Horseback Riding in Wales
WELSH MOUNTAIN TRAIL |
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This ride offers the visitor a rich variety of natural beauty: high mountains with steep, wooded slopes, grassy, rolling hills and fertile valleys. Villages and farmhouses nestle in the folds of this seemingly endless hill country blending harmoniously with the landscape. One has lovely views of the fields and hedgerows of the peaceful countryside laid out below like a patchwork quilt, as you cross the hills. The landscape has great variety, exciting history and lasting charm. Everywhere you will find a warm, friendly welcome as in rural areas in most of the world.
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Transfer from Abergavenny or Brecon to accommodations for dinner and the first of two nights. |
| Day 2: | After breakfast depart for the stables. Mount up and head for the hills towering above Llangorse, reaching 1,645 feet. There are opportunities for some long canters with fine views into the Rhiangoll valley and before heading to a pub in Bwlch, high in a col above the Usk valley. After lunch ride along bridleways between the hills, returning to Llangorse for the night. |
| Day 3: | This morning ride along leafy, flower-lined lanes into the Black Mountains. A steep climb of about 2,000 feet lies ahead. The trail then drops down through a beautiful valley to your picnic lunch stop at the remote, romantic ruin of the old hermitage. After lunch, skirt the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain (1,955), and ride through ancient oak woods. There will be plenty of opportunities for good canters before arriving at your accommodation, either a wonderfully original farmhouse, a country house or old vicarage (depending on availability), where you can look forward to a relaxing bath. Dinner is usually taken at the Skirrid Inn, the oldest public house in Wales. (6 hours riding) |
| Day 4: | After a hearty Welsh breakfast, ride along the eastern edge of the Sugar Loaf, then follow quiet byways to the remote church of Patrishow renowned for its marvelous wall paintings. After lunch, enter the quiet stillness of the Mynydd Du forest. Climbing upwards, leave the forest and ride across the bleak moorland of Bal Mawr, before descending into the Vale of Ewyas with spectacular views of the 12th century Llanthony Priory. Dinner tonight at the 15th century Crown Inn at Pantyfelli, which is renowned for its excellent food and real ales. |
| Day 5: | In the morning, follow quiet country lanes to the church at Cwmyoy, curiously skewed, as it is built on a moving landslide! Climb a steep, stony track known to reach the top of Hatterall Hill at 1,726 feet. Ride along Offa’s Dyke path to picnic lunch and fine views out over England. Continue along the valley floor, then climb up to an Iron Age hill fort with superb views. Follow the hilltop above Llanthony wood, before descending to Llanthony valley where a night is spent either at the Abbey Hotel or a nearby farmhouse. Your evening meal is taken in the undercroft of the Abbey. |
| Day 6: | Climb out of the Llanthony valley, beginning a 20 mile ride back to Llangorse. Follow forest tracks, cross “Windy Ridge” and have a picnic lunch. After lunch, follow a grassy carriageway to the top of Pen Trumau at 2,005 feet, and a long, steep descent for one final, long canter along the foot of Mynydd Troed before arriving back at the stables in Llangorse and your final evening meal together. |
| Day 7: | After breakfast transfer to your departure point. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Abergavenny or Brecon |
| Length of Ride | 7 days, 6 nights and 5 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Advanced Strong Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-2 Maximum-9 |
| Riding Per Day | 4-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate / fast |
| Tack | English |
| Horses | pure and cross bred Welsh Cobs, Irish Cobs |
| Weight Limit | 210 lbs |
| 2008 Dates | April 13-19, April 27-May 3, May 18-24, June 1-7, June 15-21, **June 22-27, June 29-July 5, July 13-19, July 27-Aug 2, Aug 10-16, Sept 7-13, Sept 21-27
**Women only |
| 2008 Price | £985
Due to rapid fluctuations of the market please call for the current U.S. dollar rate. |
| Single Supplement | $85 |
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