Beech bridleway has been resurfaced

Beech Parish Council has announced the completion of the major renovation of the bridleway running from Wellhouse Road to Thedden, number 265/704/1. Rainwater had carved the parts of the path into a narrow, V-shaped trench, making it very difficult for pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists.

Most of the route has now been levelled and a geotextile membrane laid to block weeds. The path was rebuilt with a 200mm deep layer of fine stone over a coarse aggregate base. To stop the path from washing away again, a parallel ditch was cleared along part of it and filled with gravel to form a French drain.

It is a massive improvement and the bridleway is once again a viable off-road route. However, it must be said, the surface is rough and one wonders how durable it will actually be. Horses' hooves have already started to kick up the fine stone surface, exposing the aggregate underneath. With thanks to Beech Parish Council for this information - edited.