A Success Story

Order Made – Whitemoor Hill, Chaffcombe

In May 2008 the SSBA submitted an application to have the footpath over Whitemoor Hill in Chaffcombe recorded as a restricted byway.

In December 2015 the council agreed with our evidence and made an order to record the route as a restricted byway.

There was an objection from the serial objector and so some years later, in November 2023, the Planning Inspectorate called a hearing in Chard to decide the case.

A local resident then joined with the objectors, although he freely admitted that he knew horse riders had always used the route without challenge.

Now finally we have the result, which is a confirmation of the order.

There are now restricted byway rights recorded along Whitemoor Hill and there can be no challenge to anyone riding or carriage driving, or cycling, over Whitemoor Hill. The legal process does take such a long time. Nothing has changed on the ground, it is just the legal record which is has been amended.

A fabulous place to stay on Exmoor (with your horse).

Wintershead is a group of holiday cottages converted from a traditional Exmoor farm set in stunning countryside just south of Simonsbath. I first visited when the owners kindly allowed the Seavington Pony Club Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition teams to pitch their tents in the garden and stable their horses in the three traditional stables which they let out with the cottages.

I always promised myself I would return and stay and last weekend I did. The setting was as spectacular as I remembered and the cottage a delight right down to the equine reading material in the magazine rack.   If you are looking for a base to take your horse to ride the network of bridleways on  Exmoor I can recommend a look at their website .

www.wintershead.co.uk