Horse Riding

Horse riding in the UK is a popular outdoor activity, thanks to its hilly landscape, scenic riding trails, and historic relationship with horses.

Pennine Bridleway
The first National Trail in the UK, Pennine Bridleway is a historical road in Northern England with over 200 miles (330 km) of old drovers’ roads, tracks, quiet roads and the new bridle path. Considered the rugged backbone of England, it connects Middle Top in Derbyshire, Peak District, South Pennines, Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria.

Ride along the Mary Towneley loop, which is part of this trail, where you can see the industrial tradition of the South Pennine. Or get lost in Yorkshire Dales National Park and its 52 miles (84 km) of scenic routes among nature.  

Being a well-marked bridleway, the Pennine is a good option for a nice easy stroll, but you also have plenty of options to increase the challenge in the more complex hills.

Brecon Beacons Trails

This Welsh National Park has several trails any horse rider will love. Being home to two of the highest peaks in the UK, it offers beautiful scenery to ride in the green valleys and rolling hills of Pen y Fan and Fan Brycheiniog.

There’s a total of 6 bridleways in the park:

Radnor Forest Ride – Remote trail with jaw-dropping views. It starts at the Visitors Center and travels 70 miles (112 km) along the Welsh countryside.
Three Rivers Ride – It travels along the western side of the mountains and skirts Llangose Lake before crossing the River Usk.
Black Mountains Riding Loops – Exciting four loops ideal for a day trip. If you want, you could also do all four at once but try to find a place to spend the night or make sure your horse riding holiday offers accommodation along the way.
Furlong Route Ride – Three loops that go across Blaenavon World Heritage Site. A great opportunity to learn history and get to explore the woodland and forests of Wales.
Epynt Way – Circular bridleway that travels near the Sennybridge Training Area. It covers 55 miles (88 km) of varied mountain terrain.
Crychan Forest – Amazing forest with waymarked routes that take you on a trail of up to 25 miles (40 km) depending on which access you use.