Key bridleway cleared and resurfaced for horse riders, cyclists and walkers

A key public bridleway, situated between Aston and Madeley, has been restored and improved thanks to Staffordshire County Council's Rights of Way team.   

The Public Bridleway No. 1 Madeley, an off-road route that runs for 2.6km in North Staffordshire, was impassable for around 40m due to deep mud and overgrown vegetation.  

The North Staffordshire Bridleways Association (NSBA) raised this as a key issue with Staffordshire County Council’s Rights of Way team.   

As a result, the bridleway has now been cleared and resurfaced so it can be safely enjoyed by horse riders, cyclists and walkers all year round. 

Mark Deaville, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for strategic highways, said: “Thanks to the efforts of our Rights of Way team, the Madeley Bridleway No 1 has been completely transformed. It’s a beautiful route nestled in the Staffordshire countryside that I hope people will continue to enjoy for years to come.

“I am grateful to the NSBA for flagging this with us and for helping to fund the improvement works. 

“It is really important to the county council that our public rights of way are protected and remain accessible to all so our communities can safely enjoy Staffordshire’s natural environment.” 

Valerie Whalley, Secretary of NSBA, said: “We would like to thank Staffordshire County Council for the recent works carried out on Madeley Bridleway No 1. 

“The path is in a beautiful rural location but, previously, there were drainage issues where pedestrians and horses would sink knee-deep in mud and this meant that the path was unusable in the winter months. The drainage and hardcoring that SCC has undertaken is most welcome and means the one kilometre path should remain useable to local riders and residents throughout the year.  

“We plan to use it on our NSBA Christmas ride which will set out from a local pub car park and finish with Christmas lunch in the pub!”