Outside the Harp Inn at Old Radnor
Accommodation in the Hills for Horses & Riders
Wayside Inns and Rambling Hill Farms
Hill Farms
Throughout the hills there are many fine old stone farm houses, built in the days when a farm housed the farm workers as well as the farmer and his family. As the future of hill farming has become more uncertain many farms are diversifying into tourism and related activities. Though often 200 to 400 years old most have updated their basic facilities to include showers or baths and rooms are all heated. Many riders ask about ensuite rooms but these are not generally available. However, you will probably have the exclusive use of bathroom adjoining your bedroom. After a day in the saddle your hosts will welcome your arrival with offers of hot or cold drinks and explain where to put your horses and tack.
Inns and Hotels
Between FreeRein HQ and the coast there is a dozen or so hotels & inns where horses and riders stay overnight. All are small family run establishments with their own individual character. They divide roughly into village inn, country restaurant with beds and hotel with strong public bar plus facilities for residents. Throughout the country as a whole inns are closing at an alarming rate, so it is good to be able to report that here in the hills, though two have closed, two long closed ones, notably the Roast Ox in Painscastle, have reopened.
Eating and Drinking in the Hills
Lunchtime!
Evening Meals
Farms offer a set 3 course evening meal - real home cooked food. Vegetarians and other special diets should let us know in advance so that we can let the farm(s) know so that they can prepare accordingly. Unless you object you will almost certainly find yourself confronted with an enormous breakfasts to start the day. All the inns and hotels have multi choice menus which means we cannot quote a B&B and Evening Meal charge as we do for the farms.
Drinks
Farms do not have alcohol licenses. Riders who would like a drink or two with their meals - or even before or after - should include a supply for us to deliver with the luggage. The inns and hotels often keep real ales and offer a choice of inexpensive wines.
Lunches
Always carry emergency nibbles in case the day does not go as planned. On some trails riders have the option to stop for lunch at a pub. On others you will need packed lunches. All farms, inns and hotels are happy to provide these - but do let your hosts know the night before you depart.
Further Information
For further details of the accommodation places, please see the list on the left which also includes suggested trails staying at each place.