Madam,

We, as a group, would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our members, volunteers and landowners who help to make rides so successful and enjoyable for our members to take part in. Unfortunately, however, there seems to be a small number of landowners who think it is acceptable to make access along public rights of way as difficult as possible.

Whilst recently organising a fun ride, we encountered blockages on land at legal bridleways.

In particular a tractor was parked next to a set of double gates with sheep hurdles tied to them with baler twine, blocking the right of way. This left just a very narrow gap, between the tractor and sheep, through which our steward had to try and get riders, two at a time; a potentially very dangerous situation for all.

This would not be acceptable on, for example, the A487 out of Aberystwyth, so why should it be acceptable on another right of way? This behaviour, by a few landowners, is deplorable and, unfortunately, incorrectly taints the public’s opinions of landowners.

It is a shame that some land-owners seem not to realise that a right of way will always be such, a right for people to pass over their land.

If gates are kept in good working order, and the council rights of way signs are clearly visible then riders and walkers have no excuse to stray off the path, thus reducing the possibility of disturbance to livestock or damage – a situation to the benefit of all.

Yours etc,

Ceredigion Bridleways Group.

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