Bridle way app - showing available routes

[Coconuts]

Hi! I am looking for a bit of advice. Would you find it useful, if there was an available app for all recorded bridle paths - if you imagine Google maps with directions for routes etc. This is a mobile app that you could use either on your phone or your smart watch. Would that be of use to you all?

I would massively appreciate your feedback! Thank you!

 

[Merry neddy man]

Yes of course it would.

 

[DirectorFury]

This already exists in a few incarnations I’m afraid. ViewRanger is one.

 

[chaps89]

This already exists in a few incarnations I’m afraid. ViewRanger is one.

And the OS map app is another, I use it regularly
Ets - you can plot a route in advance and with your GPS on you can plot where you are on the map/route. Not quite sure it does the whole 'in 200 yards turn left, then turn right at the bridge' like a sat nav would though! As a general rule I try and memorize the route before setting off so I only have to refer to my phone if I get really stuck, it ruins the ride if you have to stop every 2 minutes otherwise.

 

[Coconuts]

This already exists in a few incarnations I’m afraid. ViewRanger is one.

Thank you so much for your reply. I have tried view ranger before, and they do show where bridle ways are - in form of a dotted line - however not showing an exact route you can take, how long will it take or whether it is used often. I was worried to use it, as wasn't sure whether the route I chose was actually rideable ?

 

[Coconuts]

And the OS map app is another, I use it regularly
Ets - you can plot a route in advance and with your GPS on you can plot where you are on the map/route. Not quite sure it does the whole 'in 200 yards turn left, then turn right at the bridge' like a sat nav would though! As a general rule I try and memorize the route before setting off so I only have to refer to my phone if I get really stuck, it ruins the ride if you have to stop every 2 minutes otherwise.

Thank you for your insight!
I found it slightly hard to use where I am, as it wouldn't show me any routes. Maybe it's where I am. I was hoping for something that showed you available bridle ways and what state they were in, some are super overgrown ? I'll keep up my search ? thank you!

 

[Coconuts]

Yes of course it would.

Thanks! That's what I thought ?

 

[Gloi]

I just use OS maps which I have no problem with showing the routes.
The real problem in an area is knowing which of the bridleways are actually rideable. Round here we have a couple of bridleways that are often blocked by fallen trees , I report them and they eventually get cleared but it's annoying finding you have to turn back. Worse than that we have some routes marked on maps which are dangerously unrideable because of bogs and a broken up path over a sheer drop. I don't know how that would be done without local knowledge but that would be really useful.

 

[Dyllymoo]

This would be such a brilliant idea. I've tried the OS and Viewranger apps and I'm not great at reading maps so it was quite hard to navigate. My friend has been showing me several different routes where we live but I do get a bit confused! Would be great to have an app I could refer to.

 

[Widgeon]

I just use OS maps which I have no problem with showing the routes.
The real problem in an area is knowing which of the bridleways are actually rideable. Round here we have a couple of bridleways that are often blocked by fallen trees , I report them and they eventually get cleared but it's annoying finding you have to turn back. Worse than that we have some routes marked on maps which are dangerously unrideable because of bogs and a broken up path over a sheer drop. I don't know how that would be done without local knowledge but that would be really useful.

Yes. OS maps are the definitive version but even they don't show everything - for example, at the end of our lane is a permissive bridleway that replaces one that is marked on the map as a right of way, but in reality is forested over and barely walkable, let alone rideable. The permissive path is only a footpath on the map, despite having blue arrows once you're on it. I don't think there's any replacement for local knowledge and a scout out of the route beforehand - do you have any local hacking groups etc? Maybe contact the local bridleways officer and she if they can put you in touch with someone?

 

[Gloi]

- do you have any local hacking groups etc? Maybe contact the local bridleways officer and she if they can put you in touch with someone?

To be honest I'm the one people come to to ask about local bridleways as I ride out a lot and have ridden them all and always report problems. The problems occur when travelling to a new area as when on holiday. Hard to know then about the condition of bridleways and it sometimes means turning back due to blockages or dangerous conditions.

 

[dorsetladette]

This would be such a brilliant idea. I've tried the OS and Viewranger apps and I'm not great at reading maps so it was quite hard to navigate. My friend has been showing me several different routes where we live but I do get a bit confused! Would be great to have an app I could refer to.

I've tried the OS and viewranger apps and got confused. I'd like some think that I can plot a oute and it give me directions like a satnav. the forest we hack in is zig zagged with paths and forestry tracks and you could get lost really easily. (I have a few times)

 

[Orangehorse]

To be honest I'm the one people come to to ask about local bridleways as I ride out a lot and have ridden them all and always report problems. The problems occur when travelling to a new area as when on holiday. Hard to know then about the condition of bridleways and it sometimes means turning back due to blockages or dangerous conditions.

There used to be a company called Bridlerides that gave route directions which were frequently ridden and inspected (and the local Council Officer alerted) just for people to take their horse on holiday, all over the country and with nice routes. The company was sold on and I don't think they kept the name, sadly, so I don't know if it still exists.

 

[Cloball]

My OS app keeps crashing and refusing to load the maps we own. I have also found there are way more tracks and routes on the common land than you can see on the map. I am not sure how you would get all that knowledge and passable routes in order to make it work through. I would definitely use it and the OH for his mountain bike. It would be good to get round routes suggested with a time frame, distance etc. Might be even more difficult in Scotland but also very useful as the tracks are marked differently or not at all.

 

[Coconuts]

I just use OS maps which I have no problem with showing the routes.
The real problem in an area is knowing which of the bridleways are actually rideable. Round here we have a couple of bridleways that are often blocked by fallen trees , I report them and they eventually get cleared but it's annoying finding you have to turn back. Worse than that we have some routes marked on maps which are dangerously unrideable because of bogs and a broken up path over a sheer drop. I don't know how that would be done without local knowledge but that would be really useful.

