The route on this trail consists of lots of grassy tracks, open hills, old green lanes and so on. The trails are a mix of little used bridle ways, old council roads and timeworn drovers routes. The pace of the ride is calm and relaxed, with lots of trotting on the old lanes and canters wherever the terrain allows. There are also points along the route where it is necessary to dismount and walk with your horse, such as steep down hill tracks which may be loose underfoot.
Itinerary
DAY ONE
Arrive at the stables for 8.30-9am. Meet your guide, your fellow riders and pack your saddle bags. Meet your horse and prepare them for a day out on trail.
Follow the quiet, country lanes up onto the rolling green hills of the Begwns. Wind through the soft, grassy tracks, passing the ‘Roundabout’ an unusual landmark built in the 19th Centaury to honor Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch in the hills. Drop down into the valley before climbing onto Llanbedr hill. Notice the change in terrain from grass and bracken to heather and gorse scattered moorland. Spot wild Welsh Mountain ponies and Red Kites as you sweep around the hills, dropping down to your end location for around 4pm.
Total length: 14 miles
DAY TWO
After a hearty Welsh breakfast, catch, feed, groom and tack up the horses. Blow away the cobwebs with some fantastic canters on Newchurch Hill before following part of the Offa's Dyke trail across Disgwylfa Hill. After lunch, enjoy the panoramic views atop Hergest Ridge. Enjoy a canter around an abandoned racecourse on the very top of the ridge. This racecourse started up in 1825 and held regular events until around 1880. Pass the ‘Whet Stone’ a traditional gathering point where, in this case, would have been used for betting and bargaining. Drop down off the Ridge and head to your overnight stop.
Total length: 13 miles
DAY THREE
After breakfast, head back to the horses. Catch, feed, groom and tack up. Follow the old country lanes across the remote Burl Hill to join the rugged farmland of Gwaunceste Hill. Pass the remains of Black Yatt, an old farmhouse built in the 18th Century which was blown up in the 1960s to feature in a film about the second world war. Ride the old tracks and lanes to cross Bryngwyn Hill before dropping down through the hamlet of Painscastle, where one of the biggest battles in all of Welsh History took place in 1198. From here its back onto the Begwns for a last canter before following the lanes back to Freerein HQ. Enjoy a cup of tea and homemade cake and say farewell to your new friends, horse and guide.
Total length: 18 miles
Prices & Dates for 2024
3 Days / 2 nights - £1066
Single occupancy + £84pp
Start 8:30am first day, finish 3pm final day
2024
19th - 21st April
27th - 29th April
4th - 6th May
11th - 13th May
25th - 27th May
8th - 10th June
20th - 22nd June
28th - 30th June
5th - 7th July
19th - 21st July
27th - 29th July
2nd - 4th August
10th - 12th August
17th - 19th August
24th - 26th August
1st - 3rd September
13th - 15th September
21st - 23rd September
27th - 29th September
3rd - 5th October
11th - 13th October
The Riding
You must be happy and confident cantering in open spaces to join this ride.
You will be riding around 6-7 hours each day, so you must have a good level of current riding fitness. You must be physically fit enough to enjoy long trots and long days in the saddle on this riding holiday.
We have a weight limit of 92Kg dressed weight
Guides and Group Size
Strict maximum of 8 guests per trail.
All guides are full time, paid adults who all have an extensive knowledge of our horses, routes and the hills. They are relaxed, friendly & professional.
The Horses
You will be matched to one of our incredible herd of fit, friendly, forward going trail riding horses and ponies. They are all a mixture of hardy breeds native to the UK. They live out all year round, working for 7 months of the year and enjoying a 5 month break over the winter months. They love their job and relish their happy, natural lifestyle.
Tack and Riding Equipment
Each horse has its own individually fitted English tack, customised and fitted professionally. All horses are ridden in simple snaffle bits. There is no luggage delivery on this trail. Each rider is supplied with our specially designed expedition saddle bags for spare clothes and personal belongings, and a smaller saddle bag for food and drinks. The amount of luggage each rider can take is roughly equal to one aircraft carry on sized bag/case.
We also supply liners for your main expedition bags – these are 100% waterproof and will keep your belongings dry.
Brushes and hoof picks will be dispersed throughout the group which will be shared on trail.
What to Bring
Riding tights/jodphurs
Extra layers
Boots - waterproof boots that have a small heel and good grip
Waterproof jacket - Goretex or equivalent
Waterproof trousers - Goretex or equivalent
Half chaps
Riding hat
Suncream
Reusable water bottle(s)
Change of clothes for the evening
Flip-flops or similar
Please do not bring these items:
x Inflating air jackets
x Wellingtons, fashion boots, ponchos, camelbacks & backpacks
x Footwear with a smooth sole
Accomodation and Meals
All individuals are automatically booked a room for single occupancy. Accommodation is at B&Bs and inns along the route. They are all basic, quirky, characterful, family run establishments that offer a warm welcome to trail riders. Expect to be fed well on this trip; food is homemade using locally sourced ingredients where possible. All accommodation places can cater for any dietary requirements.
If you want a longer Trail have a look at our Border To Coast Trail.
Get back in the saddle with some lessons on one of our short UK breaks:
Sherwood Short Break
Lake District
For tips regarding your holiday such as what to wear and riding ability, please visit the Travel Tips page.
We work hard to ensure that each customer has a great time on their holiday. Please see some riding holiday reviews here.
We have a large range of holidays to suit a range of riding abilities. Please see here for more information.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.