Councillors have recommended that two public bridleways near the Crimple Viaduct are connected following a dispute.
Councillors support joining two public paths near Crimple Viaduct Councillors have recommended that two public bridleways near the Crimple Viaduct are connected following a dispute. In 2013, the owner of Rudding Park proposed a new path along a section of a disused railway on the estate in the Crimple Valley near Follifoot. The intention was to connect the new bridleway to one that was already there called public bridleway 61. However, it was later found there was a gap of 5 metres between the two bridleways, which is on land not owned by Rudding Park. North Yorkshire Council has proposed a Public Path Creation Order to join the two paths but the farmer who owns the small parcel of land, Craig Eastwood, opposes it and said the former county council did not follow the proper procedure. This week, Mr Eastwood told councillors on the Harrogate & Knaresborough planning committee that he had concerns over access to the bridleway on Fulwith Mill Lane, an increase in footfall damaging his land as well as dogs running off lead and scaring livestock. The proposal has received support from over 100 members of the public as well as groups including the British Horse Society, Cycling UK and the Ramblers Association. Mr Eastwood said:
“Walkers tend to stray off the prescribed PROW (public right of way), especially with dogs and almost treat the land as a park. "This costs us time and money to make good and also negatively affects our livestock with sheep in particular being worried by dogs roaming around.”However, Conservative councillor for Pannal & Oatlands, John Mann, told Mr Eastwood that rambling in Britain is a “very civilised activity” with dog walkers “almost always” on a lead. He said:
“I ramble on a regular basis and the people I come across generally do stick to the paths that are designated. "I don’t think people take liberties with landowners.”Liberal Democrat councillor for High Harrogate & Kingsley, Chris Aldred, queried if there could be improved signage to satisfy both the landowner and the council calling it a “win-win” for both parties. He added:
“The more people we get out into the countryside the better”.Councillors voted unanimously to recommend that the new path is created. The recommendation will now go to the Secretary of State to make a final decision. By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
Harrogate woman's stroke at 37 inspires fundraising drive for vital charity
Harrogate MP calls for bus and rail fares to be slashed
Kittens with rare condition 'thriving' after community donates £1,000
Weather warning for strong winds issued ahead of Easter weekend
North Yorkshire Police to roll out facial recognition technology
UK's largest tractor festival revs up for 20th show at Newby Hall
Finalists revealed for Your Harrogate Local Hero Awards 2026
Popular Knaresborough salon celebrates first anniversary
Northern trains expected to 'run normally' this Easter, passengers told
Easter artisan markets to be held in Harrogate and Knaresborough
Knaresborough man receives award for 'outstanding commitment' to community
Harrogate charity reaches £30,000 milestone for families in need
Harrogate MP pushes for revival of £150 million railway upgrade
Rudy's pizza restaurant to open in Harrogate next weekend
Popular toys and gaming festival to return this weekend
Harrogate padel event raises £1,700 for two local charities
Harrogate endometriosis event raises £11,000 for charity
Harrogate MP says tourism levy must be 'spent and seen locally'
The Harrogate Club celebrates 140th anniversary
New bakery and café set to open in Harrogate
