Overview
This two day, one night trail ride starts and ends at Freerein HQ on the Welsh/English border in the Wye Valley. It is a fantastic two-day-getaway covering 30 miles, exploring the stunning landscape we are lucky enough to have right on our doorstep. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the green, rolling hills and heather swept moorlands with unbeatable views of the Black Mountains and Radnor Hills.
The Riding
The route on this trail consists of lots of grassy tracks, open hills, old green lanes and so on. The trails are a mix of little used bridle ways, old council roads and timeworn drovers routes. The pace of the ride is calm and relaxed, with lots of trotting on the old lanes and canters wherever the terrain allows. There are also points along the route where it is necessary to dismount and walk with your horse, such as steep down hill tracks which may be loose underfoot.
Level of Riding & Fitness
You must be happy and confident cantering in open spaces to join this ride.
You will be riding around 6 hours each day, so you must have a good level of current riding fitness. You must be physically fit enough to enjoy long trots and long days in the saddle on this riding holiday.
Guides & Group Sizes
All Freerein guides are full time, paid adults who all have an extensive knowledge of our horses, routes and the hills. They are relaxed, friendly & professional.
Strict maximum of 8 guests per trail.
The Horses
You will be matched to one of our incredible herd of fit, friendly, forward going trail riding horses and ponies. They are all a mixture of hardy breeds native to the UK. They live out all year round, working for 7 months of the year and enjoying a 5 month break over the winter months. They love their job and relish their happy, healthy lifestyle.
Tack & Riding Equipment
Each horse has its own individually fitted English tack, customised and fitted professionally for Freerein. All horses are ridden in simple snaffle bits.
Your luggage is transported by us, by road. Each rider will be supplied with one of our specially designed saddle bags to carry lunch, drinks, cameras etc whilst out on trail.
Accommodation & Meals
All individuals are automatically booked a room for single occupancy.
Accommodation is at a basic, quirky, characterful, family run establishment that offers a warm welcome to trail riders.
Expect to be fed well on this trip; food is all homemade using locally sourced ingredients where possible. All accommodation places can cater for any dietary requirements.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrive at Freerein HQ for 9am. Meet your guide, your fellow riders and pack your saddle bags. Meet your horse and prepare them for a day out on trail.
Follow the quiet, country lanes up onto the rolling green hills of the Begwns. Wind through the soft, grassy tracks, passing the ‘Roundabout’ an unusual landmark built in the 19th Centaury to honor Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch in the hills. Drop down into the valley before climbing onto Llanbedr hill. Notice the change in terrain from grass and bracken to heather and gorse scattered moorland. Spot wild Welsh Mountain ponies and Red Kites as you sweep around the hills, dropping down to your end location for around 4pm. There is then a short walk from the horses grazing to your inn for the night.
Total length: 14 miles -
Day 2
After a hearty Welsh breakfast, catch, feed, groom and tack up the horses. Blow away the cobwebs with some fantastic canters, before arriving on the more rugged, stony tracks of Llandeilo hill.
Take in the stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with views North taking in the Radnor Hills and views South of the Black Mountains & Brecon Beacons, Pen y Fan to Lord Hereford’s Knob! Pass the mysterious grave of ’Twm Tobacco’ before stopping for lunch.
After lunch, enjoy some more exhilarating canters on the Begwns before trundling home via the old green lanes. Arrive back at Freerein HQ for tea and cakes and say farewell to your new friends, your horse and your guide.
Total length: 15 miles
Gallery
We were bowled over by the organisation and friendliness of Freerein - can't wait to book a longer trip!
Explorer Trail
£659pp all inclusive
[Single Occupancy £42 per person per night]
Price includes:
- Two full days trail riding
- One night accommodation on trail
- Breakfast
- All Packed Lunches
- Evening Meal
- Arrangements for duration of holiday
- Trail riding horse, tack & saddlebags
- Backup as required
- Services of guide
- Luggage delivery
Price excludes:
- All drinks at any bar
- Tips
Hire Your Own Guide
This trail is available as a bespoke product where you hire your own guide just for you and those you book with. The cost for hiring your own guide is £263 per day per group + trail cost pp.