The latest book in the British Horse Society series of … on Horseback books was launched on 18 November at the Museum of Kent Life, near Maidstone by Mrs Pat Campbell, BHS Chairman. Kent/Nord et du Pas de Calais on Horseback is the inspired result of collaboration between the BHS and our partners across the Channel, containing not just 15 riding routes around Kent, but also 20 in Northern France, all suitable for walkers and off road cyclists, as well as horse riders.
The book was match funded by the EU Interreg II, designed to strengthen co-operation for mutual benefit of cross border regions: meeting the needs of local populations, developing cross border networks and linkages, and combining economic development with the protection of the environment.
The Kent landscape varies from vast cereal prairies and hilly sheep pastures to cherry and apple orchards, low river meadows and the distinctive hop fields and oast houses. Add to these oak and chestnut woods, carpeted by bluebells and primroses in Spring, and delightful gardens around stately homes and cottages alike, and you have a countryside worth riding through.
The book details 15 trails in Kent ranging from the 100 mile ride from the Surrey border down to Dover, to a six mile circular route out of Adisham. Each route is accompanied by a map and a description of the points of interest along the way: notable buildings, historical anecdotes, and tips on going and terrain. There is information on parking for horseboxes, and where to eat and where to stay overnight. The routes follow bridleways and byways with, inevitably, sections of minor roads.
The French government takes the contribution that equestrian tourism makes to the rural economy much more seriously. They have more bridleways, so their routes contain much less roadwork. The French section has an impressive list of contacts and extensive details of Accueil Equestre - official lists of accommodation for horse and rider. There is also useful information on taking your horse abroad, giving helpful hints on the paperwork required
Pat Campbell, BHS Chairman said “ Living in Kent as I do, it is particularly satisfying to be able to launch this book on behalf of the BHS. I have no doubt that it will open up all sorts of exciting possibilities for equestrian tourism in the South East.”
This latest book is a fascinating addition to the series (listed below):
“ … on Horseback” series: Buckinghamshire,
Cambridgeshire, the Cotswolds, North Cumbria, Dorset, Exmoor, Hampshire,
Humberside, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Rutland, Lincolnshire,
Powys, the Ridgeway Downs, Somerset, South Warwickshire, the Western
Fells, Westmorland, West Sussex, The Yorkshire Dales, Wiltshire, The
Heritage Ride (250 miles through Lincolnshire and Yorkshire), and Kent and
Pas de Calais.
Kent/Pas de Calais on Horseback costs £5.95. It is available
from the BHS Bookshop 08701 201918 or 01926 707762 £6.85 incl p&p, or
from the website: www.britishhorse.com
