Annotated map reproduced courtesy of Googlemaps.
Bushey 51 Mounting Block
Photo: Phil Wadey, 8 Aug 2010
During the BHS Year of Access and Riding Rights of Way (ARROW) in the early 1990s, the survey of riding routes for the area by the Patchetts Green Riding Club found that this ridden bridge was only recorded as a footpath. An application was made to have it recognised as a bridleway in 1996.
The order to record the footbridge (part of Bushey 40) as a bridleway was confirmed by the County Council on 30 July 2010 and advertised on the 13 August 2010. It is necessary to lead a horse over the Bushey 40 bridge as there are height restrictions, but the former Department of Transport put mounting blocks at each end of it, so making it more convenient for equestrians. This restriction is recorded as a limitation in the order.
At the time of the BHS 2021 Access Survey (24 Sep 21), there was one open gate and the route was signposted at the northern end. Vegetation on the mounting blocks and the missing sign were reported to the county council.
Side view of bridge carrying Bushey 40 bridleway
Photo: Chris Beney, 13 Feb 2018
Bushey 40 Bridge
Photo: Phil Wadey, 8 Aug 2010
Bushey 51 Bridleway
Photo: Phil Wadey, 8 Aug 2010
1. Sign at A41 verge
Photo: Michael Rackham, 24 Sep 2021
2. Overgrown mounting block at A41 end
Photo: Michael Rackham, 24 Sep 2021
3. Start of bridge at A41 end
Photo: Michael Rackham, 24 Sep 2021
4. Overgrown Bushey 51 mounting block
Photo: Michael Rackham, 24 Sep 2021
5. View from Hilfield Lane South
Photo: Michael Rackham, 24 Sep 2021
Evidence to demonstrate equestrian rights
had been collected by the Patchetts Green Riding Club,
and the application to record the route had been made by the
British Horse Society's local access officer. All who used the path and completed the evidence form are thanked for playing their part in safeguarding the route for future riders.
