheat, Parbrook and Lottisham had been asking for help to improve the surfaces of the Droves. Over the years lack of maintenance and neglect had resulted in the route becoming virtually impassable for horses because of thick clay bogs, brambles and fallen trees. There are very few safe off-road routes for horse riders to use in this area and therefore Hembridge and Huckeymeade are important as they allow riders to get off the narrow lanes and busy roads. Unfortunately because these two Droves were not on the Definitive map as either an unclassified county highway or bridlepath, Somerset County Council and Mendip District Council were unable to help so MBBA decided to use the money raised from the Fun Ride on the Festival ground to improve the route.
A total of £2,900 has been spent on Hembridge and Huckeymeade by MBBA, with both Droves being open to riders from November 2007. Again special thanks to Bernard who gave us so much help and support.
13_Kennel Lane,
East Pennard
Restricted Byway, Clearance 2007 :
This restricted byway running through beautiful woods behind East Pennard church had become unusable by horse riders due to extensive overgrowth of vegetation and the fact that a stream with steep banks bisects the track. The crossing of the stream was only possible on foot using two planks of wood.
Kennel Lane was looked at in detail jointly by MBBA committee members and Shelia Petherbridge (Mendip District Council Rights of Way Officer) with a view to reopening it to horse riders. With Shelia overseeing the work, the route was cleared and an “equine” bridge was installed by MDC over the stream. The bridge is wonderful, by the way, so do get out there on your horse and use it!
This route was fully open by November 2007 with MBBA contributing £1,800 towards the costs. Our thanks go to Shelia for overseeing this successful joint venture between MBBA and MDC. The improved Kennel Lane is now enjoyed by local dog walkers and cyclists too, which is good news. If any local rider would like to become a member of MBBA or help at our Fun Rides please call 01749 831 276.
Update
Further surface works have now been completed, funded by MBBA and Mendip District Council.
The equine bridge constructed over the stream at Kennel Lane bridlepath, East Pennard
13_Kennel Lane,
East Pennard
Restricted Byway, Clearance 2007 :
This restricted byway running through beautiful woods behind East Pennard church had become unusable by horse riders due to extensive overgrowth of vegetation and the fact that a stream with steep banks bisects the track. The crossing of the stream was only possible on foot using two planks of wood.
Kennel Lane was looked at in detail jointly by MBBA committee members and Shelia Petherbridge (Mendip District Council Rights of Way Officer) with a view to reopening it to horse riders. With Shelia overseeing the work, the route was cleared and an “equine” bridge was installed by MDC over the stream. The bridge is wonderful, by the way, so do get out there on your horse and use it!
This route was fully open by November 2007 with MBBA contributing £1,800 towards the costs. Our thanks go to Shelia for overseeing this successful joint venture between MBBA and MDC. The improved Kennel Lane is now enjoyed by local dog walkers and cyclists too, which is good news. If any local rider would like to become a member of MBBA or help at our Fun Rides please call 01749 831 276.
Update
Further surface works have now been completed, funded by MBBA and Mendip District Council.
The equine bridge constructed over the stream at Kennel Lane bridlepath, East Pennard
