Horse Riding on the Defence Estate

Horse Riding on the Defence Estate

The Defence Estate contains some of the most stunning landscapes in Great Britain. Many routes across rural sites are accessible to horse riders. The following information provides details of some access opportunities and riding projects that have been developed on Ministry of Defence (MOD) land to benefit horse-riders. Military activities can be noisy or have the potential to startle, so rider safety is of paramount importance. We highlight some important safety advice for horse riders when visiting the estate.

Please be aware that Military Byelaws entitle the MOD to restrict access on Rights of Way for defence purposes. You are advised to call the contact number for a particular site if you are not sure of the arrangements for your visit.

Dartmoor Training Area

The Dartmoor Commons Act 1985 allows public access by foot or horse for recreational purposes over all unenclosed common land on Dartmoor. In addition the Dartmoor National Park Authority in conjunction with the MOD and other landowners has developed access agreements on most unenclosed moorland including the MOD's freehold land at Willsworthy. The public therefore has access rights for horse riding over the Dartmoor Training Area except when the Ranges are notified for live firing. Please see under Related Links for further information and firing times.

Epynt Way around the Sennybridge Training Area

The Sennybridge Training Area in Wales is the UK's third largest training area. Military training restricts access for most of the year.

In recognition of the limited amount of public access in the area the MOD, in partnership with many regional and local interests, has developed a 90km circular permissive bridleway on or near to the boundary of the training area. It links to all the existing rights of way that lead up to the ranges.

This route provides a challenging and exciting experience for horse riders, cyclists and walkers throughout the year. Please see Related Links on the right for more information about the Epynt Way.

RAF Fylingdales, North York Moors National Park

The route, part of the historic Lyke Wake Walk provides access across the northern boundary of the RAF Fylingdales east to west and enables a network of bridleways to be accessed across the remote heather moorland. The MOD was given an award by the British Horse Society in 2006 for developing the permissive bridleway at RAF Fylingdales to public access.

Scotland

Different access legislation applies in Scotland where the Land Reform (Scotland) Act applies. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides guidance on using your access rights responsibly see Related Links on the right.

All land to which the Land Reform Act access rights - see under  Related Links - apply on the Defence estate is generally available for horse-riding, apart from at Castlelaw and Kirkcudbright Training Areas where restrictions apply. At both of these sites horse riders must follow the waymarked routes. Please see separate pages on this website for access opportunities at these sites (under construction).

Local restrictions may also apply as directed on the ground. Please remember your responsibilities under the Code.

Risks

Great care has been taken to reduce risks to the public on the Defence estate. Military activities should not disrupt your visit, but riders should be aware of, and remain alert to any military training in the area, or the presence of military personnel or vehicles which could startle or spook their horses. Low flying is a risk and the MOD in association with The British Horse Society (BHS) has produced guidelines detailing safety precautions in areas of Military Helicopter Low Flying. A leaflet and a poster is available under Related Documents.

Safety Precautions

Before visiting an MOD Range/Training Area we recommend that you telephone to confirm that the bridleways/access areas will be available for riding. Contact details are provided in the related pages.

Many MOD sites are in remote areas where rugged terrain and changeable weather can occur. Riders should be well prepared and take appropriate precautions before setting out. We recommend, for greater safety, that riders take mobile phones with them and do not ride alone. We strongly advise that you wear high visibility clothing.

If a horse becomes separated from its rider when passing along a linear route/right of way that passes through a training area, the riders must not leave the route but contact the relevant site operator. Riders are at risk of injury or death if they follow their animals into exclusion areas or danger areas.

Red Flags: When live firing is taking place red flags will be flown (daytime) and red lamps displayed (at night) to indicate the danger area. There is strictly no public access to these areas when these signals are displayed.