Trail Comparator: 6-Day Trails

Which 6-Day Trail Riding Holiday Is Right for You?

Border to Coast vs Red Kite Trail vs Trans Cambrian Trail

If you’re looking for a full week in the saddle, our 6-day trail riding holidays are where real immersion begins. Six days gives you time to settle into your horse, the rhythm of the trail and the landscapes of Wales — but how you ride those six days makes all the difference.

At Freerein Riding Holidays, we currently offer three different 6-day trails, each designed for a different kind of rider:

• 🧭 Border to Coast – Guided, group expedition across Wales

• 🪶 Red Kite Trail – Self-guided, flexible and flowing riding country

• 🏔 Trans Cambrian Trail – Freerein+ self-guided expedition for experienced riders

This guide will help you decide which one fits your riding style, confidence and sense of adventure.

At a Glance: The Three 6-Day Trails

Border to Coast – Guided Trail Riding Expedition

6 days · Guided · ~100 miles · Group ride

Our flagship Border to Coast trail is a true guided trail riding adventure, riding right across Wales from the English/Welsh border to the coast — finishing with an exhilarating beach canter on the final day.

The route to the coast is very varied, with stony tracks, open hills, river crossings, green lanes, and so on. The trails are a mixture of little used bridleways, old council roads and timeworn drovers routes crossing the Cambrian Mountains. The mixture of terrain means a varied riding pace each day – there will be lots of trotting to cover the distance and canters wherever the terrain allows.  There will be points where it is necessary to dismount and walk with your horse, such as steep down hill tracks which may be loose underfoot.  On your 6th and final day of the trail, you will arrive on the beach at Ynyslas – here the group can enjoy an exhilarating canter on the sands.

This is a point-to-point journey through diverse landscapes: hills, valleys, forests, open plains and more rugged terrain, with opportunities to canter every day, balanced with some more technical and adventurous sections on some days.

What makes it special

• Ride 100 miles on horseback across Wales

• Professional guide leads the way and manages all the logistics

• Ride as part of a small, social group of like-minded riders (maximum 8 riders per group)

• Carry your luggage in saddlebags — a true expedition feel

• All accommodation and planning handled by Freerein

Best for you if…

✔ You want to experience a classic guided trail
✔ You enjoy riding in a group and meeting other riders
✔ You want the sense of achievement that comes with completing 100 miles on horseback
✔ You like the reassurance of having everything organised for you.

This is the most social and structured of our 6-day trails — ideal for riders who want adventure with guidance and camaraderie.

Red Kite Trail – Self-Guided Freedom in Perfect Riding Country

6 days · Self-Guided · Flexible mileage · Your dates

The Red Kite Trail is about flow, freedom and long canters. Riding through the Begwyns and Radnor Hills, this route offers ideal terrain for sustained, enjoyable riding every day, without the pressure of keeping up with a group.

This trail is named after the magnificent Red Kite. You may be lucky enough to see some on this trail. They are very distinctive because of their forked tail and striking colour – predominantly chestnut red with white patches under the wings and a pale grey head.

You ride only with your own partner, friends or family (minimum 2 riders), set your own dates, and enjoy the independence of navigating the trail yourselves — with the comfort of knowing accommodation and meals are already arranged.

What makes it special

• Ride at your own pace, just your group

• Pick your own dates

• Long, flowing terrain perfect for daily canters

• Luggage is transported between inns and B&Bs

• Accommodation and meals arranged — you just ride

Best for you if…

✔ You’re a confident rider ready to go self-guided
✔ You want to ride only with people you choose
✔ You value flexibility and independence
✔ You want a relaxed but rewarding riding week.

This is our most accessible 6-day self-guided trail — all the freedom, without the intensity of a full expedition.

Trans Cambrian Trail – Freerein+ Self-Guided Expedition

6 days · Self-Guided · ~100 miles · Experienced riders only · Your dates

The Trans Cambrian Trail is a Freerein+ adventure, designed for riders who have already completed a self-guided trail with Freerein and are ready to take things further.

The first section of this trail heads northwards across the Radnor Hills towards Radnor Forest. Then follows the Ithon Valley up to Abbeycwmhir. From here there is a rugged jumble of hills & valleys as you cross the Marteg Valley and descend into the Wye Valley at Llangurig. After a night in Llangurig head north into the Hafren Forest, ford the head waters of the River Severn and emerge onto the wilds of Plynlimon. After a comfortable night’s sleep, saddle up early and set forth to cross the wilds of the Plynlimon Mountain range. Then follow the Hengwm Valley or descend steeply down Glyndwrs Way then climb back up through woodlands before the final descent into Talybont. On the fifth day the northerly and southerly riding holiday routes join and riders stay the night at Talybont. From Talybont it is a leisurely ride to the coast at Borth then a 3 mile ride along the sands to Ynyslas to meet the equibus for the return journey to Freerein HQ.

Like Border to Coast, it crosses Wales from border to coast — but on a different route, and without a guide. You carry your own luggage in saddlebags and ride as a fully independent expedition, setting your own pace and dates.

What makes it special

• A 100-mile self-guided expedition

• Border-to-coast route, different from Border to Coast Guided trail.

• Carry your luggage for the week

• Ride with your own group, on your own dates

• Accommodation and meals fully arranged by Free Rein

Best for you if…

✔ You’ve already done a Freerein self-guided trail
✔ You want a serious riding challenge
✔ You love independence and expedition-style riding
✔ You want to push yourself — mentally and physically.

This is our most demanding and rewarding 6-day trail — for riders who want total freedom and a real sense of accomplishment.

Which 6-Day Trail Should You Choose?

• Choose Border to Coast if you want a guided, social adventure with expert support

• Choose Red Kite Trail if you want self-guided freedom, flowing terrain and comfort

• Choose Trans Cambrian Trail if you’re ready for a true self-guided expedition.

Each trail delivers six unforgettable days in the saddle — the difference lies in how independent you want to be, who you want to ride with, and how far you want to push yourself.

If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to help you choose the trail that fits your riding experience, confidence and goals.

🐎 Your six-day adventure starts here.

Curious about our horse riding holidays?
> Discover all Guided Riding Holidays
> Browse all Self Guided Riding Holidays
> Discover our Freerein+ Self Guided trail rides
> Book a Learn To Ride trail.