Thank you so much! That's such a great insight! You're absolutely right, it's getting to know the right routes! ?

 

[Coconuts]

This would be such a brilliant idea. I've tried the OS and Viewranger apps and I'm not great at reading maps so it was quite hard to navigate. My friend has been showing me several different routes where we live but I do get a bit confused! Would be great to have an app I could refer to.

Thank you! I'm the same, maps just bug me, so hard to read sometimes. Thank you for the info!

 

[Coconuts]

Yes. OS maps are the definitive version but even they don't show everything - for example, at the end of our lane is a permissive bridleway that replaces one that is marked on the map as a right of way, but in reality is forested over and barely walkable, let alone rideable. The permissive path is only a footpath on the map, despite having blue arrows once you're on it. I don't think there's any replacement for local knowledge and a scout out of the route beforehand - do you have any local hacking groups etc? Maybe contact the local bridleways officer and she if they can put you in touch with someone?

Great advice! Thank you!

 

[Coconuts]

To be honest I'm the one people come to to ask about local bridleways as I ride out a lot and have ridden them all and always report problems. The problems occur when travelling to a new area as when on holiday. Hard to know then about the condition of bridleways and it sometimes means turning back due to blockages or dangerous conditions.

That's exactly right, or you miss out on so many great hacks because you don't know they are there.

 

[Coconuts]

I've tried the OS and viewranger apps and got confused. I'd like some think that I can plot a oute and it give me directions like a satnav. the forest we hack in is zig zagged with paths and forestry tracks and you could get lost really easily. (I have a few times)

That's the idea! Absolutely agree, it's so easy to get lost sometimes, as routes Criss cross or look the same! Thank you!

 

[Coconuts]

There used to be a company called Bridlerides that gave route directions which were frequently ridden and inspected (and the local Council Officer alerted) just for people to take their horse on holiday, all over the country and with nice routes. The company was sold on and I don't think they kept the name, sadly, so I don't know if it still exists.

That's very interesting, I'll look into this! It's a shame it's not around anymore!

 

[Coconuts]

My OS app keeps crashing and refusing to load the maps we own. I have also found there are way more tracks and routes on the common land than you can see on the map. I am not sure how you would get all that knowledge and passable routes in order to make it work through. I would definitely use it and the OH for his mountain bike. It would be good to get round routes suggested with a time frame, distance etc. Might be even more difficult in Scotland but also very useful as the tracks are marked differently or not at all.

That's right, I actually found a way to do this and think it would be amazing, but thought I'd better see if everyone else is on the same page! Thank you so much for your input ?

 

[Micky]

Yes this would be great esp if the app spoke too..like a satnav..save you looking at you’re phone all the time! Around here there aren’t many bridlways, just routes we use, but further afield (Derby’s/staffs without signs or very hard to read signs, it would be a good thing..

 

[Tarragon]

I think that the art of map reading is a dying art form. Nowadays, most people just want to follow the dot on their phone, or the instructions on their sat nav.
The OS maps will only tell you the legality of a route, but at least you can appreciate the lay of the land etc., but only if you can read maps. Plus, they cannot give you the sort of day to day state of a route, as in blocked, closed for repairs or locked gates etc. Only local knowledge will give you that sort of information.

 

[Coconuts]

Yes this would be great esp if the app spoke too..like a satnav..save you looking at you’re phone all the time! Around here there aren’t many bridlways, just routes we use, but further afield (Derby’s/staffs without signs or very hard to read signs, it would be a good thing..

Thank you! Great information

 

[dorsetladette]

I think that the art of map reading is a dying art form. Nowadays, most people just want to follow the dot on their phone, or the instructions on their sat nav.
The OS maps will only tell you the legality of a route, but at least you can appreciate the lay of the land etc., but only if you can read maps. Plus, they cannot give you the sort of day to day state of a route, as in blocked, closed for repairs or locked gates etc. Only local knowledge will give you that sort of information.

Maybe one that you can add info too (my other half has a satnav you can up date with road woks etc) so when you come across a fallen tree or a locked gate or an angry bull in a field you could add the info to the app for other riders to see.

 

[Tiddlypom]

I wouldn’t be interested as I find it easy to read maps, and I also have a three year subscription to ViewRanger which allows me access to every OS Explorer and Landranger map.

 

[Merry neddy man]

There used to be a company called Bridlerides that gave route directions which were frequently ridden and inspected (and the local Council Officer alerted) just for people to take their horse on holiday, all over the country and with nice routes. The company was sold on and I don't think they kept the name, sadly, so I don't know if it still exists.

Bridlerides dissolved in Feb 2016 their address was Keepers cottage, Lower Whitehill, Overton, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG25 3BY (Karen Johnson) (possibly something to do with Redlands Equestrian Ltd.) she may still live there and can supply new owner info.

 

[Coconuts]

Bridlerides dissolved in Feb 2016 their address was Keepers cottage, Lower Whitehill, Overton, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG25 3BY (Karen Johnson) (possibly something to do with Redlands Equestrian Ltd.) she may still live there and can supply new owner info.

Thank you! That's very useful! I think she moved from there, so will try to find the phone number, maybe I'll be in luck. Thank you for this!!

 

[somersetredstreak2020]

Someone posted this link to a 'bridleway finder' on here a few months ago, might be worth taking a look

https://eventingguide.com/finding-bridleways-england-uk/

 

[Cloball]

You can use bing maps OS option if you click the desktop site bit. If you have 3g you can check you're on the right path if necessary.