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Merlin

Member Since: 30 Oct 2010
Location: Newmarket
Posts: 981

Sarn Helen in the Brecon Beacons

Is this road open or not. There seems to be some dispute depending on what web page you read. Anyone know?

Merlin

16th Sep 2012 3:06pm

GREENI

Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10381

Try G.L.A.S.S. people, or look at associated council website..?

16th Sep 2012 3:23pm

Retroanaconda

Member Since: 04 Jan 2012
Location: Scotland
Posts: 2642

The section within the Brecon Beacons National Park is a restricted byway.

It's a contested route, personally I wouldn't worry and just drive it anyway

16th Sep 2012 3:28pm

Gareth

Member Since: 12 Dec 2011
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 1102

Is this the section that drop down to a great river crossing at one end? There is a footbridge there that some 4x4 volunteers help build if I remember correctly.

It ages since I drove it, because it was a RUPP in old money, therefore now is a RB. 2021 Defender 110 X-Dynamic HSE D300 MHEV
1966 S2a 109 aka Betsy
1968 S2a 88 aka Bob
2014 Jaaaag F Type 3.0 Supercharged.

16th Sep 2012 6:49pm

Retroanaconda

Member Since: 04 Jan 2012
Location: Scotland
Posts: 2642

That's right, with the rock steps down to the river. Nice tricky descent, it'd be a challenge to drive up them without traction control or lockers though!

Really good lane all-in-all

16th Sep 2012 6:54pm

markalpha

Member Since: 23 Apr 2008
Location: Downham Market
Posts: 690

2013 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black

So its ok to drive Restricted Byways?.

16th Sep 2012 8:40pm

leeds

Member Since: 28 Dec 2009
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 8581

Quote:

A category of right of way created under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. A restricted byway allows a right of way on foot, on horseback, or leading a horse, cycling and for any vehicles other than mechanically propelled vehicles.

However searching for definition I come across how the Ramblers Association views bridleways

Now bridleways are

Quote:

Bridleways are also footpaths, but additionally users are permitted to ride or lead a horse, and ride bicycles. Horse drawn vehicles are not allowed. This may not include other animals, although a donkey or mule is classed as a horse for these purposes. Cyclists must give way to pedestrians and horseriders. Motorcycling is not allowed.

However according to the RA

Quote:

On a bridleway, the right of way is on foot and on horseback.

Interesting how the RA are selective in their interpretations!

Brendan

PS Barbara has just pointed out that by omitting to mention cyclist the RA is not strictly incorrect as cyclist are supposed to give way to walkers and horse riders. However walkers are supposed to give way to horses. Still think it is interesting how the RA view bridleways

Last edited by leeds on 16th Sep 2012 10:00pm. Edited 1 time in total

16th Sep 2012 9:32pm

MrFlips

Member Since: 27 May 2009
Location: Cardiff
Posts: 682

2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 PU Santorini Black

At certain points of the year Sarn Helen is open as far as Banwen, but I would check with GLASS first, and exercise extreme caution here, as the police will have your car off you as soon as look as you if there's a TRO in place at the time. Even when it is legal to drive, obstacles will mysteriously pop up, so make sure there are enough of you to roll away a few rocks weighing a ton or so. Some people might even describe the local police as taking a back hander and turning a blind eye to the owner's blocking of the route (but they would obviously be wrong...). If in doubt, don't drive it!

That said, it's a lovely lane, here's the last time I drove it.

Peter
2008 SWB Truck Cab
1952 80" Soft top

16th Sep 2012 9:58pm

markalpha

Member Since: 23 Apr 2008
Location: Downham Market
Posts: 690

Hopefully Retroanaconda will take your reply on board Brendan.

17th Sep 2012 6:21am

markalpha

Member Since: 23 Apr 2008
Location: Downham Market
Posts: 690

I have had more issues while cycling on bridleways with walkers than I have had while driving Byways.

17th Sep 2012 6:26am

JWL

Member Since: 26 Oct 2011
Location: Hereford
Posts: 3443

If you want issues take a horse on a bridlepath that is used by dog walkers using it as the local dog toilet

17th Sep 2012 6:54am

markalpha

Member Since: 23 Apr 2008
Location: Downham Market
Posts: 690

I imagine loose out of control dogs and horses don't mix.

17th Sep 2012 7:04am

JWL

Member Since: 26 Oct 2011
Location: Hereford
Posts: 3443

Size issues can play a part, little old biddies with their Yorkies or

get very vocal when trying to get past a 16 3 thing that snorts and farts and drops 10x as much as their little darlings

17th Sep 2012 8:43am

JWL

Member Since: 26 Oct 2011
Location: Hereford
Posts: 3443

Funny how that breed of dogs favoured by Chinese emperors and little old ladies gets knocked by the swear filter

17th Sep 2012 8:46am

WelshDefender

Member Since: 02 Dec 2011
Location: Gwent
Posts: 62

If my memory serves me correct, the last day for Sarn to be driven this year was August the 22nd

17th Sep 2012 9:49am

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