Beach Riding.
____________ Ride your horse on the beach in UK _______
Riding you horse on the Beach
There are a number of beaches around the UK which allow people to ride on
them. Below is a list of beaches. The list consists of information we have been provided with, and is not
exhaustive, but can be used as a helpful starting point for planning your trip to
the beach. If you would like to contribute some information to this list, please
email admin@equiacc.com
Beaches
We have tried to provide contact details for all of the beaches, but the list is
not yet complete. If you discover any information or websites that you feel
would be of benefit to other people, please email us.
If you are planning a beach ride please make sure you check out the times of
the tides, so you are not caught unaware. Have a look at Tide Tables to find
out more on tide times.
Here follows a bit of Law speak about riding your horse on the beach - after that is a list of the region and
beaches you can ride your horse on.
The Sea-shore
The foreshore (land between medium high and medium low water).
There is no right of way for the public over the foreshore unless such a right
has been dedicated, expressly or by presumption. The foreshore is generally
owned by the Crown, but in some cases the Crown has granted or sold it to
another person or body. In the past this is likely to have been have the Lord of
the Manor, but more recently a local authority or other public body, or a
private body such as the National Trust, is likely to be the grantee or
purchaser. As owner of the soil, the Crown may dedicate a right of way
expressly or by presumption. However, HA80 s 31 (chapter 3.3) does not bind
the Crown, so presumed dedication can only be claimed at common law
(chapter 3.2). Any other owner of the foreshore is subject to 31s.
In practice, it is virtually impossible to acquire a right of way over the
foreshore by presumed dedication because of the practical difficulty in
establishing the right over a defined track. The sea covers the foreshore twice
a day throughout most of the year and will almost invariably wash away any
tracks. However, it would be lawful, through not necessarily desirable, for a
right of way to be created over the foreshore, e.g. by means of a creation or
diversion order.
A public right of way, however, lawfully has its remains at the edge of the
foreshore ( Williams �Ellis v Cobb (1935)). If it does, that terminus may not be
moved by a public path diversion order made under HA80, since it is not on a
highway. (s119(2)(a) �p335). Even if the public has no right of way, it is
usually difficult for the owner to prevent public use of the foreshore as a
means of passage.
The reason is that there is a public right of navigation over the foreshore when
it is covered with water and the erection of fences, which would interfere with
that right would be unlawful without statutory authority. Further, section 34 of
the Coast Protection Act 1949 makes it an offence to erect fencing on the
foreshore without the consent of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.
Land above medium high water
There is no presumption that the land immediately above medium high water
mark belongs to the Crown, even if it is not physically distinguishable from the
foreshore. Such land is subject to the normal rules as to dedication. However,
if, as frequently happens, the high water mark moves, the land forming the
foreshore also moves. It may thus be difficult to establish sufficient use of a
defined track on or near the seashore to presume dedication of a right of way.
_________________________________
SCOTLAND
Dunnet Beach, Caithness
Three miles of golden beach at Dunnet, Caithness, in the north of Scotland. It
is used by horse riders, walkers, and, more recently, kite buggyers.
It should be stressed that the sand dunes are a fragile environment and
should under no circumstances be ridden in. There is parking available at the
Dunnet Bay Visitor Centre and at Castlehill, the Castletown end of the beach.
For further information please refer to tinairving@dunnethead.co.uk
PEMBROKESHIRE
Saundersfoot & Tenby
With regard to the control of beach, riding, it is proposed that from 1st May to
the 31st August (form 10.00am to 7.00pm) horse riding will be prohibited on
the foreshore leased by the National Park Authority, unless such riding is
expressly authorised in writing by the Authority. The aim of this provision is to
permit riding during summer months subject to license, which could impose
appropriate conditions to promote the safe and enjoyable use of our beaches
by all parties. This will still enable horses to be ridden in the morning and
evenings when the beaches are less busy.
Contact:
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Winch Lane, Haverfordwest,
Pembrokeshire SA61 1PY
Tel: 01437 764636
Email: info@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk
NORTHUMBERLAND
The whole length of the intertidal zone on the Northumberland Coast has
been declared a site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area and
Ramsar site for its importance for migrating and wintering birds and, in the
view of English Nature, horse riding is generally not a problem and they
consider bylaws not necessary. However, at Lindisfarne National Nature
Reserve bylaws exist which exclude horse riding on the intertidal area.
NORTHUMBERLAND
Druidge Bay
Leased by Northumberland County Council and encourage horse riding on
the beach.
Contact:
Northumberland County Council, County Hall, Morpeth NE61 2EF
Tel: 01670 533000
MERSEYSIDE
Riding is permitted on two beaches in Sefton. Freshfield and Formby and
Ainsdale. Formby Can be access via the National Trust at Formby. There is a
charge for parking (around �3) and a horse riding permit system (there is also
small charge for this). There are certain areas on the foreshore at Formby
which should be avoided as there are Neolithic footprints, some human, in the
exposed sediments details of which are available from the National Trust.
