Short riding holiday in Wales, Brecon Beacons
Europe > Wales

The Welsh Prince trail

Embark on a fun equestrian short break covering 70 miles of idyllic Welsh countryside. Begin your four-day, three-night trail on the Welsh/English border in the Wye Valley, and explore the unmarked tracks and trails through the remote hills and valleys in the heart of Mid-Wales. Discover a route steeped in mystery and historic tales, dating back to as far as the 1st century. Stay overnight in traditional countryside inns and family run bed and breakfasts along the way, for a really authentic riding holiday in Wales.
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Trail Riding
4 days riding/3 nights
From £1,429

From the horse’s mouth

  • The Welsh Prince trail
    June 2023 Andrea aged 60
    Myself and my daughter recently went on the four day Welsh Prince trail with Freerein and it was the most amazing experience. The horses are all fit and love being out on the trail, are forward moving but sensible and look after you. Our guide Merryn was so knowledgeable, kind and supportive plus fun! We stayed at... Read all
  • The Welsh Prince trail
    June 2023 Jennifer aged 66
    A brilliant way to see some spectacular Welsh countrysid. Willing forward going happy horses. A very well organised holiday Usher was a happy forward going pony who obviously enjoyed his job.
  • The Welsh Prince trail
    June 2023 Marjorie
    Everything was well organised, the horses were well suited for the job, and I think they matched us well to the horses. The accommodation was excellent, the weather was perfect, the scenery was amazing, and we had a super guide in Merryn. Blueberry was great, very easy, loved to have a splash in the water and was very... Read all
  • The Welsh Prince trail
    July 2022 Rachal aged 56
    For me this riding holiday fulfilled a life long dream to ride on a continuous journey & staying wherever we finished at in the evening. I had a wonderful horse to ride , he was safe to ride and wonderful to take care of for the four days. Our guide was great in every way , making sure we were all okay at every stage... Read all
  • The Welsh Prince trail
    May 2022 CATHERINE aged 62
    The riding holiday was absolutely brilliant and exceeded expectations. Limerick, my horse, was safe but forward going. The bed and breakfasts and food were exceptional - all of them. I absolutely loved it and would thoroughly recommend. Top notch guide too! The horse I rode was a very sturdy 14.3 Welsh cob called... Read all
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Itinerary

Highlights

- Discover the beautiful scenery of the Welsh Countryside on horse-back, perfect for long canters
- Excellent off-road trekking in one of the most scenic regions of Wales
- Enjoy typical Welsh hospitality and stay in traditional bed and breakfasts
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  • Day 1 1 : EUROPE - HEREFORD - BUILTH WELLS - 5-6 hours riding

    Arrival at 8.30am at the stables on the border between Herefordshire and Wales. If required, you may arrive a day early and we can help organise accommodation. We recommend international travellers to arrive in London or Birmingham and rent a car or take a train to Hereford, where a taxi can be arranged.

    Start your day by meeting your guide and fellow riders, before being partnered with your horse for the week. Prepare your saddle bags and get ready for your first day on the trail. Today is a full day in the saddle exploring the open tracks of the Begwns. Here, you will ride past the ‘Roundabout,’ an unusual landmark build in the 19th Century to honour Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. A picnic lunch before you cross up and over Rhulen and Aberedw Hill to arrive at the horse’s accommodation for the night. Feed and untack before a short taxi ride into the agricultural town of Builth Wells, where you will spend the night at a local bed and breakfast. Dinner will be at 7pm where you will dine in one of the local restaurants in town.

  • Day 2 2 : BUILTH WELLS - OLD RADNOR - 5-6 hours riding

    A delicious Welsh breakfast to start your morning. After a short drive to where your horses are staying, you will feed, groom and prepare them for their big day ahead. Another full-day’s trail where you will ride down and through Aberedw Hill into the hamlet of Hundred House. Here, you will find what was once regarded as a strategic location, built by both the Romans and Normans in the first century AD. Your horses take you up Gwaunceste Hill where you can enjoy a fabulous panaromic view. Pass the remains of Black Yalt, an old but famous farmhouse that was built in the 18th century, and later blown to feature in a film about the second World War. Ride down the the winding country lanes to Old Radnor, where you will stay for the night.

  • Day 3 3 : OLD RADNOR - NEWCHURCH - PAINSCASTLE - 5-6 hours riding

    An early morning wake up, and time to catch, feed and prepare your horse for the day ahead. Start the steep climb up onto the spectacular Hergest Ridge. Discover the paces of your horse and enjoy a canter around an abandoned racecourse at the very top of the ridge. Race around the tracks of this racecourse that dates back to the Victorian era. It held regular events until around 1880. After an exciting morning in the saddle , ride through the Parish of Gladestry and follow the quiet country lanes to join a part of Offa’s Dyke path across Disgwylfa hill where you will pass through the village of Newchurch. Take in the breathtaking views atop Newchurch hill and Bryngwyn hill before heading to your overnight accommodation in a local inn in the village of Painscsastle. Enjoy a night of relaxation and here the history of the most brutal battle in all of Welsh history, the battle of Painscastle in 1198.

