History of the Group

In April 1997 local riders were invited to attend a meeting in All Stretton, a village in Shropshire which lies beside the Long Mynd, an extensive heathland plateau crossed by many routes used by walkers and horse riders.  Among the items that were to be discussed were the negotiations between the British Horse Society and the National Trust, the owner of the Long Mynd.  These had been prompted by the local authority’s recent review of public rights of way in the parish of Church Stretton.  This had raised awareness of the legal status of the routes horse riders had used for many years, a number of which were not legally recorded as public.  The negotiations were to provide equestrian access by agreement where it was not possible to add the routes to the public rights of way network.

It was proposed at the meeting that a local bridleways association should be formed.  This was in part to develop a group that could represent equestrian interests in the area. This matter was investigated by a small group of enthusiastic riders.

By September 1997 an association was formed with the intention of increasing the promotion and representation of riding interests in the area, to exchange information between members, monitor the condition of routes, and to undertake practical works on bridleways.  Local riders were contacted and invited to join the organisation for a subscription of £3.00.  The first official meeting was on 11 November 1997 and the Association became affiliated to the British Horse Society.

From the outset it was proposed to have a newsletter entitled The Portway, in recognition of the ancient route that runs the length of the Long Mynd.  This would report on bridleway problems, any progress that had taken place, events, and many other topics.

In order to widen the general knowledge of the bridleway network, members were encouraged to complete a survey to gain information on the routes with which they were most familiar.  A monitoring scheme was then established which encouraged members to survey routes beyond those they frequented.   The area covered by the Long Mynd Bridleways Association was based on the Long Mynd and the adjacent hill range of the Stiperstones to the west, and extended east to Cardington and Hope Bowdler, covering the Stretton Hills.

Further revision of the boundaries was undertaken to reflect the spread of the membership.  In 2014 the name was altered to the Long Mynd & District Bridleways Association, and the area now extends to the Welsh border.

In 2000 the Ride UK project was launched by the British Horse Society.  The aim of the project was to create a comprehensive network of community circuits, and strategic linear routes, for horse riders across the UK.

LMDBA set out to develop circular routes within their area.  Members suggested routes and these were surveyed and those considered suitable were selected for promotion.  The Association formed a partnership with Shropshire Council who had recently developed the Jack Mytton Way, a route of nearly 100 miles for walkers, horse riders and cyclists crossing the county.  The Council provided the practical expertise and enabled the publication of a series of Ride UK leaflets.

Relations with Shropshire Council have strengthened since the Association became a P3 group (Parish Paths Partnership).  These are practical groups who undertake regular work on public rights of way, supported by expertise from the Outdoor Partnerships team.  Grants to purchase tools and other materials are provided by the Council.

Reports of this work have been a regular feature in The Portway and the Association’s activities were recognised in 2020 by the British Horse Society when it received the Chairman’s Commendation for Exceptional Work by an Equestrian Access Group, awarded by HRH The Princess Royal.

The Association continues to promote the original aims that were conceived when the group was created.  Emphasis on various aspects has changed from time-to-time; for example, the influence of the Discovering Lost Ways project has increased members’ interest in researching historical routes. 

Guided rides to introduce members to new routes are still being held, volunteers contribute hard work to keep the bridleway network in good condition and members enjoy each other’s company at social events.