Imperial College - Horse Riding in Wild Wales
Please note that this booking page is exclusively for Imperial College students. Please do not attempt to book if you are not a student of Imperial College, as your booking will be cancelled, subject to an administration fee and bank charges.
This outdoor adventure weekend explores the rugged beauty of wild Wales. This two day tour is made up of one day sightseeing, and on day horse riding through the Brecon Beacons.
The highlights of this tour include Chepstow Castle, Hay-on-Why, Tintern Abbey, Baskerville Hall, and of course a horse ride through the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Day 1
Your weekend adventure begins as we travel west across the border, crossing the River Severn estuary and into another country - Wales!
The first stop on this weekend is Chepstow, featuring its impressive castle - the oldest stone fortress in the country. It is here the stunning River Wye merges with the Severn and flows out to the ocean. This ancient Welsh port is our first stop, where we stop for an early lunch, before we travel onwards to the Wye Valley and the ancient ruins at Tintern, a 12th century Cistercian Abbey. As we continue our journey westwards, we enter the dramatic country of South Wales and visit Hay-on-Wye, the famous town of books, boasting a yearly festival that Bill Clinton once called 'the Woodstock of the mind'. Here, amongst the quiet, narrow streets there will be time to look around the many second hand bookstores before we head off to our accommodation where you can enjoy a relaxing evening meal.
We stay overnight in Baskerville Hall on the edge of the Brecon Beacons in 130 acres of Welsh countryside. Built in 1839 by Thomas Baskerville, the Baskervilles were family friends of Sherlock Holmes author, Arthur Conan Doyle. A regular visitor to Baskerville Hall, it was here that he learned of the legend of the hounds of the Baskervilles. It was reputed that this famous case was written nearby on Herget Ridge, but at the request of his friends, who wanted to avoid the tourism that such a high profile story would bring, he actually set the book in Devon!
Day 2
Our second day involves a half a days horseback riding in the Brecon Beacons National Park, along remote bridleways and ancient tracks, enjoying views of the stunning mountains, an important feature of the Welsh countryside. All riders will receive instruction in outdoor riding in the centre before leaving for your ride, by experienced instructors. We then make a relaxing stop in a village pub for lunch (please note that food and drinks are not included in tour price).
This price of this weekend tour includes;
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Half a day's horse riding in the Brecon Beacons National Park - an adventurer's paradise!
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Sightseeing in Chepstow and Wye Valley along the way
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A nights accommodation in Baskerville Hall, complete with breakfast. Accommodation is in multi-bedded rooms, but you can select an upgrade to a twin rooms if you wish. If you do not select a upgrade, you will automatically be placed in a room with customers of the same gender.
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We would recommend bringing your own towel for this tour, as towels are not included with the multi-bedded rooms, but can be hired.
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Travel by executive coach
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Please note, entry to Tintern Abbey or Chepstow Castle is not included in the tour price.
The typical group size for this weekend tour is 30-40 people. You will travel by luxury, air-conditioned vehicle, and enjoy the service of one of our professional tour managers for duration of the trip.
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Please ensure you arrive at your allocated departure point at least 10 minutes before your departure time.
Time | Departure point |
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08:00am | In front of the Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College Road. |
Please note that all timings are estimated and assuming normal traffic conditions. Due to the changeable nature of road conditions, we cannot guarantee a precise time when you will get back to London, it is usually between 7.00pm - 9.00pm.
Hotel Accommodation
The basic price of this tour includes overnight, ensuite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.
Rooms are 3-6 bedded, with the option of a twin/double room upgrade also available. If you do not select the upgrade option at the time of booking, you will automatically be placed in a room with other members of the group (of the same gender).
The Hotel we use for this tour is the Baskerville Hall Hotel, which is set in 130 acres of beautiful Welsh countryside.
FAQs
I have never ridden a horse before, can I join the tour?
Yes! No knowledge of horse riding is required! An experienced instructor will accompany the group. All horses are well trained and used to special trails. A weight limit applies for all riders of 16 stones/224 pounds/101 kgs. Anybody over this weight please contact [email protected] before booking.
Do I need any special Clothing?
All safety helmets will be provided, but please wear flat shoes and bring waterproof clothing.
Does the tour include any food?
Other than the breakfasts provided at your accommodation on day 2, we do not provide any other meals.