Briars Bridleways News & Updates
February 2012 Update
Ponty to Aberdare route - The long distance route will be offically opened on May 23rd and maps will be available shortly. The route is approx 14 miles long running from Barrysidings country park in Pontypridd through to Dare Valley Country Park in Aberdare.
Briars Bridleways are currently in discussions to extend the route in the South of the borough and further to the North so watch this space.
February 2012 Update
Ponty to Aberdare route - The route has now been finalised and work has begun with a view to opening the route in spring. The route has been publicised in local press and on radio Wales and we hope to have a launch event very soon.
Funding for the route came form HOV and RCT CBC and will stretch for approx 14 miles from Dare Valley County Park in Aberdare to Barry Sidings Country Park in Pontypridd.
We are very grateful to Groundwork Merthyr RCT and the Forestry Commission for their support on this project.
It is hoped that the route will encourage equestrian tourism on the area and we will continue to work to link the route with surrounding counties.
A view from the new route
September Update
Ponty to Aberdare route - We are currently finalising the agreement with the FC for the development of this route. This should be completed shortly with them aim of undertaking work on the route by March 2012.
Pontneddvaughn Bridleway - Work should commence shortly to improve the bridleway including the implementation of a horse bridge.
Werfa Abernant - New horse friendly barriers will be added to the Werfa lane to stop fly tipping.
Tramway - We are currently negitiating with the council to add horse steps to the barriers that have recently beed put up on the Tramway. If these barriers are causing you a problem then please let us know.
Bridleways Meetings - Meetings will stop for a few months, please check website for dates when meetings will re-commence.
June Update
Ponty to Aberdare route - The Groundwork Trust attended the meeting to update us on the project. They are waiting for final agreement from the Forestry Commission to confirm the route. We plan to launch the route in September pending this confirmation.
April Update
Ponty to Aberdare route - The Groundwork Trust are working to develop the route and have agreement in principal from the Forestry Commission for the route to use part of the Celtic Trail from Dare Valley Country Park to Llanwunno.
Abercwmboi - The horse steps have now been installed in the Abercwmboi wetlands park. Many thanks to Councillor Huw Williams for his continued support
Fundraising - We have a number of events planned to raise funds towards a parking area and corral in Coed Taff Fawr forestry. 1st May Showjumping (schedule available on riding club page) day and 31st July Mounted Treasure Hunt (details coming soon)
Riding Club Camp - Will take place in October at Heart of Wales riding school more details on riding club page
February Update
Chris Franks AM - Briars Bridleways would like to thank Mr Franks Plaid Cymru AM for the help and support he has given horse rides in RCT.
Abercwmboi - Many thanks to Cllr Huw Williams and Abercwmboi Communities First team for the addition of horse steps in the wetland park that is being developed in the area. The new park is planned to open in April.
Gloucester's (Hirwaun) - Also know locally as an Ironworks. Although the area has been designated as a village green the developers are back and are threatening to take the Action for Hirwaun group to high court to overturn the Village Green on a technicality. The area has long been used by horse riders and the group are calling on any one who has used the area over the past 20 years to provide a witness statement to the fact. There will also be the development of a fighting fund to raise money to pay for legal assistance and all support would be much appreciated. If you can help please contact Cllr Karen Morgan Karen.Morgan2@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk
Llanwunno - The Forestry Commission invited Briars Bridleways to a meeting in Dare Valley County Park to discuss ideas for the future of Llanwunno Forestry. The idea is to partner with a variety of organisations such as RCT CBC, Communities First and Sustrans to apply for funding to develop the forestry section. A consultant has been commissioned to gather ideas and put together an action plan.
VRP long distance route - We are planning to meet with the VRP team to discuss the potential to develop a shorter route through the valleys in place of the planned long distance route.
Fundraising - We are currently running a Guess the Weight of the horse competition, tickets can be bought at our meetings. First prize £30
Camp - We are starting to think about this years camp and are considering a trekking weekend staying over night in horse friendly B&B's. More details to follow soon.
November Update
VRP long distance route - Unfortunately the VRP route has suffered a set back, the assembly has decided not to fund the route. This means that we will have to look at other forms of funding to enable the route to go ahead
Bridleways Issues - Please see projects page for detail
Fundraising - We are planning to run a number of fundraising events over the summer to raise funding to use to improve Bridleways and equestrian access.
August Update
- New Route - Groundwork RCT has gained some grant funding to develop a horse route from Hirwaun/Aberdare area to Pontypridd. They have consulted with Briars Bridleways on the route and will be consulting with other horse riding groups.
- Garwnant - Briars Bridleways is looking for grant funding to develop the coral, parking area, maps and signposting in Garwnant.
- Bridleways- there have been reports of issues on a number of bridleways in RCT including Ynysybwl, Penderyn and Abernant. Briars Bridleways is planning to meet with the council to try to get the issues resolved.
- Riding Club Activities - Members attended Camp this month, photos available soon. We have a Dressage day 22nd August
- Epynt Way - new routes available from Brecon to Builth Wells. For more information visit www.dtewalesandwest.co.uk
- Horse Theft Warning - A horse was recently stolen from the Crickhowell area, a plait was also found in another horse mane and a green circle on the road outside marking which horse was to be stolen.
June Update
- Long distance route - We are planning to undertake a few fundraising activities in order to be able to put some funding towards the long distance route. If you have any ideas for fundraising activities then please let us know
- Coed Taff Fawr Forestry - The FC are currently getting quotes from contractors for the development of a parking area for horse boxes near Garwnant vistor centre.
- Cwmaman/Abercwmboi - BB representatives attended a meeting in Abercwmboi Communities First office along with other organisations to discuss the development of routes in the area. BB's will be advising the group around suitable horse friendly furniture and tracks.
- Chris Franks AM - BB's and the British Horse Society met with Chris Franks in the Welsh Assembly to discuss equestrian access in RCT. Mr Franks was keen to support horse riders in the area and hopes to visit some of the problem spots in the county. Mr Franks has will also pose questions to the Minister with regards to access in RCT.
- RC Activities - The SJ clinic was a success and enjoyed by all. . The Dressage clinic is fully booked and is planned for the 27th June. Deposits are required for the BB Camp by the next BB meeting on 1st July. See riding club page for further details of RC events.
