Ride Overview

Get ready to ride folks – this is a truly epic trail ride conceived 40 years ago, and only a handful of people know the way, so you are in for the “real deal”!  The route passes through four mountain ranges – The Black Mountains, Mynydd Epynt, the Elan Valley and over Plynlimon before a final gallop on the beach near Aberystwyth.  Check it out on the map – you are covering some amazing ground – both in terms of distance and technical ability.

The route uses mostly forgotten bridle-ways (some can be fairly overgrown and jungle like), some open moorland crossings and over private land. Luckily the guides know their way, and are there to make sure you get the most out of your trail ride.  You’ll ride hearty, capable and totally sensible Welsh Section Ds (all ranging from 15-16h) uniquely bred for the job.  They nimby take you through some of the most historic, beautiful and undiscovered countryside in Wales and all of Britain, for that matter!

***Please note, this is a challenging ride for competent and experienced riders only. We cross from the Black Mountains to the Irish sea, over several mountain ranges, covering great distances, mostly off-road, and riders must be fit, have good stamina, and be comfortable riding at speed, sometimes for longer distances.  Give us a call or reach out via email to discuss this in detail.

Accommodations are in local hotels and historic inns, some do not have ensuite bath on one or two nights.  Riders are also responsible for grooming, tacking and cleaning tack daily.

2025 Dates:  April 26-May 2, May 10-16, June 7-13, June 14-20 (FULL), June 28-July 4, July 12-18, July 26-Aug. 1, Aug. 9-15, Aug. 23-29, Sept. 6-12, Sept. 20-26
2025 Rate:  $3,475.00 USD (or 2,815£ per person) per person in a shared room (Single Supplement:  $450.00 USD or 375£)

Short break: We can now offer shorter dates for those that want a quick getaway of 3 days and 2 nights – with more localized riding as follows: April 23-25, May 6-8, May 20-22, June 4-6, Aug. 4-6, Sept. 15-17, Oct. 1-3, Oct. 6-9
Rate: 1,575.00 USD (or 1,260£ per person) per person in a shared room (Single Supplement:  $120.00 USD or 150£)

 

Included

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • 5 days of guided riding
  • All meals
  • Horse and all tack
  • Guiding services
  • All local taxes

Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Travel Insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Airport/Train Station transfers
  • Gratuities for the riding staff at the end of the stay
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Day 1

Riders arrive in the evening, gather in the lounge over welcome drinks, and enjoy getting to know one another over a home-cooked dinner.

Day 2 - 13 miles

After breakfast, you'll be introduced to your horse. You'll enjoy getting to know them as you groom and tack up after which We start with a local trail of 12-15 miles, so that riders can get a feel for the horses and riding style.

We stop for lunch in a local pub, and afterwards head up onto the mountain where the hill-riding really begins before heading back to the farm for a well-earned dinner.

Guests are free to visit the local pub (1 mile away, bring/ borrow a torch for the way home!) if they wish. You'll want to gather your items for the next few days however you are welcome to leave any items you don't need in your room at the farm as you'll return there on the last night.

Day 3 - 20 miles

Time to set off on the progressive part of the trail!

The morning is busy making sure we have everything we need for the adventure ahead. Once on horseback, country lanes lead us up to Llandefalle Common, with plenty of gently undulating wide grassy tracks to enjoy long and fast canters.

Lunch is a relaxed picnic in a beautiful woodland before pressing on over the common, taking in the incredible Pant Y Llyn Lake high above Builth where wild ponies often congregate to drink. It's a fun filled day, to be sure!

Accommodations and dinner are in the village Builth at a festive small hotel.

Day 4 - 17 miles

Today we track the route of the beautiful River Wye upstream, before reaching Llanafan Common, with more wild ponies and amazing views!

We drop down for a picnic lunch beside the beautiful river Cwm Cwerfru.

The afternoon finds us negotiating the ancient drovers trails across Llanwrthl common, part of the Cambrian Mountains, earning our first glimpse of Elan Valley. Red kites fly above us and the views stretch for miles.

We reach Rhyader for the night where we stay in a very quaint local hotel.

Day 5 - 20 miles

After tacking up we head straight up onto the hill, a steep climb, but while horses rest at the top, we are rewarded with unforgettable views down the stunning Elan Valley with its string of reservoirs and the Pen Cerrig Dam.

We follow grassy tracks down the hill to our picnic spot at the bottom of the valley.

After lunch, we track the Elan Valley Mountain road before turning into the Tar Ennig Forest for some long adrenaline-inducing gallops to finish off the day!

We stay in the small hamlet of Llangurig, in the historic Bluebell Inn, which offers fairly basic comfort compared to the rest of the accommodation but a very warm welcome and fantastic food!

***ensuite baths are not always available on this night.

Day 6 - 26 miles

The final day of riding is literally a marathon day – 26 miles to the sea, crossing mountains with no trail to follow!

This is challenging terrain with deep bogs and sheer drops! It’s not for the faint-hearted but by this time your bond with your horse is unshakeable, and the sense of achievement at the end is just incredible!

We drop down for lunch in the middle of nowhere, far from civilization, and by now you will really understand the extent of the wilderness of Wales. After lunch we enjoy a less challenging but beautiful afternoon, with two more hills to hop over, and our first guaranteed view of the sea as Aberdovey Estuary comes into view.

We stop for tea at a lovely cafe, then trot down the road, around the headland of Ynyslas, and hit the beach!

After a refreshing paddle in the waves, horses and riders enjoy galloping along the firm sand – you won’t want to stop!

But eventually you and the horses will be glad of a lift home, stopping enroute for dinner at the Blue Bell Inn. Tea and cake waits for you back at the farm, and it will feel like coming home!

Day 7

Depart after breakfast.

Download pdf brochure