The most luxurious trail ride in the UK!
There are several ways to reach our riding centre in Scotland. You can either fly into Glasgow or Edinburgh where we can arrange a transfer (both 40mins), you can get the train to Lanark where we can arrange a collection, or you can make your own way to the Equestrian Centre by car or taxi. Once you arrive everything is included in the price except for drinks and spa treatments.
Each week will start with two nights in the on-site hotel at the equestrian centre, with one day of riding around the centre grounds to get you acquainted with your horse and the terrain. The riding centre is a delightful place to spend time and meet other guests. Once you are on the trail ride you will stay in a variety of Inns and Castles, most with spas so you can ease the aches of a long day in the saddle.
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Sunday
Transfer from the airport or train station. If you arrive by 2.00pm there will be a complimentary short ride around the centre to help you get your bearings. Otherwise you will meet your fellow riders and guides during dinner in the stable bistro with riding commencing on Monday.
Day 2: Monday
Today we will take a full day picnic ride through the World Heritage Site of New Lanark Village and on to the famous Falls of Clyde, the highest and most spectacular waterfall in Scotland. This day allows us to match you with your perfect equestrian partner for the trip, changes will be made if necessary. After the ride you may like to visit the health spa in New Lanark Village before dinner.
Day 3: Tuesday
You and the horses will be transferred 10 miles to the town of Biggar today where your journey into the Scottish Borders will begin. The trail leads you across open country with the steep sided rounded Southern Upland hills rising before you. These were the hidden homes of the Border Reivers, the lawless families who plundered the English borders. Your horse will carry you over the John Buchan Way, named to commemorate the author of “The 39 Steps” and other adventure books. The village of Broughton houses a museum of his works. Lunch will be enjoyed is a secluded farmstead nestled in the hills. Afterwards, you will ride to Stobo Valley and over another hilltop to Manor Valley.
Day 4: Wednesday
An old drovers’ road skirts your ride around the quaint town of Peebles. These roads had walls on each side to make driving cattle easier as well as break the wind and snow in the winter. Here you will catch sight of deer, hares and foxes and other wildlife and birds. Your guide will be pointing out all the wildlife along the way and of course the many castles, giving you the history of the area. Unwind in a comfortable hotel with a hearty dinner.
Day 5: Thursday
You will be collected from your overnight hotel for a bespoke tour of ther oldest inhabited castle in Scotland - Traquair Castle, the tour is often conducted by Lady Catherine - a direct descendant of Mary Queen of Scots. Owned by the Stewarts, the entry gate was locked when Bonnie Prince Charlie failed in his bid to take the Crown from the Hanoverians and the family vowed the gate would remain locked until the Stewarts regained the throne. Needless to say the Stewarts never gained the throne and the huge gate remains rusty and locked to this day. This afternoon we ride deeper into the Borders Country and some truly spectacular scenery, you will ride to the best vantage points to take in the views. You will ride the famous ascending Minch Moor drovers’ route. The road’s midpoint is marked with the Cheese Well. The nearby feeder spring was considered sacred in ancient times and travellers would leave gifts in hope that the fairies would provide a safe passage over the Moor. Many left bread and cheese – hence the name. This was also once the coach route from the border country to Edinburgh. It is a marvel that a team of horses and coach could travel the winding uphill road. Overnight and dinner tonight in the famous Hunting Lodge in the historic town of Selkirk, the scene of many battles between the Scots and the English.
Day 6: Friday
Your ride ascends over the Buccleuch Trail to enjoy the fabulous countryside around the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys. You will pass Newark Castle, a sombre tower typical of the hundreds once scattered across the borders to provide safety from raiders. The route continues through the sweet scented pine forests to hill tops high above the valley and tumbling rivers. The peaceful quiet is interrupted only by the thud of your horse’s hoof beats, curlews’ cries and skylarks’ songs.
Our guests return to the Centre on Friday evening to enjoy a final meal in the Stables Bistro and a good night’s sleep before departing on Saturday morning.
Day 7: Saturday
After breakfast, you will be transfered to your departure airport or train station.
2025 Dates:
May: 04 - 10
May: 18 - 24
June: 01 - 07
June: 15 - 21
July : 06 - 12
July : 20 - 26
August : 03 - 09
August : 17 - 23
September : 07 - 13
September : 21 - 27
October : 14 - 21
2025 Price:
£2,995
£1000 deposit required to secure booking
Double room for single occupancy £3,495
Additional information:
All meals and transfers of luggage are included in the package price.
Drinks are to be paid for by each guest directly.
Laundry facilities are available at the equestrian centre and *some* of the hotels on route.
Pre-booking spa treatments is recommended.
*This itinerary is subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen events*
Airport transfers: Glasgow or Edinburgh transfers available from £90 each way *please note we are not able to offer transfers from the city centre due to the low emission zones now in place which preclude entry to rural taxi firms*
Station transfer: Please get the train to Lanark and we will arrange for you to be collected.
Riding Ability: Required to walk, trot and canter confidently in open spaces. This ride is not suitable for riders who cannot canter
Daily Riding Hours: 4 – 5
Horses: Appaloosa, cobs
Weight Limit is 14 Stone, 89 Kg
Saddles: English endurance
Group Size: 4 – 8
Non-riding Activities: Golf in St. Andrews, Gleneagles and Troon, Distillery day trip, ride is equidistant from Edinburgh and Glasgow
Lodging: inns, castles & spa hotel - may change according to availability.
Customer reviews:
"Where to start? They delivered on every promise! Paramount to me, was the condition of the horses which was excellent, and they were bombproof. Secondly the riders were well matched. Perfect amount of walking, trotting, cantering. This was the Scottish castles ride Visited several authentic castles. Even though it was Peak tourist season, we were the only ones at each castle, which made it really special. Accommodations were Wonderful. Especially Sobo castle, where I was able to book a private yoga session after a long day’s ride. We road to several Apex elevations with stunning views. Eye candy all the way! Equally important was that the entire ownership and staff gave 100% and made us feel like family. When I requested additional information regarding the history of where we were riding, they accommodated and I learned so much about this exquisite country. I appreciate that the food was fresh and healthy. And the location was easy for my Uber Driver to find since I declined the airport transfers. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
"I had the most incredible time on the Scottish Castle Trail Tour, mostly because of how wonderful the Scottish Equestrian Center is!! It’s been a few years since I’ve ridden consistently so I was a bit nervous, but everyone in my group was about the same riding level and the team made sure we were comfortable. The trail was amazing - beautiful rides and amazing castles to visit at night, plus stellar horses. I loved getting to visit small towns throughout Scotland that I hadn’t been to before! Most of all, the people at the SEC are so caring and thoughtful and wonderful, and made the trip what it was. One day, they were concern that the next day’s ride would be too muddy from rain, and so someone went and walked 4 hours to find us a new safe path to take. The care and effort put into every part of the trip was so evident. I would go back in a heartbeat!!"
For weekend riding holidays in Scotland click here
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.