Trainee Wardens from Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority have completed major improvements to the popular Bridleway that runs from Bwlch over the summit of the Allt yr Esgair Iron Age hill fort and into Llangasty.
Led by Wardens from the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, the seven trainee Wardens have implemented significant improvements to the bridleway making it more accessible for horse riders, mountain bikers and walkers.
The Allt yr Esgair Bridleway is a local path with fine panoramic views and supports several promoted routes including the Three Rivers Ride – making it popular with horse riders, mountain bikers and dog walkers.
The improvements required the resurfacing and drainage of more than 500 metres of bridleway, using 500 tonnes of stone. The improvement works took several weeks to complete and the new upgrade of the path included the replacement of several gates.
Sam Ridge, Eastern Area Warden for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority said: “This is a very popular route in the east of the Park – both for residents and visitors. We are pleased to have completed these improvements as they have been ongoing since 2013. Almost all the Wardens and trainee Wardens have spent time working on this job – it was by far the largest and the most in need of repair in this area.”
“Without funding support from Natural Resources Wales and the Welsh Government, we wouldn’t have been able to complete the works required at this special site and we’re really pleased that it is now safe and more accessible for people to enjoy.”
County Cllr for Powys and Member for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority Rosemary Harris, said: “As a representative of nearby Llangynidr community I am really pleased to see that this bridleway has been repaired and we extend our thanks to all the Wardens and Trainee Wardens at Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority. This is a popular route and the Authority has already had some excellent feedback from residents in the area who regularly use the route letting us know that they are really pleased with the work that has been carried out.”
The project was funded through the Authority’s continuing Rights of Way Improvement Plan programme, a scheme which is grant aided by the Natural Resources Wales and the Welsh Government. The Authority has received £50,000 through this scheme in 2014/15 and more repairs are planned during financial year. £1,000 from mountain bike leaflet sales also contributed to the improvement works.
-ENDS –