Working together to improve the equestrian route from Southport

A long-standing ambition – now with renewed focus: It has always been an ambition of both the British Horse Society and the Trans Pennine Trail partnership to establish a full, connected equestrian route. While this has been revisited from time to time over the years, we are hopeful that a more sustained and focussed effort – supported by an agreed programme of meetings – will help turn that ambition into reality. 

Linda Knight

We are under no illusions that this will be a quick fix. Developing a safe and usable equestrian route means working through practical constraints on the ground, aligning with wider rights of way and access priorities, and finding solutions that work locally. However, this is a positive start to a longer process – one that aims to extend and improve the currently sparse facilities available to riders in some areas. 

It is also important to recognise that, at times, the best route for horse riders may need to differ from the route used by other Trail users. Our shared goal is to achieve the best possible outcomes for everyone while acknowledging the specific safety and suitability needs that come with equestrian access. 

Where we are now: We now have a programme of meetings in place and are currently working with Local Authority partners in Sefton and Liverpool to explore how we can achieve a clear, continuous and safe route for horse riders. 

Once we have made progress on these sections, we will move on to discussions with partners in Knowsley, Halton and Warrington, and other areas along the corridor, so that each part of the route can be considered in a coordinated way. 

Next steps: We’ll share updates as the discussions progress and as opportunities arise to improve continuity on the ground. Thank you to  the TPT National Office and our Local Authority partners for engaging positively so far, and to the local equestrian community for your continued support as we work through the detail, section by section. 

Debbie King | British Horse Society
Date: 26th June, 2026