Ramblers reverse ‘perverse’ path decision
Source: The Ramblers Press Office; Photo: Ian Britton

Walkers, horseriders, and cyclists in Cleveland, North Yorkshire, are celebrating a major new public path, following a long-running battle involving hidden documents, an inspector’s decision, two public inquiries, and a High Court appeal.

The picturesque new bridleway between Boosbeck and Slapewath will provide greater public access to a wide network of routes and paths. Residents and campaigning associations, such as the Guisborough Bridleways Group and Ramblers (backed by Cleveland and Redcar council), have been fighting to establish the 1.5 mile stretch of disused railway as a public right of way for several years. The Inspector confirmed an order recognising this on January 15th.

The Bridleways Group first applied for public status for the route in 2004, on the grounds of long-running use by local residents. A landowner objected, claiming that ditches dug at various times proved that they had no intention of dedicating it a public right of way. Although the first inspector correctly rejected this argument, he also rejected the Bridleway Group’s application on the basis of a lost document – a legal catch 22 lodged by another non-objecting landowner.

The Ramblers took the case to appeal, arguing that ‘lost’ (unseen) documentation is invalid, and DEFRA quashed the first inspector’s decision before it could reach High Court. Following a second public inquiry, a new Inspector found in favour of the bridleway.