Forest ride. 

There will be a slightly shorter route this year.

No gates and good tracks with super views over Royal Deeside.  Steep hill to the venue not suitable for small car towing.

Average speeds in 2003 on similar tracks: Pl = 5.9mph

From Banchory:   At traffic lights, turn down Dee Street and cross over bridge out of town.  Follow signs for Strachan and Fettercairn on the B974.  On entering Strachan, go straight through village onto the B976 (for Finzean and Aboyne).  Approximately 1 mile out of Strachan, take the turning for the waterworks and follow single track road for just under a mile up to Tillylair Farm.

NO DOGS AT THE VENUE PLEASE.   Remove all muck, straw from the venue before leaving.

This ride would not have been possible but for the generous help and support we have received from local organisations and landowners including:

Mr James Grant of Tillylair Farm

Forest Enterprise

1) On arrival collect your number bib from the admin caravan.

2) Members hand in their cumulative mileage card, with the date, venue and distance (19k) filled in. All riders must hand over their medical card (in a named, sealed envelope if you like).

3) Check if there are any alterations to the route, time allowances or start times (see notice board outside caravan).

4) Start times will be between 9:30 am to 11:00 am.

5) Wearing your number bib, hand your vet sheet, completed as much as you can, to the vet writer at the vetting area. After the trot up, reclaim your vet sheet.

6) Make sure your tack is clean and that everything complies with current regulations. Your hat must be PAS015, ASTM1163, BSEN 1384 or superior standard. Your whip must be no more than 75cm long. No form of bearing, check, side or running reins and no spurs are allowed.  You must carry a first aid kit containing at least a triangular bandage, pressure bandage, vet wrap, space blanket, glucose tablets and whistle (some are available for hire on payment of a deposit ‑ ask at the caravan). Wear your laminated medical card on your bib (replacements available at the caravan).

7) At the start, hand your vet sheet to the Starter. Be ready to go when they tell you. Make sure beforehand that you have completed the sheet correctly, including whether your ride is pleasure or training (if training, you must nominate a speed category if you haven't yet achieved your BTF).

8) Tell checkpoint stewards your number as you pass. Don't expect them to make a guess. Parts of this route are used extensively by walkers or cyclists, please be considerate and slow down to pass them.

9) On your return, collect your Finish card from the Starter. You can present to the vet any time within 30 minutes of finishing ‑ the latest time will be on your card. Attend to your horse and go to the vetting area wearing your number bib.

On tarmac road at Blackhall

Refunds and withdrawals  Please notify the Ride Secretary before the ride if unable to attend.  Your place may be used to allow someone else to ride.  Refunds are at the discretion of the Ride Secretary

If you follow these guidelines you are helping to ensure an enjoyable and smooth‑running day for all‑riders, helpers and administrators