Footpath/Bridleway?

[Sandstone1]

There is local to me a small country estate. It has several footpaths and bridleways. The main entrance to the estate has two metal gates and a cattle grid. This entrance is actually a footpath but has been used for many many years as a bridleway. Many local riders have used it for at least 40 years. The original owner was a lovely gentleman who never objected to horses as he was himself a horse owner and had no objection to horses as long as his land was treated with respect.
Since his death the estate has been ran by various people who also did not object to riders using this entrance.
However, there are now new owners who have locked these gates to the side of the cattle grid. This is in effect blocking the footpath unless you cross the cattle grid. They are also stopping riders using this entrance. There is another entrance to bridleway further down a busy road.
Is there anything that can be done legally about this ? Not only are the owners blocking a footpath but they are stopping riders from using a entrance that has been in use by riders for many many years.

 

[AmyMay]

You can petition the local council, you’ll have to prove it’s use over the period of time you suggest horses have been able to use it.

 

[Sandstone1]

Thanks

 

[tda]

And see if you have a BHS local group or a local bridleways group

 

[NightStock]

Looking online, they can't obstruct the footpath by forcing people over the cattlegrid so probably worth starting with that? Good luck!

 

[SEL]

Can you find enough riders willing to put in writing they've used it over 20+ years? If so the BHS are very helpful about supporting the application to the council for it to be a bridleway - just not a quick process.

 

[sunnyone]

When I lived in Dorset we had a couple of "permissive" bridleways which is what I think you are describing. I always took that to mean that the owner could close'it off whenever they liked. If motorbikes had'taken to using the path then no doubt they'd have been shut pronto.
Is there an estate manager you could talk to? It's always better to see if an informal request might work before contacting "authorities".

 

[Sandstone1]

Think the new owners are being awkward to be honest. It's never been a problem before. There are official bridleways but people have always used this entrance as its safer.

 

[Timelyattraction]

I wouldnt have thought they could do that with it being a footpath because dogs cant safely cross cattlegrids without getting there feet caught and potentially breaking a leg

 

[Sandstone1]

I wouldnt have thought they could do that with it being a footpath because dogs cant safely cross cattlegrids without getting there feet caught and potentially breaking a leg

I think you are right.