Brigadoon Bridle Trails

The best place to park, provided the area is not being used for an event at the State Equestrian Centre (SEC), is round behind the SEC near the polo fields and the Swan Valley Pony Club. Toilets, yards water and wash bays are available here.  

From there you start the trail which runs along the east side (side closest to the SEC) of the creek adjacent to the fence line. The trail then veers right behind the Swan Valley Pony club and out onto the cross country course. You the need to look left to see a gate which you need to go through. This goes into the Riding for the Disabled (RDA) paddock area.

Follow the path towards the road where you will have to pass through another gate out onto Cathedral Ave. Cross the road and head across the open space towards the railway line and over the crossing you will see a sign for the Falabella Trail. Follow the trail, crossing Campersic Road further down and then on up the hill. When you reach the top of the hill, watch for another sign on your left which is where the Orlov Trail begins.

If you wish to take this loop back to the State Equestrian Centre, turn off here. This loop is easy to follow. It crosses back over Campersic Road after about 1 km, at which point there is another sign. You the travel down a rocky hill and at the bottom have to pass through a tunnel under the railway line. Once through the tunnel you are at Bells Rapids. There are toilet facilities available here if required.  

You will need to follow the road to the left and up the hill out of Bells Rapids. Unfortunately the trail has been completely washed out due to motor bike use in the winter, leaving no option but to ride on the road up the hill. Extreme care needs to be taken here as the road drops away on one side and cars are not always courteous to horses. Once at the top of the hill, follow the track to the right at the red and white boom gate, down to the river. Follow the track back along the river to where you have parked.

Should you choose to ride the Joshua Mews Trails, go past the Orlov Trail turn off to the top of the hill where the Falabella Trail meets Boulannais Dve. Turn right and ride along the road up the hill for about 1km. At the bottom of the next rise, watch carefully on the right for a sign for the Joshua Mews Trail. This is a loop trail with various access tracks out to the road making it possible to return to the SEC by road various ways or complete the loop and either the way you came or via the Orlov Trail.

Tips:
It should be noted that there is a lovely fresh water soak at the eastern end of the Joshua Mews Trail easily seen from the trail which has water year round. The sides are sheer so it is best to take a canvas bucket rather than risk letting your horse fall in the soak and not being able to get out.

If riding back to the SEC from Bells Rapids you will need to follow the road to the left and up the hill out of Bells Rapids. Unfortunately the trail has been completely washed out due to motor bike use in the winter, leaving no option but to ride on the road up the hill. Extreme care needs to be taken here as the road drops away on one side and cars are not always courteous to horses.