  • Day 4 4 : PAINSCASTLE – BEGWNS - CLYRO - 5-6 hours riding

    One last Welsh breakfast before preparing your horse for the last day of the trail. Enjoy the beautiful colours of the rugged moorland of Llanbedr Hill, where you can take in the spectacular views of the Black Mountains. Spot Pen-y-fan, the highest peak in South Wales. Travel the length of Landeilo hill where you will pass the mysterious grave of Twm Tobacco. At the top, you can look down into the hamlet of Aberedw, where the last Prince of Wales- Prince Llewelyn- once took refuge, when hiding from the English in the early 13th century. Your final afternoon will be enjoyed with exhilarating canters on the Begwns. Make the most of the last few moments with your horse with a relaxing walk down the country lanes. A slice of cake to end a great holiday on a high, before saying a final farewell to your horse and the team at before heading home.

Dates & prices

Price details

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

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

- If you sign up to the ride as a solo rider, you will be charged a single room supplement of approx. £126/€140/$155.

- 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.

- Rider weight limit: 92 Kgs, 14st 7lbs, 203 Lbs. Heavier riders please contact us.

- Teenagers aged 14+ are welcome on this ride, provided they meet the riding requirements and are accompanied by an adult.
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 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider

Accommodation

Double/twin room in a Bed and breakfast or Inn

Meals

Full board from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 4

Price doesn't include

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
    07/05/2024 10/05/2024 £1,429 €1,643 $1,772
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    21/05/2024 24/05/2024 £1,429 €1,643 $1,772
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    29/05/2024 01/06/2024 £1,429 €1,643 $1,772
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    11/06/2024 14/06/2024 £1,429 €1,643 $1,772
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    25/06/2024 28/06/2024 £1,429 €1,643 $1,772
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    02/07/2024 05/07/2024 £1,429 €1,643 $1,772
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    16/07/2024 19/07/2024 £1,429 €1,643 $1,772
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    06/08/2024 09/08/2024 £1,429 €1,643 $1,772
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    20/08/2024 23/08/2024 £1,429 €1,643 $1,772
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    03/09/2024 06/09/2024 £1,429 €1,643 $1,772
    Guaranteed departure
    		Book now
    10/09/2024 13/09/2024 £1,429 €1,643 $1,772
    Guaranteed departure
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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 our horses, routes and the hills. They are relaxed, friendly & 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 happy and confident cantering in open space.

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

Pace

The mixture of terrain means a varied riding pace each day – there will be lots of trotting to cover the distance and canters wherever the terrain allows. There will be points where it is necessary to dismount and walk on foot with your horse, such as steep downhill tracks which may be loose underfoot. On the final day of the trail, you can enjoy exhilarating canters on the sand.

Tacking ability and participation

You are required to groom, tack and untack your own horse during the week. 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 current riding fitness. You must be physically fit enough to enjoy long trots and long days in the saddle on this riding expedition.

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.

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, full of character, 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

At your discretion

Packing list

Please make sure to pack your belongings in an aircraft cabin carry on size, max 20kg. Towels are provided at all overnight stops

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 the elements. 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
- Small plastic bags for your 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.

Did you know?

Did you know?

The Wye Valley is an internationally important landscape that straddles the border between England and Wales. It is protected as an area of outstanding natural beauty and is named one of the most dramatic and scenic landscapes in Britain. The valley itself is extremely important for its wildlife habitats and is a home to the more unusual species like the lesser horseshoe bats, peregrine falcons and nightjar.  On this equestrian short break in Wales, you will have the chance to ride across the valley and enjoy everything it has to offer.

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

All of our reviews are real, honest opinions from riders who have recently travelled with us. Upon their return, our riders will receive an email inviting them to share their experiences from their trip. Good or bad, each review will be published on our website, provided that they respect our editorial guidelines.
  • Andrea aged 60 Seaforth, Sydney 1 trip
    June 2023
    Myself and my daughter recently went on the four day Welsh Prince trail with Freerein and it was the most amazing experience. The horses are all fit and love being out on the trail, are forward moving but sensible and look after you. Our guide Merryn was so knowledgeable, kind and supportive plus fun! We stayed at... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Jennifer aged 66 HAWICK 1 trip
    June 2023
    A brilliant way to see some spectacular Welsh countrysid. Willing forward going happy horses. A very well organised holiday Usher was a happy forward going pony who obviously enjoyed his job.
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Marjorie 1 trip
    June 2023
    Everything was well organised, the horses were well suited for the job, and I think they matched us well to the horses. The accommodation was excellent, the weather was perfect, the scenery was amazing, and we had a super guide in Merryn. Blueberry was great, very easy, loved to have a splash in the water and was very... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Rachal aged 56 OXFORD 1 trip
    July 2022
    For me this riding holiday fulfilled a life long dream to ride on a continuous journey & staying wherever we finished at in the evening. I had a wonderful horse to ride , he was safe to ride and wonderful to take care of for the four days. Our guide was great in every way , making sure we were all okay at every stage... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • CATHERINE aged 62 CARDIFF 2 trips
    May 2022
    The riding holiday was absolutely brilliant and exceeded expectations. Limerick, my horse, was safe but forward going. The bed and breakfasts and food were exceptional - all of them. I absolutely loved it and would thoroughly recommend. Top notch guide too! The horse I rode was a very sturdy 14.3 Welsh cob called... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Robert aged 57 4 trips
    July 2021
    Very good trip. I rode Hywi, quite well behaved and good natured horse with a good pace, enjoyable ride. We were very lucky with the weather which is not always the case in Wales. General comments: the days are very long, with riding times more like 6 - 7 hours with a lot of ground to cover, so quite tiring. We would... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide