A NEW endurance ride is coming to Slaley Forest.

After the disappointment felt when the popular Northumberland and Tyneside Endurance GB (EGB) Low Middleton ride was cancelled due to access problems, two club stalwarts have come up with an alternative in the Tyne Valley.

Janet Lennard and Eileen Chalrton tested out a route through Slaley Forest, and have obtained relevant permission and a venue for riders to use as the start and finish, with thanks to Juliet Rogers.

The ride will take place on Sunday, August 27, and will cover two distances of 16km and 20km.

Part of the route will include some of the tracks which featured in the 2015 Moorland Mousie Trust ride.

Eileen Charlton said: "There will be next to no roadwork on the route, and it is mainly forest tracks and a small stretch of moorland following along the edge of the forest to bring you back towards the venue.

"It's an ideal route for the young horse or more nervous rider as most of the tracks are contained, but still allowing fabulous views over Hexhamshire in places."

A donation from the event will be made to the Moorland Mousie Trust, a charitable trust which promotes and protects the rare breed Exmoor pony.