England’s Cornwall Ride

England’s Cornwall Ride

Our Cornwall ride offers several trails suitable for the more experienced rider, which can be combined into a riding holiday from 2 to 7 days. These trails last between 3 and 8 hours, uncovering areas of Bodmin Moor which are undiscovered by most people as they are completely inaccessible by vehicle. During these trails you will ride through terrain which is often only accessible on horseback.

Due to its personal characteristics which sets Bodmin Moor apart from anywhere in the UK, we insist that all riders wanting to take part in any trail riding complete an assessment ride. This ensures that we select the right trail and right horse for you.

During the trails you will visit areas which were used by smugglers and travellers as far back as the Bronze age when settlements were dotted around the Moors. Today this beautiful unspoilt corner of North Cornwall and many of its settlements are still obvious and often used for filming period dramas such as the recent “Jamaica Inn” and the forthcoming Poldark, not to mention “Doc Martin”.

You can choose to stay in one of the lovely cottages at the stables on a self-catering, bed and breakfast or fully-catered basis.

Below is a sample week-long itinerary for 5 days in the saddle, experiencing some of the best trail riding available in the country. The week is offered on a half board basis, with a full cooked breakfast prepared in your cottage and a daily picnic lunch. Guests can then dine in one of many nearby pubs (not included) as suggested below.

Transport can be arranged at an additional cost for those guests not bringing their own car. Non riding guests can also make the most of our proximity to both coasts of Cornwall with two suggested half day trips to Port Isaac and Fowey.

This week gives you a flavour of the varied and exciting riding available around Bodmin Moor but amendments can be made to accommodate preferences.

Day 1

Pick up from either Bodmin Parkway train station or Newquay airport if required (additional charge) or independent arrival to the farm, located in the heart of Bodmin Moor.

Settle into your modern, comfortable converted stable accommodation. A welcome from your hosts. Tour of the yard and time to meet the horses and talk through the program arranged for your stay.

Dinner at a local pub – The Old Inn, St Breward (suggested)

Day 2

Breakfast will be prepared in your cottage followed by a one hour riding assessment in our outside arena to pair you with the most suitable horse for your stay. Mid-morning ride out around Casehill Common over Casehill and up to Alex Tor (Coastal viewing spot on a clear day).

Return to the farm for lunch, before setting off on an afternoon ride around Ivy Common and Candra, “Poldark Country” (approx 2-3 hours riding.)

Dinner at The St Mabyn Inn, serving locally sourced traditional meals (suggested)

Day 3

After a hearty Breakfast, we head out through Ladydown Common, through the stony outcrop of Casehill to Alex Tor. Over Camperdown to Stannon and over the ancient packhorse bridge, then through the old carriage lanes to Watergate. From here we take the byway towards Roughtor, climbing up past Neolithic settlements over the back of Roughtor (passing a memorial to the Wessex Regiment)

With Showery Tor to your left you get the full impact of Brown Willy ( The highest point in Cornwall.) Passing ancient hut circles and field settlements we head off towards Casehill Downs heading home to the farm (3-4 hours riding) at midday ready for a light lunch before setting out to nearby Port Issac, home to Doc Martin the hit TV Series. It’s a quaint Cornish village full of tea shops, antique shops and typical fishing village port.

Suggested: Enjoy your dinner at one of the Local restaurants over looking the Quay

Day 4

Breakfast will be prepared, before saddling up for a morning ride, taking in some different scenery along our Woodland trail, exploring the wooded valleys of the Camel River to Helland bridge, returning through Helligan woods.

At midday, you’ll head up to Blisland Pub for Lunch, where the horses can graze on one of the only Village greens in Cornwall. After Lunch you will head out to Pendrift past Jubilee Rock where locals have recorded every monarch’s reign and jubilee since King George by carving Coats of Arms on a very large piece of Granite rock. Over the top to Kerrow downs , through the river at Delphi bridge and home to the farm. (5-6 hours )

After an hour or so to relax and have a nice Cup of tea we head out to the St Mabyn Inn for your evening meal in another delightful traditional Local Pub for some locally supplied produce and real ales.

Day 5

Today our Cream Tea Trail takes you out across the Candra to Alex Tor, where you can take in the breathtaking moorland views, reaching as far as the North Cornwall Coast. We then ride on to Rough Tor, which with elevation of 1,313 feet, is the second highest point in Cornwall.

We continue over Swallow’s Hill., past the woodland plantation to Davidstow Moor and Crowdy Reservoir, one of North Cornwall’s main water supply reservoirs and home to a wildlife reserve.

A stop at Roughtor farm for a traditional Cornish cream tea awaits, before we then ride through a byway of bronze age built stone walling. Through a narrow windy lane back up to Newton Common, we ride past further stone circles and ancient signs of settlements before coming to Casehill Downs.

Passing through an ancient Neolithic or early Bronze Age ceremonial site, we then head home.
(5 – 6 hours )

An evening meal can be enjoyed at the nearby St Tudy Inn.

Day 6

Today is the Smugglers Trail – But first, breakfast and then we head off onto another hidden corner of the Moor. Head off to Delphy and picking up the trail through Manor and Carbaglet, today is a true adventure.

We return to the farm at midday before heading off to one of our most famous and picturesque villages in Cornwall “ Fowey” (or similar interesting Cornish town.) There are plenty of interesting shops, boutiques and tea rooms to browse. There are also a number of pubs, cafes and eateries to choose from for lunch – or do as the locals do and enjoy a traditional pasty sitting on the quayside. Or head down to the beach, catch a ferry and enjoy your evening meal overlooking the Estuary.

Day 7

After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to your horse and your hosts before transfers and departure.

NOTE: Itinerary may vary according to weather conditions and any unforeseen circumstances.