Muddy Lane, Wisley, confirmed as bridleway

5 CommentsArchive, Wisley

We understand that following a long campaign led by Elmbridge Cycling and Woking Cycle Users Group, Muddy Lane, hitherto signed as a public footpath (ie legally, cycling not permitted) has now been declared de facto to be a bridleway, hence legal for cyclists to use. This track provides a useful and traffic free link between Wisley Lane and Byfleet, passing under the M25. This is great news, but salutary that it required a 6 year campaign and a prolonged public enquiry to achieve just this small change. More detail on Elmbridge Cycling website (see post 2019-08-08).

5 Comments

  1. Terry Lowe

    Reply

    I rode along Muddy Lane bridleway yesterday (25thAugust, 2019) from Byfleet. It was quite rideable – but beware the odd bramble. At the Wisley end both gates were closed and locked and there was no way round them. I managed to lay my cycle down and slide it through under the large gate then I scrambled over. Will the small gate be unlocked soon ?

    • Nigel Burke

      Reply

      I have received the following from Elmbridge Cycle:
      START QUOTE
      The change of status of Muddy Lane from a footpath to a bridleway has only recently been confirmed.

      I expect that eventually the council will take steps to make the route more accessible to legally permitted users. They may be reluctant to do this while the opportunity to appeal against the decision is still possible. There is a 12 week period after the ruling during which any objectors can appeal, although the grounds on which they can appeal at this stage are quite limited.

      You can, however, do as I have, and submit a report to the council requesting that the brambles be cut back. You could also submit a report that the route is inaccessible to cyclists and horse riders due to the kissing gates.

      In the case of Muddy Lane the council was very supportive of our campaign to have its status changed, so I think we can expect them to be supportive of making it more accessible, but I would not expect improvements to happen very quickly. They easily use the excuse of having no money, but if enough people report the issues to them it carries more weight. The easiest and most open way to do this is on http://www.fixmystreet.com which automatically knows which council department to notify and also creates a public record so that everyone can see what has been reported.

      In the longer term, if the council do not make the route more open then there is a legal process but I would hope that we don’t have to go there: https://www.ramblers.org.uk/advice/improve-the-path-network/how-to-get-an-obstruction-removed.aspx
      END QUOTE

  3. Vic White

    Reply

    The clearing of brambles,needs to be .carefully done. This is a breeding ground for Comma butterflies,which were once quite common but less so now.The bushes should not be totally removed ,just pruned

  4. Ron Taylor

    Reply

    My wife and I cycle along Muddy Lane to get to Wisley Gardens for safety reasons (the road is too dangerous). I agree with Vic White keep the brambles as hedgerow for wildlife. Just prune them back. If this does not get done by the Local Authority is it possible to set up a working party Ron Taylor

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