Europe > Wales

Silver John Trail

A 3-day riding holiday to explore the Welsh-English border and the Wye Valley! You will discover historical landmarks along the way and enjoy panoramic views atop the Hergest Ridge. Whenever the terrain allows, enjoy good canters and long trots along beautiful grassy tracks. This short break is the ideal equestrian adventure for people who are looking for a quick getaway, or perhaps an introduction to trail riding.
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Trail Riding
3 days riding/3 nights
From £1,066

Itinerary

Highlights

- Explore the Wye Valley in the Welsh/English border and enjoy unbeatable views of the Black Mountains and Radnor Hills.
- Enjoy some of the best riding in the UK: you ride over miles of grassy tracks, open hills, and old green lanes providing unhindered riding.
- Stay in quirky, characterful, family-run establishments that offer a warm welcome to trail riders and a taste of the Welsh hospitality!
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  • Day 1 1: ARRIVAL IN CLYRO - Approx. 4-5 hours riding

    We recommend international travellers to travel a day before the start of the ride, flying to London or Birmingham: from there you can rent a car or take a train to Hereford, where a taxi can be arranged. It is possible to arrive a day early and spend the night locally in Hay-on-Wye (not included).

    Arrive at the stables at 9am to meet your guide, and fellow riders. After being matched with your horse, prepare your saddle bag and leave for the start of your holiday.

    Wind through old country lanes that will lead you to the rolling green hill of the Begwns. Continue through grassy tracks, passing the “Roundabout”, an unusual landmark honouring Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Take a break to enjoy a picnic-style lunch while surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Wye Valley. Drop down into the valley before climbing onto Llanbedr hill . On this trail you may spot wild Welsh Mountain ponies around the hills. Overnight at a B&B.

  • Day 2 2: OFFA’S DYKE TRAIL - Approx. 5-6 hours riding

    After a hearty Welsh breakfast, you will canter your way across Newchurch Hill before following part of the Offa’s Dyke trail across Disgwylfa Hill. Stop for a lunch break. Afterwards, enjoy the panoramic views atop Hergest Ridge. On the top of the ridge, there is an abandoned racecourse where you can enjoy a good canter.
    Pass the “Whet Stone” a traditional gathering point, before heading to your accommodation for the night.

  • Day 3 3: BURL HILL - BRYNGWYN HILL - Approx. 6-7 hours riding

    Today, you will follow the old country lanes across the remote Burl Hill. Pass the remains of Black Yatt, an old farmhouse built in the 18th century. Continue to ride the old track to cross Bryngwyn Hill before riding through the hamlet of Painscastle, where one of the biggest battles of Welsh History took place.
    Head back to stables, where a hot cup of tea awaits before departing in the late afternoon.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights or transportation to your destination are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double room during the ride.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 2 riders and a maximum of 8 international riders, plus guides.

- If you sign up to the ride as a solo rider you will be charged a single room supplement of approx. £84/€100/$105.

- Transfer information: If you are arriving by train, you will need to catch a taxi to Clyro, where the farm is located. The cost varies from £60-£80 and it needs to be prebooked. Please contact us for local taxi companies contact details.

- Teenagers aged 14+ are welcome on this ride, provided they meet the riding requirements and are accompanied by an adult.

-IMPORTANT: Riders weighing more than 92 Kgs/ 14 stone 7lb/ 203 lbs please indicate this at time of booking so we can ensure suitable horses are available.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Logistics

1 support vehicle

Accommodation

Double/twin room in a Bed and breakfast or Inn

Meals

Full board from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages at any bar and personal extras

Transport

Transfers to/from the train station. Rental car recommended
International flights

