Itinerary
DAY ONE
Arrive at our HQ 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, passing the ‘Roundabout’ an
unusual landmark built in the 19th Centaury to honor Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. After lunch, drop down off the Begwns and cross over Rhulen hill and 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 at a local B&B. Dinner will be at 7pm at one of the restaurants in town.
Total length: 16 miles
DAY TWO
Enjoy your first welsh breakfast of the trip before being picked up and taken to the horses. Feed, groom and tack up your horse. Out on trail all day. Sweep back across Aberedw Hill before dropping down into the hamlet of Hundred House. Today, Hundred House is a small hamlet but it was
once regarded as a strategic location and was built by both Romans and Normans in the first centaury AD. From here, climb up onto Gwaunceste Hill and enjoy some fabulous panoramic views. Pass the remains of Black Yatt, an old farmhouse built in the 18th Century which was blown up 1960s to
feature in a film about the second world war. Wind down through the country lanes to Old Radnor, where day two will end. Untack and feed the horses before heading to a local Inn for the night. Horses are a two minute walk down the road.
Total length: 16 miles
DAY THREE
Catch, feed and get your horse ready as today you start the steep climb onto the spectacular Hergest Ridge. We can enjoy a canter around the abandoned racecourse on the very top of the ridge - started in 1825 it was used up until 1880. Pass by the 'Whetstone' a gathering point for betting and bargaining and drop down through Gladestry and follow quiet country lanes to join part of Offa's Dyke and through the village of Newchurch. Enjoy the views at the top of Newchurch and Bryngwyn Hill as you head down to the horses' accommodation for the night. You will be transferred by road to a local inn in the village of Painscastle - the location of the biggest and most brutal battle in all of Welsh history in 1198.
Total length: 16 miles
DAY FOUR
After breakfast, transfer back up to the horses. Catch, feed and prepare your horse. Head straight up onto the rugged moorland of Llanbedr Hill, taking in the spectacular views of the Black Mountains. Spot Pen-y-fan, the highest peak in South Wales. Travel the length of Landeilo hill where you'll pass the mysterious grave of Twm Tobacco. Look down into the hamlet of Aberedw, where the last Prince of Wales - Prince Llewelyn - once took refuge in a cave hiding from the English in the early 13th century. After lunch its time for some exhilarating canters on the Begwns before a relaxing stroll down the country lanes back to our originall start point and the stables for around 4pm. Enjoy tea and homemade cake with your new friends before departing.
Total length: 15 miles
Prices & Dates 2024
4 days / 3 nights - £1429 pp
Single occupancy + £126pp
Start 8:30am first day, finish 4:30pm final day
2024
7th - 10th May
21st - 24th May
29th May - 01st June
11th - 14th June
25th - 28th June
2nd - 05th July
16th - 19th July
6th - 9th August
20th - 23rd August
3rd - 6th September
10th - 13th September
24th - 27th September
The Riding
The route on this trail 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. 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.
All riders will be required to sign this declaration before departing -
"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.
Level of Riding and Fitness
You must be happy and confident cantering in open spaces to join this ride. You will be riding around six 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 holiday.
Guides and Group Size
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. Strict maximum of 8 guests per group. Level of Riding and Fitness
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 and between 14hh – 15.3hh.. 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, healthy lifestyle.
Tack & Riding Equipment
Each horse has its own individually fitted English tack, customised and fitted professionally. All horses are ridden in simple snaffle bits. Your luggage
is transported by us by road. Each rider will be supplied with one of our specially designed saddle bags to carry lunch, drinks, cameras etc whilst out on trail.
What to Bring
Riding tights/jodphurs
Extra layersBoots - 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, camelbaks & backpacks
x Footwear with a smooth sole
Accomodation & 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 all homemade using locally sourced ingredients where possible. All accommodation places can cater for any dietary requirements.
If you fancy a longer trail have a look at our 6 day ride - Wales Border to Coast
Equestrian Escapes inspect the walfare of the horses on our riding holidays.
If you fancy a shorter trail and maybe are not as confident at cantering ride have a look at our Brecon Trail Ride
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.