Horse riding in North Somerset: 10 beautiful bridleways
Henley Wood between Claverham and Yatton. (Signposts by TempusVolat under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) - Credit: Archant
The bridleways of North Somerset can be found in the countryside, on moorland, with picturesque sea views, surrounded by ancient forest and on the edge of historic parklands. We pick 10 of the best places to horse ride
Nailsea Moor. (Bridge over Parish Brook for ST4469 © Copyright Philip Halling and licensed for reuse under CC BY-SA 2.0) - Credit: Archant
Nailsea Moor
Distance: 4Km
Bridleway (LA13/50/20) is a traditional North Somerset country ride by Nailsea Moor. It starts in Nailsea on West End Lane between Broadmead Cottage and Tower House Farm and follows the ancient drovers’ route north west.
Cadbury Camp. (On Cadbury Camp Lane for ST4372 Copyright Anthony O'Neil and licensed for reuse under CC BY-SA 2.0) - Credit: Archant
Cadbury Camp Lane
Distance: 5Km
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Bridleway (LA5/25/10) begins at Clevedon Lane Farm on the edge of Clapton Moor Nature Reserve. This is a woodland ride east along Cadbury Camp Lane through West Park Wood and Lime Breach Wood to the old earthworks on Whitehouse Lane.
Portbury Common. (Portbury Common for ST4875 © Copyright Sharon Loxton and licensed for reuse under CC BY-SA 2.0) - Credit: Archant
Portbury Common
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Distance: 4Km
This short equestrian trail (LA 15/13/20) from Portishead to Clapton-in-Gordano takes you across Portbury Common with excellent open views in all directions.
View from Worlebury Hill into Weston-super-Mare bay. (Weston-super-Mare bay by Joe Dunckley under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) - Credit: Archant
Worlebury Hill, Weston-super-Mare
Distance: 6Km
If you’re in the mood for Iron Age Forts, Worlebury is a fine example. This bridleway (AX 31/65/30) begins by the sea at Spring Cove and takes you up Worlebury Hill towards Weston Woods, round Worlebury Fort and back down to the coast. There are stunning views of Weston-super-Mare bay, so pick a clear day.
Weston Wood path. (Weston Wood by James F. Clay under CC BY-NC 2.0) - Credit: Archant
Weston Woods, Weston-Super-Mare
Distance: varies
Take the Worlebury Hill bridleway (AX 31/65/30), turn right instead of left onto bridleway (AX 31/65/20) and you have a choice of rides through Weston Woods. Most are quite short, so you can double back and visit Worlebury Fort too.
Sandpoint. (Sandpoint by Matt Buck under CC BY-SA 2.0) - Credit: Archant
Weston-Super-Mare to Woodspring Priory
Distance: 12Km
This bridleway (AX 19/13/10) doesn’t reach Woodspring Priory but comes close enough for a good view of the iconic 13th century coastal landmark. Starting at Ebdon Farm on the east edge of Weston-Super-Mare, the route runs in a loop through farmland, keeps company with the River Banwell for a bit and ends up at Culm Farm just 500m from Woodspring.
Bridelway to Brockley Court. (Bridleway to Brockley Court Farm for ST4667 © Copyright Dr Duncan Pepper and licensed for reuse under CC BY-SA 2.0) - Credit: Archant
Henley Wood, between Claverham and Yatton
Distance: 5Km
Starting at Henley Farm, between Yatton and Claverham, bridleway (LA 21/25/40) is a fascinating ride through North Somerset’s ancient past. It skirts Cadbury Camp, passes two old quarries and a reservoir and takes you round the edge of Henley Wood.
A view over Tyntesfield. (Tyntesfield by Florriebassingbourn under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) - Credit: Archant
Wrington to Brockley
Distance: 10Km
This bridleway (AX 30/42/10) to the north east of Wrington village at Barley Wood takes you to the edge of Brockley village. It runs through Wrington Warren, close to Goblin Combe, covers ancient North Somerset estate lands and finishes close to Backwell Lake.
By Tyntesfield
Distance: 3Km
You can’t ride on Tyntesfield Estate, but this bridleway (LA 20/34/30) is the next best thing. It starts at the old quarry on the Clevedon to Wraxall road and runs south along the edge of Tyntesfield Plantation to Holly Cottage on the main Wraxall road.
The Gordano Round
Distance: 10Km
The Gordano Round is one of North Somerset’s ancient bridleways, best known for the Iron Age Fort at Cadbury Camp. Start at Norton Wood (LA 22/53/10) and go south west over the M5 bridleway bridge onto Cadbury Camp Lane West. From here it’s mostly woodland and Cadbury Camp is signposted. There are other well marked bridleways off The Gordano Round so you can customise your ride.
Bridleway distances are approximate for a round route.
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