Extras

Tips to the local team

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    27/04/2024 29/04/2024 £1,066 €1,226 $1,322
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    04/05/2024 06/05/2024 £1,066 €1,226 $1,322
    Full
    11/05/2024 13/05/2024 £1,066 €1,226 $1,322
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    25/05/2024 27/05/2024 £1,066 €1,226 $1,322
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    08/06/2024 10/06/2024 £1,066 €1,226 $1,322
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    28/06/2024 30/06/2024 £1,066 €1,226 $1,322
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    03/07/2024 05/07/2024 £1,066 €1,226 $1,322
    Guaranteed departure
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    26/07/2024 28/07/2024 £1,066 €1,226 $1,322
    Guaranteed departure
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    10/08/2024 12/08/2024 £1,066 €1,226 $1,322
    Guaranteed departure
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    24/08/2024 26/08/2024 £1,066 €1,226 $1,322
    Open
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    14/09/2024 16/09/2024 £1,066 €1,226 $1,322
    Last seats
    		Book now
    27/09/2024 29/09/2024 £1,066 €1,226 $1,322
    Open
    		Book now
    11/10/2024 13/10/2024 £1,066 €1,226 $1,322
    Guaranteed departure
    		Book now

Equestrian info

Horses

The horses are a mixture of well bred, hardy breeds that are native to the UK. They are a herd of extremely fit, friendly and forward going trail horses and ponies. They live out all year round, working from 7 months of the year and enjoying a 5-month winter break. They love their job and enjoy long rides through the Welsh countryside.

Guide & local team

All guides are full time, and have an extensive knowledge of the horses, routes and hills. They are relaxed, friendly and professional.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

You need to be a competent rider with the ability to ride in all three paces. You must be confident cantering in open spaces.

Rider weight limit: 92 Kgs/ 14 stone 7lb/ 203 Lbs

Pace

You will be spending long hours in the saddle each day. You must be physically fit to enjoy long trots The pace is relaxed but there are regular trots and canters when the terrain allows.

Tacking ability and participation

You are required to groom, tack and untack your own horse during the holiday. You are also welcome to help with feeding and watering the horses if you wish.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You will be in the saddle for long hours each day, so riders must have a good level of fitness, even though the pace of the ride is relaxed. 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.
A back up vehicle will carry your luggage from one place to the next.

Equestrian equipment

Each horse has its own individually fitted English tack, customised and fitted professionally to each horse. All horses are ridden in simple snaffle bits.
Saddlebags are provided to carry personal items and your picnic lunches.
We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

Accommodation is at B&Bs and Inns along the route. They are all basic, quirky, characterful, family run establishments that offer a warm welcome to trail riders.

Meals

Food is all home-made using locally sourced ingredients where possible.
All accommodation places can cater for any dietary requirements.
Breakfasts are taken at the guesthouses and are typical UK breakfasts.
Lunches: picnic lunches consisting of a sandwich, crisps, snack bar/cake, fruit and a drink
Dinners are taken at local pubs and public houses.

Special diets can be accommodated. Please let us know in advance.

Climate

The British weather can be quite unpredictable and you should be ready for rain and sunshine in the same day!
Summers are cool, usually 20°C on average.
Winters can be very rainy, but are never too cold.

Tips

Tips are welcome but not expected. You should tip what you feel the service is worth and what you feel comfortable with.

Packing list

Your luggage is transported by the local team, by road. Each rider will be supplied with saddle bags to carry lunch, drinks, cameras etc whilst out on trail.

Head
- Helmets are mandatory. Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana

Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold
- Waterproof jacket - indispensable!
- Casual clothes for the evening

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Waterproof riding pants might be a good idea
- Casual clothes for the evening

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots or hiking boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps to protect against thorns. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged. Boots with a smooth sole are not recommended.
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for the evenings
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun or rain whilst riding

Other useful items
- Small bumbag to be worn whilst riding
- A soothing cream may be useful to treat areas irritated by long hours in the saddle
- Backpacks are not to be worn whilst riding. Everything should be kept either in pockets or in a bumbag : lip balm, sun screen, small camera, glasses, rope etc.
- Water bottle (1.5 litres or 2 equivalent)
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Toiletries
- Toilet paper and a lighter to burn it after use
- Swiss army knife or equivalent (in checking-in luggage!!)
- Small plastic bags for you rubbish
- Ear plugs (may be useful)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc..
- 10cm wide bandage
- Painkillers
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

Please do not bring:
- Inflatable air jacket
- Wellingtons, fashion boots, ponchos
- Footwear with a smooth sole

General information
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- In your hand luggage carry any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.