The Devil’s Dyke

[Steeplechasing]

Part of this earthwork runs alongside the July course. Does anyone know if it is open to ‘ordinary’ horseriders? It might not even be a bridleway, and if it is, perhaps Newmarket operate some control over access.

I was hoping Hammy would be around to answer, but it seems (from a search) he’s not been around here for a while. I hope all is well with him.

Thanks
Joe

[moehat]

If you contact the Horseracing Museum they’ll tell you. It was pointed out to us last week but I’m afraid I can’t remember what they said other than the fact that it runs for 8 miles.

[apracing]

Joe,

Don’t know about horses, but it’s definitely a public footpath. I once walked to the races from the village of Reach along the dyke, having left my car at the pub called The Kings Dyke End.

Sadly the pub is no longer, which reduces the attraction – Newmarket sausages and mash washed down with Greene King IPA made the walk back seem much shorter.

AP

[jinnyj]

Pretty sure its footpath only – there are stiles along the way which would make it impossible for riders anyway. Added to that the part alongside the July Course is on top of the ridge so I wouldn’t want to be riding a horse on the top of that anyway! It would be a long fall down if your horse spooked at something!

You used to be able to get a riding permit to allow you to ride across and around the Heath but not on the gallops (I’d imagine there were pretty tight rules though) but whether they still do this, I don’t know.

[Author]

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