The Humphrey Kynaston Way now open

The Humphrey Kynaston Way, a 46-mile long distance trail that links the Jack Mytton Way bridleway at Church Stretton, via Nesscliffe to Grinshill, was launched on Sunday 18 May 2014).

The High Sheriff of Shropshire, Robert Bland, attended to cut the ribbon to open the new route.  Mark Weston, the Director of Access of the British Horse Society, also attended. The event was at the Preston Montford Field Studies Centre, by kind invitation of the Field Studies Council.

The route makes use of Natural England Paths for Communities funding, and close working between Shropshire Council, the Nesscliffe Hills and District Bridleway Association, and Parish Paths Partnership Group.

Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, said:

“This has been a lot of hard work and made possible by the kind dedication of new rights of way by the Field Studies Council, the Highways Agency, and three private landowners.  The importance of this is that it means there is a safe crossing off the A5 for walkers, cyclists and horseriders alike.  It’s especially good to see the work completed in time for the summer.”

A number of linking circular rides have also been established along the way.

The route will be signed with new black on white waymarks for the linear “Humphrey Kynaston Way”, and black on orange waymarks for the “Humphrey Kynaston Circular” routes and link routes.  A guide book will be printed, with leaflets for each route, with maps and instructions, and these will all be included on the www.shropshireriding.co.uk website as a download.

Further information

A map showing the Field Studies Centre can be found at:

www.field-studies-council.org/centres/prestonmontford.aspx

There is limited parking at the centre so why not park in the, close by, A5 picnic area, off the A5 just south of  Montford Bridge, and walk part of the new route?  If you do, make sure you are suitably suited and booted if the weather is wet.