Horseriding
Planning horse ride routes – where can you ride?
Rights of way
There are over 500 miles of rights of way in Nottinghamshire for horse riders to use, with some good off-road networks and waterside trails. Horse riders can use bridleways, byways and restricted byways, but shouldn’t ride on footpaths as these are only for walkers.
Bridleways and byways are marked on Ordnance Survey Landranger and Explorer maps. Check which Ordnance Survey Explorer maps cover your area [PDF 338KB]. You can connect up rights of way to make circular routes. You can check the routes in your area with Ordnance Survey maps held at your local library, alternatively you can buy them from most bookshops or online.
View an interactive map of the rights of way in Nottinghamshire online.
You are also welcome to visit our offices to view the Definitive Map for Nottinghamshire, please contact us if you would like to come in.
Farmland
Some areas of farmland are open to riders through a Defra and Natural England scheme called Countrywalks. You can search for routes in Nottinghamshire on their website: http://countrywalks.defra.gov.uk
Country Parks
Nottinghamshire has some great areas for horse riding, a few are listed below, but you can find much more if you explore.
- Clumber Park has a good network. You need a permit to ride here, which you can get from the National Trust website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
- Sherwood Pines wesite: www.forestry.gov.uk/sherwoodpines and
- Blidworth Woods website: www.forestry.gov.uk/blidworthwoods have woodland paths. These are Foresty Commission sites and you need a permit to ride. Contact the Foresty Commission to arrange a permit.
- Bestwood Country Park has permissive bridleways marked with signs stating "TRAIL", which are also open to walkers and cyclists. If you’re bringing a horse box please contact the rangers who’ll be able to advise where to park.
Horse riding publications
Information and guides to give you some inspiration to start planning your own rides
| Publication name | Price including postage |
|---|---|
|
RouteXchange Online routes forum where you can download maps and directions, share routes and give reviews. |
Free online forum |
|
Exploring Nottinghamshire on Horseback
|
£2.50 |
|
Saddle up [PDF 3545 KB] A guide to using rights of way, for horse riders |
Free |
|
Out and About in Nottinghamshire [PDF 1.6MB] A directory of walking, cycling and horse riding information. |
Free |
|
Finding Your Way [PDF 971KB] A guide to using public paths in Nottinghamshire |
Free |
|
Exploring Nottinghamshire, a taste of what's on offer |
Free |
To order publications call tel: 08449 80 80 80 or, send a cheque for the correct amount payable to Nottinghamshire County Council.
Hacking, Treking, Liveries and Riding Instruction
The British Horse Society keep an up to date list of approved riding establishments website: www.bhs.org.uk and approved livery yards website: www.bhs.org.uk in Nottinghamshire. Many offer hacking, treking and instruction.
Countryside photos
Want to bask in, or share your appreciation of, the Nottinghamshire countryside? We run an online photo sharing group called Flickr Best of Notts website: www.flickr.com/groups/bestofnotts where you can post your best photos of Nottinghamshire and browse images by local photographers.
Useful contacts
Contact us for more information about horse riding in Nottinghamshire, or if you have come across a problem while out on your horse you can report this online.
Report a problem with a right of way.
For more information about local riding clubs and associations, please visit the British Horse Society website: www.bhs.org.uk.