Telephone 01704 878591 or visit the National Trust.
Ainsdale beach is under the management of the Coast and Countryside
Service, tel: 0151 934 2967. There is a charge to park on the beach during
the summer, however, during the winter it is free, but you may experience
problems with getting stuck in soft sand near the entrance. There currently is
not a permit scheme but you will need to show evidence of third party
insurance up to �5 million.
A note of warning. The beach conditions change frequently and areas which
were firm may become softer and dangerous. Red Rum trained on the beach
but used a well worn section of the beach. Galloping should be undertaken
with caution until the area has be assessed.
Other users of the beach include families, kite buggyers and fisherman so
some degree of compromise is advised.
LINCOLNSHIRE
Mablethorpe
Horse and ponies crossing the sand dunes between the hours of 9.00am and
7.00pm during the period 15th March to 30th September in each year. At
other times, permission is granted by the way of license.
Skegness
Some conditions and restrictions apply and permission is granted by way of
letter from the Councils Head of Tourism, Arts and Public Relations.
Contact:
Lincolnshire County Council, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln LN1 1YL
Tel: (01522) 552222
Email: PublicRelations@lincolnshire.gov.uk
NORFOLK
Holkham National Nature Reserve
There are no time or day or seasonal restrictions on this stretch on beach
where the Household Cavalry visit when they are at Bodney camp. Horsebox
parking is charged at �7.50 per day, at Lady Anne's drive.
Contact:
The Site Manager, Hill farm Office. Main Road, Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea,
Norfolk NR23 1AB
Tel: (01328) 711183
Email: nature.reserve@holkham.co.uk
ESSEX
Cudmore Grove
Two hours after high tide. Contact Ranger 01206 383868 � Horse trailers are
not allowed along Bromans Lane, however, horseboxes are.
Shoeburyness East Beach
Contact Peir & Foreshore Officer 01702 215620. Bylaws restrict riding to
before 9am and after 9pm in the summer.
EAST SUSSEX
Camber Sands
Owned by Rother District Council who have granted rights for horse riders.
Contact:
Rother District Council, The Town Hall, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN39
3JX
Tel: 01424 787878
WEST SUSSEX Goring
From the 1st May to 30th September you can ride on the beach except
between the hours of 10am - 6pm. Outside these dates you can ride at any
time.
The local beach office who provide leaflets (for a small charge) on tide times
can be contacted on Tel: 01903 238977.
Contact:
Worthing Borough Council, Beach Office, Marine Parade, Worthing
KENT Thanet District Council
Contact:
Thanet District Council, PO Box 9, Cecil Street, Margate, Kent CT9 1XZ
Tel: 01843 577000
DORSET Studland/Shell bay
Owned by National Trust. Rides require a permit and can ride the during
certain times of year.
Contact:
Countryside Office, Studland, Swanage, BH19 3AX
Tel: 01929 450259
Email: studlandbeach@nationaltrust.org.uk
DEVON Westward Ho
No persons shall ride any horse or other animal on any part of the seashore
between the hours of nine o�clock in the morning and eight o�clock in the
evening during the period from the 1st day of June to the 30th of September
inclusive. Provided that this bylaw shall not apply to children riding ponies or
donkeys led or attended by someone on foot.
Contact:
North Devon District Council, North Walk, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 1EA
Tel: 01271 327711
Email: info@northdevon.gov.uk
CORNWALL Kerrier Area
During the out of season period (mid September � mid May), no staff man the
beaches and horse riding has never caused any concern. Some beaches are
privately owned and would have different guidelines. During the season, when
lifeguards are on the beach between 1000 and 1800 hours, horse riding is
discouraged because of the potential conflict with other users. However, we
have no hard and fast rule, but leave the final decision to the head guard on
duty at the time, as they are responsible for the maintenance of the health and
safety of all users. As horse riding has yet to cause problems on our
supervised beaches, the whole situation, to date, has been governed by
common sense and co-operation.
Contact:
Kerrier District Council, Dolcoath Avenue, Camborne, Cornwall TR14 8SX
Tel: 01209 614000
Email: ceo@kerrier.gov.uk
Perran Beach at Perranporth
Byelaws apply here and there is currently a proposal to ban all horse riding in
the summer period. Carrick District Council is liasing with local riding centres
to establish their views
Holywell Beach at Cubert
Byelaws apply here and there is currently a proposal to ban all horse riding in
the summer period. Carrick District Council is liasing with local riding centres
to establish their views.
For both of the above contact:
Carrick District Council, Carrick House, Pydar Street, Truro, Cornwall TR1
1EB
Tel: 01872 224400
BHS Approved Riding Establishments that offer riding on beaches
England North Region
Cleveland
The Meadows Stud, Kirkby, Stokesley TS9 7AQ. Tel/fax: 01642 711640,
email: Emmersons@onyxnet.co.uk
Cumbria
Murthwaite Green Trekking Centre, Silecroft, Millom, Cumbria LA18 5LP, Tel:
01229 770876
Yorkshire Region
Humberside
North Humberside Riding Centre, Easington, Nr Hull, East Yorks HU12 0UA.
