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 Glasgow, Edinburgh, Motherwell or Carstairs, or you can make your own way to the Equestrian Centre by car. Once you arrive everything is included in the price except drinks and spa treatments.
Each week will start with two nights in the on-site hotel 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. If you arrive by 2.00 pm there will be a 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.
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 Scotkland - Traquair Castle, the tour is often conducted by Lady Catherine - a direct descndant 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. Over night 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 transfer to your airport or train station.
2024 Dates
May : 05th-11th and 19th - 25th
June : 02nd - 08th and 16th - 22nd
July : 07th - 13th FULL
July : 21st - 27th
August : 04th - 10th FULL
August :18th - 24th FULL
September : 08th - 14th and 22nd - 28th SEPTEMBER FULL
October : 06th - 12th OCTOBER FULL
2024 Price
£2,595
50% deposit required to secure booking
Double room for single occupancy add £265
Additional information:
All meals and transfers of luggage are included in the package. Drinks are to be paid for by each guest.
Pre book Spa treatments.
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen events.
Airport: Glasgow or Edinburgh. Transfers from £90
Meeting Place: Lanark Train Station or you can travel to Lanark by car
Riding Ability: novice+ – Advanced
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.
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.