British Horse Society * Ride UK * Numbering System

Ride-UK The National Bridleroute Network

Route Identification | Surfacing Standards | Furnture Standards |

The use of a consistent numbering system throughout the National Bridleroute Network has benefits for those following the routes, and for businesses that wish to be associated with routes. This information sheet explains how the route numbering system works and highlights uses for the route numbers.

Why do we need a national numbering system?
The adoption of a numbering system makes it easier for path users to identify and follow long distance paths. A national system prevents accidental duplication by nearby authorities, and removes the difficulty users have with bridleway numbering, where the numbers often change at a parish boundary. The signage system [1] shows how route numbers should be used on signs where paths leave the metalled road, and along the route for on-road stretches.

As the system is adopted by highway authorities, and riders get used to common signing standards with route numbers, the numbers themselves will take on a greater significance. It will be possible for map makers to mark National Routes with the National Route number, so saving space on already 'busy' maps by removing the need to include route names so often. Establishments providing overnight accommodation for horses will be able to show the route numbers on their promotional materials. The British Horse Society's book Bed and Breakfast for Horses [2] will include route numbers against locations that are within 5 miles [TBD] of a National Route.

How are National Routes numbered?
The white text in a red box represents a National Route number. Ideally, the route numbers should indicate roughly where the paths go in an intuitive way. The London Orbital Bridleroute is the H25 because the number M25 was used for the London Orbital Motorway. The Great Northern Bridleway is the H1; it runs generally north from London and is the equestrian equivalent of the A1. For similar reasons, the Ridgeway can be considered to be the H4, and the North Downs Way the H2. Routes in the vicinity of these principal-numbered routes will start with the same digit. Accordingly, most of the routes in the East of England start with a '1' unless they are part of a longer east-west type route where the route needs to carry the same number across the country. For community circuits and local linear routes, a blue patch instead of a red patch should be used.

Who allocates the numbers?
In order to ensure that numbers are not used more than once, it is important that their use is co-ordinated by a body having a national view of the network. The British Horse Society will perform the role of logging and promoting the National Route numbering system, at least initially.

For community circuits and local linear routes, the first digit of the numbers on the blue patches will relate to the part of the country the route is in. This allows a systematic way of numbering the routes while allowing a great deal of freedom to local authorities and organisations to create and promote routes without interference.

Why are the numbers prefixed with an 'H'?
The National numbering system has been chosen to be similar to the system for the National Cycling Network, but with equestrian route numbers prefixed with an 'H' (for Horse). The adoption of a similar system has the following benefits.

Cyclists can legally use the equestrian routes, so it is sensible to use a system they will recognise. The prefix H indicates that they cannot expect the same type of surfacing as they would expect on the National Cycle Network.

Where signs appear along the road, motorists will get used to one system of signage meaning that they should slow down and take extra care as they are on or are crossing important strategic routes for the non-motorised. A multiplicity of systems would be less recognisable to motorists and would not provide the same level of safety improvement.

It will be easier for the DETR to approve a system that is in many respects the same as one they have already approved. This will speed the adoption of the signage standard by highway authorities.

Will there be routes for Horse Drawn Vehicles (HDVs)?
The numbering system allows for the inclusion of horse drawn vehicle routes, and the numbering co-ordinator will allocate numbers as needed. As ridden horses can use routes for driven horses, a numbering system consistent with that described above will be used. The use of the prefix 'D' (for Driving) instead of H had been considered, but this has been discarded in favour of the addition of the suffix '(D)' to routes suitable HDVs, for example, H4(D) on the Ridgeway. This facilitates the signing of HDV-suitable parts of longer routes without changing the base number. Where an extra on-road section is needed for HDVs while ridden horses use bridleways, the signing will make this clear.

What about off road route markers?
The use of waymark arrows along paths is encouraged. These should be at any junction with other paths so that those following the National Route do not go astray. The Countryside Agency promoted colours (blue for bridleway, red for byway) are recommended since these reinforce the idea that horses should not be on yellow-arrowed paths (footpaths). For National Routes, the route number (for example, H1) should be added to any text on the arrow, but otherwise there are no requirements concerning the wording used. The figure shows the waymarks being put up by the British Horse Society on the London Orbital Bridleroute (H25).

References
1. National Bridleroute Network Signage Plan. BHS, 2000.
2. Bed and Breakfast for Horses, 8th edition. British Horse Society, 2001.