Tel: 01964 650250
South East Region
Surrey
Wildwoods Riding Centre, Ebbisham Lane, Walton on the Hill, Tadworth KT20
5BH. Tel: 01737 812146, Fax: 01738 814872, email: billtowill@aol.com
West Sussex
Hangleton Farm Equestrian Centre, Hangleton Farm, Hangleton Lane,
Ferring, Nr Worthing BN12 6PP. Tel: 01903 240352
South West Region
Avon
High Actions Mendip Riding Centre, Lyncombe Lodge, Churchill BS19 5PQ.
Tel: 01934 852335, Fax: 01934 853314, email: info@highaction.co.uk
Cornwall
Cornish Riding Holidays, Wheal Buller Riding School, Buller Hill, Redruth
TR16 6ST. Tel/fax: 01209 211852
Trenance Riding School, Trenance Leisure Area, Trenance Lane, Newquay
TR7 1AU. Tel: 01637 872699
The Veryan Riding Centre, Veryan, Nr Truro TR2 5PH. Tel: 01872 501574
Devon
Budleigh Salterton Riding School, Dalditch Lane, Budleigh, Salterton EX9
7AS. Tel: 01395 442035, Fax: 01395 443922
Scotland
Fife
Kinshaldy Riding Stables, Kinshaldy Farm, Leuchars, Fife KY16 0DR. Tel:
01334 838527
Lothian
Whiteloch Farm Riding & Trekking Stables, Macmerry, East Lothian EH33
1PQ. Tel/fax: 01875 613662
Strathclyde
Ardgowan Riding Centre, Bankfoot Farm, Inverkip, Renfrewshire PA16 0DT.
Tel: 01475 521390
Cairnhouse Riding Centre, The Stables, Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran KA27
8EU. Tel: 01770 860466, email: cairnhouse@stables70.freeserve.co.uk
Castle Riding Centre & Argyll Trail Riding, Brenfield House, Brenfield, Argyll
PA30 8ER. Tel: 01546 603274, Fax: 01546 603225
Lettershuna Riding Centre, Appin, Argyll PA38 4BN. Tel: 01631 730227, Fax:
01631 730551, e-mail: 100523,142@compuserve.com
Mull of Kintyre Equestrian Centre,Homeston Farm, Campletown, Argyll PA28
6RL. Tel 01586 552437
Rockside Farm Trekking Centre, Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay PA49 7UT. Tel:
01496 850231
Wales - a good source for further information is Activity Wales web site (click here)
Another good source for info. about Wales is http://www.stayinwales.co.uk/
Dyfed & W Glamorgan
Pembrokeshire Riding Centre, Pennybridge Farm, Hundleton, Pembroke
SA71 5RD. Tel: 01646 682513
Welsh Equitation Centre, Pantyrathro Manor, Llangain, Camarthen SA33 5AJ.
Tel: 01267 241226
Powys
Trans-Wales-Trails, Cwmfforest, Pengenffordd, Talgarth, Brecon LD3 0EU.
Tel: 01874 711398, Fax: 01874 711122, email:
riding@transwales.demon.co.uk
Ireland
Northern Ireland
Drumgooland House Trekking Centre
29 Dunnanew Road, Seaforde, Co Down BT30 8PJ. Tel: 028 4481 1956
Hill Farm Riding Centre, 47 Altikeeragh Road, Caslterock, Co Londonderry
BT51 4SR. Tel: 028 7084 8629
Islandmagee Riding Centre, 103 Browns Bay Road, Islandmagee, Co Antrim
BT40 3TL. Tel: 028 9338 2108
Maddybenny Stud, Maddybenny Farm, Coleraine, Co Londonderry BT52 2PT.
Tel: 028 7082 3603, Fax: 028 7082 3394, email:
riding@maddybenny20.freeserve.co.uk
Newcastle Riding Centre, 35 Carnacaville Road, Castlewellan, Co Down
BT31 9HD. Tel: 028 4372 2694, email: sandy@nrcwagbra.freeserve.co.uk
The Rainbow Equestrian Centre, 24 Hollow Road, Islandmagee, Larne, Co
Antrim BT40 3RL. Tel: 028 9338 2929, e-mail: shelagh@activityholsni.co.uk
Ireland
Ballingale Farm Riding School, Taghmon, Co Wexford. Tel: 00 353 5334 387,
Fax: 00 353 5334 541, email: val@ballingale.iol.ie
Dunfanaghy Stables LTD, c/o Arnold�s Hotel, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal. Tel:
00 353 7436 208, Fax: 00 353 7436 352
Channel Islands
Melrose Farm Riding School, Rue Du Dos-Diane, Castel, Guernsey. Tel:
01481 52151, Fax: 01481 64113
The UK Equestrian SiteRing
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