Riding - ride out and enjoy the unspoilt Welsh landscape

The main route to the north of the Trothy is 10.5km (6 1/2miles) long and passes through land belonging to the country estate of Treowen and through King’s Wood. There are also several short cut options. It is difficult to say which King the wood was named after, but given that Monmouth became a Royal lordship in the middle of the 13th Century it is possible that it was named after Edward III.

Parking – in the area is very restricted. Lay-by parking is available for vehicles and trailers on the minor road south of Jingle Street at Grid Ref. SO 475105, best approached from the old Monmouth to Raglan road. There is no access to this site from the dual carriageway. Make sure your trailer is safely, securely and considerately parked before starting your ride. Please see below for more detailed directions to the parking area.

Terrain – hilly, steep in places, using a mixture of tarmac, green lanes, forestry and fields.

Distance – the main route is about 10.5 km (6 ½ miles) long, but there are several shorter alternatives shown on the map.

Roads – ride with care on roads and always make sure you can be seen in poor visibility by wearing reflective/fluorescent aids. Acknowledge consideration shown by drivers of motor vehicles if possible.

Using the bridleways – Follow the blue arrow markers or the bridleway fingerposts with horse and rider symbols. Keep to the line of the bridleway as described, especially when crossing farmland. Take care not to damage land, fences or gates. Remember that in bad weather your horse’s hooves can damage surfaces. Take care when you meet other bridleway users, including horse riders, cyclists or walkers. Some parts of the route are permissive, by courtesy of Forest Enterprise.

Country Code – Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work. Guard against all risk of fire. Fasten all gates. Keep your dogs under close control. Take your litter home. Help to keep all water clean. Protect wildlife, plants and trees. Make no unnecessary noise. Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone.

Water – There are few places to water horses along the route. It is probably best to offer them a little water before starting.

Riding Safety/Insurance – For peace of mind it is essential to wear a hard hat, secured with a chinstrap, to British Safety Standards. It is recommended that you have at least third party (public liability) insurance. Further information on safety and insurance is available from the British Horse Society.

Directions to the Parking Lay-bys:

From Raglan
Take the Monmouth road out of the village, crossing over the dual carriageway after half a mile. Turn left onto the old Monmouth road signed Mitchel Troy. After two miles, pass beneath the dual carriageway and in another mile pass the Somerset Arms public house on your right. ATTENTION! After 0.7miles turn left on the unsigned minor road to reach the parking lay-by over the bridge on the right.

From Monmouth
Leave Monmouth on the A40 Dual carriageway heading towards Raglan and turn left before the road tunnels. Alternatively leave via Drybridge Street, bearing right at Esso Garage, signed Abergavenny A40: Newport/Cardiff A449. After two miles pass through Mitchel Troy village and after another half-mile turn left onto the road signed Dingestow. DO NOT join the Dual carriageway at this point! In another half mile turn right on the unsigned minor road to reach the parking lay-by over the bridge on the right.