Rideways FAQs

Please find below a selection of regularly asked question, if you have any more querstios please contact the Estate office.

Do I need to book for the rideways?

You do not need to pre-book. Please just turn up on the day and follow the instructions on the board in the car park, fill in the form from the map box and pay cash or cheque in the green box.

How do I pay?

If you have not visited Rideways previously, we would ask you to contact the office. During the week the Estate Office is open to take your fees and issue maps and a pass for the day.

During the weekend, we have a different procedure. Please follow the full instructions on the board. From the map box take a map and form, complete the form and post the top portion with your fees in the fees box. The bottom portion of the voucher must be carried with you on your ride.

Wardens patrol the course and will stop to ask you for details, and to see your voucher.

Is the course patrolled?

We have several Rideway Stewards who ride the course checking for payment details. None payers will be asked to leave immediately.

Are there maps available?

Maps for both the short cross country course and the extended hacking are available on request.

Is direction around the courses clearly marked?

Green arrows indicate the cross country circuit. Blue arrows are used for the extended hacking, both courses are linked.

I have heard that there is a cattle grid near the entrance?

Due to the nature of the Estate and the various activities that are shared on the land, including sheep grazing, there is a cattle grid to the entrance (50m from the car parking) and one to the hacking exit out of the park. However, there is a wooden gate provided to the A19 entrance which may be closed if riders are concerned. There is a hand gate with easy opening to all other gates and in one instance there is an obstacle to jump out instead of opening the gate.

What if I have an emergency or get lost during my ride?

We ask all riders to carry a personal mobile phone with them on their ride. Information numbers are displayed at the start of the course which we ask all riders to key into their contact list. If you are intending to visit, please make a note of this now: 07970 782 286 or 01757 249412. This number is available during all daylight hours 7 days a week.

In a case of extreme emergency, please dial 999 and quote your nearest postcode from the map. Also, jumps are numbered for location purposes.

How can I avoid busy days?

We have over 100 annual members, but due to the size of the course, generally there is room for all. However, we do have several annual bookings made by various groups and if you wish to avoid these dates, please click our 'Events Calendar' tab for full information.

Are the jumps difficult?

Obstacles vary around the course from very small simple logs to solid 1m uprights. All are very friendly and in most cases 5m wide, however, obstacles are all optional and if you do not want to jump, simply hack past.

How long does a day pass allow riders to stay?

Day passes are for the whole day so you are able to ride the course more than once. We have a good grass area for tethering your horse or pony if you wish to wait around. In the summer, visitors often bring a picnic to enjoy in the surroundings.

Is there plenty of room for me to park my horse box?

There is a large parking area with ample turning space and good vehicle access onto the A19.

How long is the course?

There are two courses, the Cross Country Route which is a circular 7 miles and the Extended Hacking is 20 miles in total.

Get in touch with us on:

+44 (0)1904 728252

Or email:

enquiries@escrick.com

Testimonials

Escrick Rideways straight from the horses mouth.

Helen F

I had a lovely 2 hour hack around the Estate this morning, Beautiful day and that wind certainly blew the cobwebs away as well as my silk! Great place for my lad's rehab. Already looking forward to coming back full time! :)

Past Rideways Member

Escrick Park was one of the places we rode the most and I have many, many fond memories of us on the rides and in the woods. Your facility is a treasure and allowed us to ride in a stress-free environment away from cars and enjoy the bluebells in spring and the deer roaming the clearings.

Thank you for providing such a lovely place for people to ride.

E Barbery - Rideways Member

"It’s a fabulous safe place for hacking out even with a novice horse and the variety of routes is great for improving fitness levels."

Dr Helen Vos

"I have been a member for over 10 years & in that time have hacked a variety of horses, many youngsters, on our own or with others. It's fantastic to be off the roads where other road users can be so lacking in understanding of the need to slow down & generally be considerate to horses. I feel as safe as you can be out hacking so have made the most of the Rideways to get my young horses out & about without having to worry about unpredictable traffic. There are various cross country jumps, mostly 2'-3', for those that wish to jump; again very useful for starting off young horses over small obstacles."

Gill Sanders - Queen Margaret's Riding School & Livery Yard

"As the owner of a riding school and livery yard on the Escrick Park Estate I am both delighted and relieved to have such wondeful hacking on my doorstep. My clients, and everyone that I meet while out riding, enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside without the continual worry of traffic and other hazards on the roads. The jumps are a bonus for those who want a little extra excitement and are well designed to be as safe as solid obstacles can be. They are excellent for introducing novice horses or riders to cross country type fences. I would recommend the Escrick Park Rideways to all ages and all kinds of rider - there is something for everyone."

Janice

I brought my daughter and her friend here today, 14 year olds, and two ponies. We had a fantastic time and have recommended it to all the owners at our yard. I also want to say how friendly the ladies were in the estate office… your team really were very welcoming!

A Haigh

I just wanted to say how much I enjoy Rideways, I have been a member for five years and go regularly. Thank you for running such an excellent venue.

Sue Rodgers - Cawood

I really enjoy the Rideway and the freedom from the awful traffic on the roads. Its so nice and peaceful and better I think for my horse than the hard tarmac. He always seems to enjoy himself at Escrick Park and so do I!

Margaret and Michael Gibson - Sherburn in Elmet

"As members since Rideways originally began 21 years ago, we still ride the course on a regular basis. The riding is excellent and the course is frequently being upgraded and new areas added. It is so wonderful to have this facility with jumps for practicing and training and miles of good, quiet hacks which can be ridden for ½ an hour or up to 2 hours or more, dependant upon whichever route you wish to follow."

I am now retiring and leaving the area, but just wanted to say it has been a pleasure to be able to use the park for many years. Many thanks.