Trail Riding Itinerary
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Sunday
Transfer from the airport. You will meet your fellow riders and guides during a relaxing evening meal.
Day 2: Monday
You will meet your horse and discuss the upcoming route. Day ride to the famous Falls of Clyde at Corra Linn.
Day 3: Tuesday
You will be transferred to Biggar where your ride will begin. The trail leads across open country with the steep sided rounded Southern Upland hills rising before you. These were the hidden homes of the Border Reivers, the lawless families who plundered the English borders. Your horse will carry you over the John Buchan Way, named to commemorate the author of “The 39 Steps” and other adventure books. The village of Broughton houses a museum of his works. Lunch will be enjoyed is a secluded farmstead nestled in the hills. Afterwards, you will ride to Stobo Valley and over another hilltop to Manor Valley.
Day 4: Wednesday
An old drovers’ road skirts your ride around the quaint town of Peebles. These roads had walls on each side to make driving cattle easier as well as break the wind and snow. The route takes you close to Scotland’s oldest inhabited house, Traquair Castle. Owned by the Stewarts, the entry gate was locked when Bonnie Prince Charlie failed in his bid to take the Crown from the Hanoverians and the family vowed the gate would remain locked until the Stewarts regained the throne. Needless to say the Stewarts never gained the throne and the huge gate remains rusty and locked to this day. A spectacular view of Tweed Valley highlights your afternoon.
Day 5: Thursday
From Traquair Village, you will ride the famous ascending Minch Moor drovers’ route. The road’s midpoint is marked with the Cheese Well. The nearby feeder spring was considered sacred in ancient times and travellers would leave gifts in hope that the fairies would provide a safe passage over the Moor. Many left bread and cheese – hence the name. This was also once the coach route from the border country to Edinburgh. It is a marvel that a team of horses and coach could travel the winding uphill road. Your horse will descend from the Moor and arrive at Bowhill Estate, the seat of the Dukes of Buccleuch, the largest landowners in Europe. The grounds will provide a lovely evening stroll.
Day 6: Friday
Your ride ascends over the Buccleuch Trail to enjoy the fabulous countryside around the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys. You will pass Newark Castle, a sombre tower typical of the hundreds once scattered across the borders to provide safety from raiders. The route continues through the sweet scented pine forests to hill tops high above the valley and tumbling rivers. The peaceful quiet is interrupted only by the thud of your horse’s hoof beats, curlews’ cries and skylarks’ songs.
Day 7: Saturday
After breakfast, you will transfer to your airport or train station.
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen events.
Airport: Glasgow or Edinburgh
Meeting Place: Lanark Train Station or you can travel to Lanark by car
Riding Ability: novice+ – Advanced
Daily Riding Hours: 4 – 5
Horses: Appaloosa, cobs
Saddles: English endurance
Group Size: 4 – 8
Non-riding Activities: Golf in St. Andrews, Gleneagles and Troon, Distillery day trip, ride is equidistant from Edinburgh and Glasgow
Lodging: 3 and 4* inns, castles & spas
