Horse Riding in Wild Wales
An outdoor adventure weekend to explore the rugged beauty of wild Wales. This 2 day tour includes one day sightseeing and one day Horse Riding.
Tour highlights include: Chepstow Castle, Tintern Abbey, Hay-on-Wye, Baskerville Hall and riding in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Day 1
Our adventure begins as we travel west over the border, crossing the River Severn estuary and into another country - Wales. The first stop is Chepstow with its impressive castle - the oldest stone fortress in the country. Here the beautiful River Wye merges with the Severn and flows out to the ocean. This ancient Welsh port provides us with an early lunch stop before we explore the Wye Valley and visit the ruins at Tintern, a 12th century Cistercian Abbey whose romantic delights inspired the poetry of Wordsworth and the paintings of Turner. As we continue our journey westwards we enter the dramatic hill country of South Wales and visit Hay-on-Wye, the famous town of books, which boasts 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 accomodation 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 Myners Baskerville, the Baskervilles were family friends of Sherlock Holmes author Arthur Conan Doyle who was a regular visitor to Baskerville Hall. It was here he learnt of the legend of the hounds of the Baskervilles. It is reputed he wrote his famous case for the detective on nearby Hergest Ridge, but at the request of his friends (who did not want their beautiful part of Welsh countryside invaded by tourists) he actually set the book in Devon!
Day 2
Our second day involves a half day's horseback riding in the Brecon Beacons National Park, taking in remote bridleways and ancient tracks with views of the stunning mountains, an important feature of the Welsh countryside. The riding is organised through Cantref Horse Riding Centre. The centre has been established for over 40 years and is the only horse riding centre that goes into the Brecon Beacons. All riders will receive instruction in outdoor riding in the centre before leaving for your ride. A relaxing stop in a village pub for food and refreshment will also be given (food and drinks not included in tour price).
Price includes
- Half a day's horse riding in the Brecon Beacons National Park - an adventurer's paradise!
- Sightseeing in Chepstow and Wye Valley along the way!
- 1 night's accommodation in Baskerville Hall with breakfast in multi-bedded rooms, but you can select an upgrade to a twin or double rooms. If you do not select a upgrade you will automatically be placed in a room with customers of the same gender. Please note we recommend to bring your own towel, as they are not included with the multi-bedded rooms but can be hired.
- Travel by executive coach
- Please note, entry to Tintern Abbey or Chepstow Castle is not included in the tour price.
The typical group size on our 2 day Horse riding in Wales tour is 30-40 people. You will travel by luxury air-conditioned coach in what will be an excellent, shared experience with one of our professional Tour Managers.
Please ensure you arrive at your selected departure point at least 15 minutes before the departure time.
You can join this tour from the following locations:
08:30am Outside International Student House, London W1W 5PN (MAP)
Nearest tube station is Great Portland Street
08:45am Outside Gloucester Road Tube station
Meet at the station exit.
If you intend to travel to our central London meeting points by public transport, you can plan your journey in advance on the Transport for London website - click here.
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, twin/double room accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. If you are travelling solo, you will automatically be placed in a room with other members of the group of the same gender, unless you select a single room upgrade.
The hotel we use for this tour is the Baskerville Hall Hotel, which is set in 130 acres of beautiful Welsh countryside.
FAQ's
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.