The Shires Explorer Trail - 7 Days

A spectacular trail ride . . .

A classic FreeRein route & horse riding holiday. This ride circumnavigates the main area of the Great Cambrain Horse Trail network. Covering around 100 miles no part of your route is repeated. This ride can be completed clockwise or anti clockwise.

Exploring the remote trails on the Shires Explorer trail

An amazing adventure . . .

Your seven day adventure through Mid Wales takes in a large variety of terrain and accommodation places. Starting at FreeRein HQ you travel over open hill, through forests and secluded valley's, ford streams and canter over heather covered moorland. All the days are between 14-18 miles per day with options to vary the route on this horse riding holiday.

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As on most trails your first day travels over the Begwns through Painscastle and on to either Bryngwyn or New House for your first night on trail. From here the route takes you northeast towards the New Radnor Plain and a night at either the Harp Inn or the Radnor Arms.

Departing FreeRein HQ

The Shires explorer travels extensively through both Radnorshire and Brecknockshire. These are two of the thirteen historic and former administrative counties of Wales. Both were abolished in 1974 and transferred their administration to the new county of Powys. Poverty and agricultural change, decline and industrial progress elsewhere has always made Radnorshire and Brecknockshire places of net emigration. This makes these areas the least populated of England and Wales.

You can still ride all day without seeing anyone, just your trusty steeds, riding companions and the occasional Red Kite for company.

Optional Rest Day . . .

You have the option of taking a rest day on this horse riding holiday. The rest day is free of charge and completely optional. It can be taken at any point during the trip arranged when booking.

Ride through perfect horse country . . .

From New Radnor the trail swings north and over the Radnor Fforest (the highest point in Powys) before coming gently to land at the small holding of Lower Fishpools where a warm welcome awaits horses and riders.

From Fishpools you circumnavigate the western side of the Radnor Fforest and drop eventually down to stay at either the Red Lion or the Fforest Inn. The fifth day on trail finds you exploring Gwaunceste hill with an option to stop at Hundred House for lunch before continuing on to Cwmfillo for your overnight stop.

From Cwmfillo the length of Llanbedr hill awaits then a night on the banks of the River Wye at Llanerchcoedlan. From Llanerchcoedlan your last day brings you back to FreeRein HQ. Well done!

This is an absolute favorite trail of FreeRein customers and staff a like.

The Shires Explorer Trail full itinerary, map, pricing and overview . . .

First Day . .

Arrive at FreeRein HQ at 9am.

Pack saddle bags then prepare your horses.

Go through your individual route pack & depart.

Out on trail all day to New House or Bryngwyn.

Arrive at your accommodation, untack, feed & turn your horses out in the field.