Trot along to Devon for a truly rural escape There is nothing better than escaping on a long ride to get away from the routines of everyday life, yet why do so many of us make do with the same monotonous rides when Great Britain has so much more to offer? In a recent survey* Devon was revealed as the 'horsiest county in England'. Not only has it been recognised for its outstanding equestrian activities and facilities, but also as home to an abundance of bridleways offering a variety of challenges amongst some of Britain's most attractive countryside. However, the difficulties of finding your way around unknown territory can be off-putting and stressful. The answer to this is simple - be sure to pack a good map! It will help you locate even the most hidden bridleways, resulting in a more satisfying and personalised escape. Ordnance Survey's range of Explorer maps provides equine enthusiasts with the most authoritative guide to the countryside yet. With unrivaled, accurate detail that highlights car parks, riding stables, bridleways, picnic sites and of course local pubs, you can ensure that you make the most of your escape. What's more, highly detailed contours allow you to evaluate the difficulty of your route so you can select a challenging trail that will really push you and your horse.

So what can you explore in the horsiest county in Great Britain?

Devon is the third largest county in England, but whether you choose a scenic plod taking in lunch at one of the local pubs, or an exhilarating expedition across the moors, the Explorer map will be the ultimate guide.

For the endurance riders among us, Dartmoor National Park is the largest area of open country in the South of England. Horse riders can roam freely across unenclosed moorland and choose from a variety of routes to suit any ability. And, when you need to recharge and plan the next day, Devon has numerous Bed & Breakfasts that offer accommodation for both you and your horse.

However, for those of you who fancy covering less ground, Exmoor is undeniably one of the most beautiful parts of Devon and is the ideal place to experience true rural riding. As you trek across Exmoor National Park you will encounter the famous Exmoor ponies in their natural habitat as well as the shy red deer, which are best observed from a mounted vantage point.

Throughout the year Devon is a frenzy of equestrian activity and holds several annual shows, which are great days out if you're in the area. The North Devon Show, held on August 6th this year, hosts a wide variety of attractions including show jumping, pony club games, hounds, cattle, sheep and various trade stalls.

And having discovered Devon, why not explore some of Britain's other horsy counties like Hampshire, Surrey and North Yorkshire. The Explorer range covers all of Great Britain, providing you with hundreds of destinations to explore. For more details on which map to select for your equestrian escape, visit www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/escapes

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