Somerset-based Paralympic gold medallist and international dressage rider Debbie Criddle is to open a new trail on the Blackdown Hills. She will cut the ribbon on the first Herepath Trail opening the 13.5-mile (21.72km) circular route around Staple Fitzpaine for walkers and riders. The trail is the first of three planned routes for the area developed by the Neroche Scheme. It aims to establish a 25-mile (40km) network of connected off-road trails. "The Herepath Trail will provide safe off-road riding and walking in an area with spectacular views and scenery," said James Maben, Neroche Scheme Access and Interpretation Officer. People's paths "It incorporates existing public bridleways, which have been significantly improved, and new bridleways, which have been developed with the help of local landowners." The �3m Neroche Scheme covers about 35 square miles, from Culmstock Beacon to Castle Neroche. A series of projects are intended to restore wildlife, improve access and uncover the heritage of the landscape and its communities. The Herepath Trail opening and family activities are being held on Saturday 10 May at Bickenhall Farm, near West Hatch. "It's fantastic that Debbie Criddle has agreed to take time out from training for an international competition to officially open the trail for us," said Mr Maben. The new trails have been given the name "'Herepaths", which is the old English word for "people's paths", which were originally important military trackways during the 9th Century.
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