There’s nothing like a horse-riding holiday when you want to go back to nature and escape modern life, and we’re spoilt for choice here in the UK for beautiful horse rides. But there’s something about Scotland that really lends itself to a great horse-riding holiday; you get a mix of adventure and tranquillity, rugged mountains and peaceful lochs, as well as fresh air and peace and quiet; no engines and no screens. Taking your horse on holiday is such a great experience and whether you want a slow trek through the woods, or are after something a bit more adventurous, Scotland is home to some of our best horse-riding holidays.
So, saddle up and let’s take a look at a few of the top regions in Scotland for your next riding holiday, along with what to expect.
THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
- Where: Wild West Highlands Trek
- Difficulty: Challenging (The terrain can be rough with multiple riding days and some low obstacles).
- Approx distance: 120 miles
- Time: 6 days riding
This route starts on the shores of Loch Ness and heads up into the hills, using a mix of farm and forest tracks, drove roads and old military roads. It includes a rest day for the horses while you head off on a day trip to Skye, and a night near the famous Eilean Donan Castle.
THE CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK
- Where: The Mini Cairngorms Explorer
- Difficulty: Intermediate (The terrain can be boggy or steep).
- Approx distance: 60 miles
- Time: 4 days riding
This route is the perfect introduction to the wild beauty of the Cairngorms. It’s a shorter ride that takes in the pine forests, moors and wildlife that make the UK’s largest national park so spectacular. Keep an eye out for red squirrels; it’s home to a quarter of the UK’s rare and endangered species, and stunning views of 15 of the 55 Munros in the area.
THE BORDERS
- Where: Scottish Castles Trail Ride
- Difficulty: Intermediate (Not suitable for riders who can’t canter).
- Approx distance: 100 miles
- Time: 5 days riding
If you fancy a bit of luxury on your horse-riding holiday this trip is the perfect mix of riding, beautiful landscapes and spa treatments. The ride takes in old drover’s roads, waterfalls, valleys and the amazing castles of the Scottish Borders. Accommodation includes an inn, a castle and a spa hotel – perfect after a day of riding.
COAST TO COAST
- Where: The North Route – Brora (East coast) to Kylestrome (West coast)
- Difficulty: Intermediate (Terrain can be boggy or steep)
- Approx distance: 130 miles
- Time: 7 days riding
This route starts with a breathtaking gallop along the beautiful wide beach of Brora, before heading west along single track roads through the hills. Look out for red deer and birds of prey as you pass by beautiful, remote lochs and stunning mountains and head down to the west coast.
Riding holidays have something for everyone; nature, scenery, fresh air, exercise and, in the case of Scotland, all the history you can get your hands on. Of course, horse riding, like any activity, comes with risks, however careful you are about road safety while riding a horse, and that’s why horse rider insurance is worth a look.
Our horse-rider policy includes cover for you as well as some *emergency cover for the horse you’re riding. For more details, or to get a free- no-strings quote, give us a call today.
*Emergency treatment for up to 24 hours following an external accidental visible injury plus veterinary certified euthanasia, and reasonable removal and disposal costs.
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