TROT routes and permits, and also more specifically Bramshill Forest

[nikicb]

Good morning. Just wondering whether anyone on here has a TROT permit. Are they worth it?

Also if anyone uses one to hack in Bramshill Forest. What sort of length hacks can you go on, and is there horsebox parking? Do you meet a lot of horses being driven, or can you avoid those paths.

Many thanks.

 

[wipeout]

I am a toll rides member. It is definitely worth it for me, there are loads of rides within easy travelling distance from us. If I didn't have transport then I don't think I would bother as there is only one short section within hacking distance from us.
I do think TROT could improve their website to make it easier for riders to locate rides and parking places though. I know they are gradually adding maps to their website but it seems to be a slow process. We have some really good reps in our area who showed us round the rides the first time we did them including arranging lorry parking. It's definitely worth speaking to your local one.
We have a few private toll rides separate to TROT near us and at the moment we haven't bothered to register for those because the TROT ones are more than satidfactory.
I am in Kent so no specific knowledge of Bramshill Forest, sorry.

 

[HollyB66]

Nikicb - if you contact Trot they will put you in touch with the Local Agent/Representative and you could ask them those questions. I can pm you the details that I have on my 'quick reference guide' but they might be out of date. Trot is worth it if you can access routes in your local area. I have to box to one, luckily my friend lets me park in her yard. The next closest is a 1 hour hack away.

wipeout - can I ask where abouts in Kent you are and what private toll routes there are? We're trying to set up a new Trot ride near to us, but it is a slow process. The landowner is interested, but as a farmer has other priorities - and we are keen for some new safe hacking. I'm west of Maidstone.

 

[nikicb]

Thank you both - really helpful.

Holly thanks for the PM, I got it safely and will get in contact with the people you suggest.

Wipeout, as you say, what would be helpful is if the website actually showed the maps of the routes rather than just the names. Then we could see what we were going to get for our money.

But it is a good thing that they are doing and if it's run by volunteers, we can only be grateful for their efforts.

 

[HollyB66]

I'm lucky in that I could call in to the Trot headquarters and see the local routes, they did give me print outs for a few in Kent. Unfortunately they do not have up to date maps for all of the routes and they are trying to get on top of this.

I put the Linton/Coxheath route on to 'map my run' as a suggestion to Trot for electronic versions that could be updated by the Local Representatives.

http://gb.mapometer.com/en/horse_riding/route_662983.html

I think there may be some reluctance to put routes on the open web because non-members can then follow the routes with no subscription to the scheme. I don't think it is very easy to 'police', although the Linton landowner is quite active at checking who is riding on his land and the farm workers are really considerate if they see a horse, turning off their tractors etc

Like you say though, you do want to know what you are getting for your money. If you have to 'box' to your local route you get a reduced rate.

 

[deicinmerlyn]

There is a lorry park at Bramshill although you can park in various other places aswell.

You can hack for miles on both sides of the road. (the draghunt have meets there)

Occassionally there are driven ponies/horses about.

 

[nikicb]

Thanks everyone, all really useful information. I'll follow up on it.

 

[PeterNatt]

Also try the www.emagin.org web site