The BHS opens Sea Horse Ride from the mouth of the River Dee to the A5

The British Horse Society opened the 53-mile Sea Horse Ride stretching from the northerly coast of Wales down to the A5 at Glyndyfrdwy on 11 September 2007

Michael Griffiths CBE, DL, FLS, FRSA officially opened the ride at the Bridlewood Riding Centre, Holywell.

He said: "As a past Chair of the Countryside Council for Wales and having been an enthusiastic rider all of my life, I am very conscious of the importance and benefits of a ride like this, and am very happy to be here today."

The ride was devised by former Regional Access and Bridleways Officer Brenda Wickham with help from the BHS North East Wales Committee and Wales on Horseback.

The Sea Horse Ride is a route of total contrasts, from the wide beach, with its old lighthouse, at the start of the ride, to the Clwydian Range with its stunning views across the Vale of Clwyd, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Stretching from Talacre to Glyndyfrdwy, the Sea Horse Ride will form part of the Great Dragon Ride with the Radnor Forest Ride, The Prince Llywelyn Ride and the forthcoming Sarn Helen and William Morgan routes.

The opening of the Seahorse Ride is another great stride forward into Wales for the Ride UK National Bridleroute Network, a British Horse Society initiative to highlight equestrian access issues and provide riders with a network of rideable routes.

Mark Weston, BHS Director of Access, Safety and Welfare, said: "The Seahorse Ride will provide spectacular riding for those who wish to explore this part of Wales. Our thanks go to our volunteers, without whom this new ride would not have been possible."

Henry Whittaker, BHS Access Senior Executive, said: "It is encouraging that progress is being made on the Ride UK project, helping us to defend, extend and promote a network of routes throughout the UK."