RIDERS can hitch up their trailers and head to Powys - Shropshire border to enjoy a new 80 mile ride launched by the British Horse Society.

The BHS has opened the 80-mile Prince Llywelyn Ride across Wales.

Devised by former regional access and bridleways officer Brenda Wickham, this new route creates a trail from the Powys - Shropshire border to the mid-Wales coast at Borth.

Covering around 80 miles of countryside, the ride passes through just five villages and a number of tiny hamlets. It also crosses moorland, farmland and goes through several forests.

Dr Sarah Myhill, who has led the Teme Valley Pony Club summer camping expedition along the route for many years, opened the ride.

She said: "This route has provided a lot of fun for the children who have ridden across it over the years. It is fantastic that it is now open for everyone. The more people who can enjoy it the better."

Brenda Wickham said: "It has taken two years of hard work by a number of people to get to this point and it is wonderful to see all that effort come to fruition with this grand opening."

The opening of the Prince Llywelyn Ride is another great stride forward into Wales for the Ride UK National Bridleroute Network, a British Horse Society initiative to highlight equestrian access issues and provide riders with a network of rideable routes.

Mark Weston, BHS director of access, safety and welfare, said: "This new ride provides riders with the opportunity to ride across Wales, experiencing beautiful and varied landscapes and vistas. It will hopefully attract a large number of equine tourists to the area and make a significant contribution to the local economy."

Henry Whittaker, BHS access senior executive, said: "This route is not only beneficial to riders looking for an enjoyable ride, but another step forward in creating a network of safe, enjoyable off-road riding routes."