Lakes and Dales Horseback Rambler

I am normally a person who does everything by the book, but I do develop strong views if I believe something is not quite right. If your an equestrian the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail (K2T) is one of these places as horses are not allowed on the trail. On 22 March 2024 we decided to ride the Keswick to Threkeld Railway Trail after discussing the matter with other rights of way experts and decided that this is the only way forward to get equestrians access. A few of us from Cumbria Bridleway Society have been campaigning for over 5 years to get equestrians access to K2T. After many letters, emails, meetings, reports (on both sides) we still do not have a genuine reason from the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) as to why equestrians cannot be included on K2T. The LDNPA is the principal landowner of K2T and therefore in my mind this is public land. The upgraded trail cost nearly £8 million pounds of public money and the aim of the grant money was to get Vulnerable Road ...

  Although Kirkby Lonsdale is in Cumbria it is also in the Yorkshire Dales National Park following a National Park extension in 2016. This ride can be a half day ride or you can make it longer by going over Barbon Fell. One of the features of the area to those with a keen eye are the Andy Goldsworthy sheepfold sculptures, which were built as part of a millennium project. When I first saw these unusual looking sheepfolds they just did not make any sense, but once you know, you know! Starting from Kirkby Lonsdale large layby parking at Devils Bridge take the path out the layby and head along the bridleway along Laitha Lane adjacent to Casterton Golf Club. Here watch out for golf balls and once on the edge of Casterton head up through the lanes and join the Roman Road called Wandale Lane. Here turn left and head towards Barbon.   Looking up Barbon Valley toward Dent  Andy Goldsworthy sheep fold sculpture  Your eventually reach a cattle grid, take the adjacent gate ...

  Alfred Wainwright described Ennerdale as 'a dark and funereal shroud of foreign trees', but today it really is a beacon of hope for nature and is one of the largest National Nature Reserves in England. The Wild Ennerdale project started in 2002 with the aim of regenerating habitats and landscapes to enable nature to thrive. The River Liza has been allowed to become a natural mountain river and the trees are now a mix of native and conifer species with meadow and glad areas. Hardy cows graze the woodland along side wild deer. Rare species include red squirrels and Marsh Fritillary butterflies and there is a plan to reintroduce beavers and it hoped Pine Martens will find Ennerdale soon too.  When you step into Ennerdale you could be in the Canadian wilderness and it really is a place that is good for the soul!  There are over 15 miles of car-free tracks and paths to explore and many other routes link into the valley including Wainwrights Coast to Coast, whi...