Scottish Castles Trail Ride

Scottish Castles Trail Ride Overview

Fly into Glasgow or Edinburgh for a transfer, or make your own way to the Equestrian Centre by car. Each week will start with two nights in the on-site hotel . Once you are on the trail ride you will stay in a variety of Inns and Castles, most with spas so you can ease the aches of a long day in the saddle.

Day 1: Sunday Transfer from the airport. If you arrive by 2.00 pm there will be a short ride around the centre to help you get your bearings. Otherwise you will meet your fellow riders and guides during dinner in the stable bistro. Day 2: Monday Today we will take a full day picnic ride through the World Heritage Site of New Lanark Village and on to the famous Falls of Clyde, the highest and most spectacular waterfall in Scotland. This day allows us to match you with your perfect equestrian partner for the trip, changes will be made if necessary. After the ride you may like to visit the health spa in New Lanark Village before dinner. Day 3: Tuesday You and the horses will be transferred 10 miles to the town of Biggar today where your journey into the Scottish Borders will begin. The trail leads you across open country with the steep sided rounded Southern Upland hills rising before you. These were the hidden homes of the Border Reivers, the lawless families who plundered the English borders. Your horse will carry you over the John Buchan Way, named to commemorate the author of “The 39 Steps” and other adventure books. The village of Broughton houses a museum of his works. Lunch will be enjoyed is a secluded farmstead nestled in the hills. Afterwards, you will ride to Stobo Valley and over another hilltop to Manor Valley. Day 4: Wednesday An old drovers’ road skirts your ride around the quaint town of Peebles. These roads had walls on each side to make driving cattle easier as well as break the wind and snow in the winter. Here you will catch sight of deer, hares and foxes and other wildlife and birds. Your guide will be pointing out all the wildlife along the way and of course the many castles, giving you the history of the area. Unwind in a comfortable hotel with a hearty dinner. Day 5: Thursday You will be collected from your overnight hotel for a bespoke tour of ther oldest inhabited castle in Scotkland - Traquair Castle, the tour is often conducted by Lady Catherine - a direct descndant of Mary Queen of Scots. Owned by the Stewarts, the entry gate was locked when Bonnie Prince Charlie failed in his bid to take the Crown from the Hanoverians and the family vowed the gate would remain locked until the Stewarts regained the throne. Needless to say the Stewarts never gained the throne and the huge gate remains rusty and locked to this day. This afternoon we ride deeper into the Borders Country and some truly spectacular scenery, you will ride to the best vantage points to take in the views. You will ride the famous ascending Minch Moor drovers’ route. The road’s midpoint is marked with the Cheese Well. The nearby feeder spring was considered sacred in ancient times and travellers would leave gifts in hope that the fairies would provide a safe passage over the Moor. Many left bread and cheese – hence the name. This was also once the coach route from the border country to Edinburgh. It is a marvel that a team of horses and coach could travel the winding uphill road. Over night and dinner tonight in the famous Hunting Lodge in the historic town of Selkirk, the scene of many battles between the Scots and the English. Day 6: Friday Your ride ascends over the Buccleuch Trail to enjoy the fabulous countryside around the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys. You will pass Newark Castle, a sombre tower typical of the hundreds once scattered across the borders to provide safety from raiders. The route continues through the sweet scented pine forests to hill tops high above the valley and tumbling rivers. The peaceful quiet is interrupted only by the thud of your horse’s hoof beats, curlews’ cries and skylarks’ songs. Our guests return to the Centre on Friday evening to enjoy a final meal in the Stables Bistro and a good night’s sleep before departing on Saturday morning. Day 7: Saturday After breakfast, you will transfer to your airport or train station.