How to get a footpath upgraded to bridleway

[ThisWheelWillExplode]

There is a 1 mile long footpath in my area which is a wide sandy track, hedges either side which has been used as if it were a bridleway for a long time. I used it regularly 1993 to 1995, 2000 to 2002 and 2005 to 2008. Other local riders have also used it for as long as I can remember and I don’t remember access ever being restricted.
The land is owned by descendants of the people who used to be our local wealthy family. They lived in a large hall and all the buildings locally were built to accommodate their staff. Previous generations were happy to share their good fortune in being major land owners and allow access. The current family are less happy and refused to cooperate when the local council and parish council approached them to have the path changed to a bridleway.
I am reluctant to rock the boat as they have made no attempt to block access. That said it should really be on the map as a bridle path since that is what it is and has been for at least the last 30 years.
So to my question, does anyone know what constitutes evidence that the path has been used in this way. Would local people making statements be enough?

Have you contacted the British horse society as they have rights of way officers

I haven’t and there is a local bridleway group. I just wanted to first find out if it would be worth while. The last thing I want to do is something that results in access being blocked.

I vaguely recall seeing somewhere that a bridleway has to be 3 feet wide, and also allows cyclists right of way.

I don’t know how those considerations would impact your request so I’ll keep my divisive opinions to myself 🙂

@TitInATrance it is at least three foot wide in all places. The odd mountain biker uses it but it is difficult terrain in places so not popular with most cyclists.

Contact the bridleway group & also your county BHS rep. There is a procedure for upgrading a footpath to a bridleway, BUT it is a very long & complicated process.
It may be that someone has already looked into this.
Good luck!

Yes, contact your local BHS. They will look into this.

Re cyclists on bridleways - they are allowed to use bridleways but must give way to other users. There's no obligation to facilitate cyclists on these routes.

I am very reluctant to actually do anything as current land owner is not restricting access and I don’t want to provoke him. I just wondered what is meant by evidence of use. Would it help if I took between the ear shots regularly or is lots of people stating they have used it enough?

You would need to show historical evidence that the route has been used on horseback. If the current or past landowners have given permission for such use, it won’t count.

Testaments from past users giving dates supplemented by any documentary evidence you can find. Journals, parish magazines etc.

As has been said, the procedure is long and tedious. You would need to apply for a modification of the definitive public rights of way map. If anybody objects, and that sounds likely, a public inquiry may need to be held.

Your local council rights of way department should be able to give guidance on the procedure. For example…

The definitive map modification order procedure