The route to the coast is very varied, with stony tracks, open hills, river crossings, green lanes, and so on. The trails are a mixture of little used
bridleways, old council roads and timeworn drovers routes crossing the Cambrian Mountains.
The mixture of terrain means a varied riding pace each day – there will be lots of trotting to cover the distance and canters wherever the terrain allows. There will be points where it is necessary to dismount and walk with your horse, such as steep down hill tracks which may be loose underfoot. On your sixth and final day of the trail, you will arrive on the beach at Ynyslas - here the group can enjoy an exhilarating canter on the sands.
Itinerary
DAY ONE
Arrive at our stables in Hereford for 8:30am. Meet your guide, your fellow riders and pack your saddle bags. Meet your horse and prepare them for a day out on trail. Out on trail all day. Explore the open tracks of the Begwns and Llanbedr hill, passing through the Village of Painscastle where one of the biggest battles in Welsh History took place in 1198. After lunch, cross up and over Aberedw Hill to arrive at the horse’s accommodation for the night. Feed and untack before a short taxi ride into the agricultural town of Builth Wells, where you will spend the night.
Total length: 16 miles
DAY TWO
Enjoy your first welsh breakfast of the week before being picked up and taken to the horses. Feed, groom and tack up your horse.
Out on trail all day. Climb up to Pant-y-llyn lake high above Builth Wells, and follow the northern stretch of the Mynydd Eppynt down to
Abergwesyn, where the horses will stay the night. A short taxi ride will take the group to the town of Llanwrtyd, where you will stay at a local inn.
Total length: 22 miles
DAY THREE
Feed, groom and tack up. Out on trail all day. Today’s route travels through the mid part of the Cambrian Mountains, across very remote terrain.
Follow the ancient Monk roads, crossing large river fords, eventually dropping down to the historic Abbey at Strata Florida to stay the night at
nearby Pontrhydfendigaid. Horses stay a short walk away with a local farmer.
Total length: 18 miles
DAY FOUR
Out on trail all day. Ride through the small Village of Ffair-Rhos and out across a deserted valley, passing the remains of an ancient marketing village. Enjoy a peaceful ride through the Bwlchgwallter forest before crossing the bridge over the Dologau waterfall. Pose for a photo under the old masonry Arch built in 1810 to mark the Golden Jubilee of George III. After lunch, follow the river out onto open moorland and down into the village of
Ponterwyd, where you will stay the night.
Total length: 20 miles
DAY FIVE
Out on trail all day. Follow the old mountain road up past Dinas Reservoir, on to cross the dam at Nant-y-moch reservoir at the base of Plynlimon – the highest point of the Cambrian Mountains. Get your first glimpse of the sea before heading down into the valley in Ceulanamaesmawr. Follow the bridleways looking out over Cardigan Bay before arriving at your final overnight stop.
Total length: 17 miles
DAY SIX
A shorter ride over the hills before dropping down into the coastal plain & the seaside town of Borth. Enjoy a trot up the high street before arriving
on the beach! Time for a canter and a splash in the sea before arriving at your final meeting point. Untack the horses and enjoy a cup of tea
and an ice cream. Pick up is at midday. Arrive back to the HQ for tea and cake and a farewell to the horses to finish around 3pm.
Total length: 7 miles
Prices & Dates for 2024
6 Days / 5 nights - £2639 pp
Single occupancy + £210pp
Start 8:30am first day, finish 3pm final day
2024
28th April - 3rd May
12th - 17th May
2nd - 7th June
16th - 21st June Full
28th July - 2nd Aug
11th - 16th August
15th - 20th September
The Riding
Level of Riding and Fitness: You must be happy and confident cantering in open spaces to join this ride.
You will be riding between 6-7 hours each day, so riders 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 expedition. To take part in this trail riding expedition, all riders must be able to truthfully sign a declaration. "I can: Walk unaided along tracks which may be steep & slippery. Mount & dismount unaided.Trot & canter over uneven ground. I understand:Horse riding & handling are potentially dangerous and can result in injury or death.That I am riding this trail entirely at my own risk. I do not suffer from any illness or disability which could prejudice my safety or that of others."
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 shorter Trail have a look at our Welsh Border 4 Day 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.