Riders in the countryside in Wales, UK riding holiday
Europe > Wales

Border to Coast trail

Experience a real trail riding expedition through the idyllic Welsh countryside, with 6 days on horseback covering over 100 miles. Discover the unmarked tracks and trails through wild, remote hills and valleys and ride through the rich green countryside of Wye Valley, and the sandy beaches of the Dovey Estuary. Experience the real Wales, staying overnight at small local inns and traditional guest houses. There is no back-up vehicle on this ride, meaning you will carry your clothes and personal items in expedition bags – a real adventure on horseback!
Book now Print the details for this ride
Trail Riding
6 days/5 nights
From £2,639

From the horse’s mouth

  • Border to Coast trail
    August 2023 Justine aged 31
    I was thoroughly impressed by the overall quality of the "Border to Coast" trip. Initially a bit put off by the price compared to some of the other rides in faraway places, I quickly understood that it was well justified by the better-than-nice accommodation and meals included in the fare. The horses are all-round... Read all
  • Border to Coast trail
    September 2021 Adele aged 67
    A really good ride and I felt that it compares well to rides around the world. A good selection of horses for different abilities: the ride is not technically difficult, but is fairly fast. The scenery is amazing, and the beach at Borth is perfect for long gallops.
  • Riders enjoying a trail ride in the UK, Wales
    An expedition on horseback in the UK
  • Riding holiday in Wales
    A lovely riding holiday in Wales
  • Riders on a trail riding expedition in Wales
    Explore the Welsh countryside on horseback
  • Horse and rider riding in water in Wales
    Enjoy a fun riding holiday in Wales
  • Riders in the countryside in Wales, UK riding holiday
    Explore Wales on a trail ride from the border to the coast
  • Riding holiday in Wales to the beach
    Reaching the beach after a week in the saddle across Wales
  • Beach riding in Wales with a nice canter
    Enjoy fun, fast canters along the beach!

Itinerary

Highlights

- Explore Wales on a special 6-day itinerary, starting on the English border, and finishing on the beach at Ynyslas! ⁠
- Embark on a real riding expedition over unmarked trails, covering around 100 miles, with no back-up vehicle assistance
- Stay in quirky Welsh guesthouses and enjoy the hospitality of the locals
- A shorter version of this trail is also available (with vehicle assistance): see the Welsh Prince trail.
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  • Day 1 1 : EUROPE - CLYRO - 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. On this trail riding holiday, all your belongings will come with you and you will be given special waterproof expedition saddlebags. Please see the packing list for notes on weight limitations.

    A full day in the saddle where you will explore the open tracks of the Begwns and Llanbedr hill, passing through the Village of Painscastle where one of the biggest battles in Welsh History took place in 1198. After lunch, cross up and over 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.

  • Day 2 2 : BUILTH WELLS - MYNYDD EPPYNT- ABERGWESYN - 6-7 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 is in store for you. Climb up to Pant-y-llyn lake high above Builth Wells, and follow the northern stretch of the MynyddEppynt down to Abergwesyn, where the horses will stay the night. A short taxi ride will take the group to the town of Llanwrtyd, where you will stay at a local inn.

  • Day 3 3 : ABERGWESYN- STRATA FLORIDA- PONTRHYDFENDIGAID - 6-7 hours riding

    After a good night’s rest, you will be ready for another full day of riding. Today’s route will take you through the mid part of the Cambrian Mountains where you will ride across an extremely remote terrain. Here you can enjoy the blissful peace of the Welsh countryside. Follow the ancient monk roads and cross large rivers and fords, where your horses can enjoy a quick splash. Eventually, you will ride downwards to the historic Abbey at Strata Florida to stay the night at nearby Pontrhydfendigaid. Horses will stay a short walk away with a local farmer.

  • Day 4 4 : PONTRHYDFENDIGAID-FFAIR RHOS- PONTERWYD - 6-7 hours riding

    After a quick breakfast you will ready yourself for another big day, where you will cover around 20 miles of beautiful Welsh countryside. Start your ride through the small Village of Ffair-Rhos and out across a deserted valley, passing the remains of an ancient market village. Enjoy a peaceful ride through the Bwlchgwallter forest before crossing the bridge over the Dologau waterfall. Pose for a photo under the old masonry Arch built in 1810 to mark the Golden Jubilee of George III. After lunch, follow the river out onto open moorland and down into the village of Ponterwyd, where you will stay the night.

  • Day 5 5 : PONTERWYD- CEULANAMAESMAWR – CARDIGAN BAY - 6-7 hours riding

    Today’s ride will take you along the old mountain road up past Dinas Reservoir, you will ride onwards before reaching a crossing in the dam at Nant-y-moch reservoir. Here, at the base of Plynlimonis the highest point of the Cambrian Mountains. Get your first glimpse of the sea before heading down into the valley in Ceulanamaesmawr. Follow the bridleways looking out over Cardigan Bay before arriving at your final overnight stop.

  • Day 6 6 : CARDIGAN BAY - BORTH- CLYRO -EUROPE - 4-5 hours riding

    Your final day in the saddle. Enjoy your last ride over the hills before heading down into the coastal plain & the seaside town of Borth. Take your horse for a short trot up the local high street before arriving on the beautiful open beach! Here you can really get a sense of your horse’s speed and canter across the sand before enjoying a cooling splash in the sea. Take time to take in the surrounding landscape with a well-deserved ice cream. Say a final farewell to your horse and the team before heading home. Transfer to Clyro is organised for all riders at midday, arriving at around 3:00pm. Transfers from the stables can then be organised to the Hereford train station (see dates and prices).

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. £210/€240/$260.

- 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 or twin room - Bed and Breakfast

Meals

Full board from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 6

Price doesn't include

Accommodation

Single room supplement

Transport

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

Extras

Tips to the local team
Beverages at the bar, or any other personal extras

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
Visas and personal purchase
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    28/04/2024 03/05/2024 £2,639 €3,035 $3,272
    Guaranteed departure
    		Contact an advisor
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    12/05/2024 17/05/2024 £2,639 €3,035 $3,272
    Full
    02/06/2024 07/06/2024 £2,639 €3,035 $3,272
    Guaranteed departure
    		Book now
    16/06/2024 21/06/2024 £2,639 €3,035 $3,272
    Full
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    28/07/2024 02/08/2024 £2,639 €3,035 $3,272
    Guaranteed departure
    		Book now
    11/08/2024 16/08/2024 £2,639 €3,035 $3,272
    Guaranteed departure
    		Book now
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    15/09/2024 20/09/2024 £2,639 €3,035 $3,272
    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 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 riding between 6-7 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.

Previous experience of a multi-day trail ride is strongly recommended.

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.


Please note that there is no back up vehicle for this ride. Each rider is supplied with specially designed expedition saddle bags for spare clothes and personal belongings, and a smaller saddle bag for food and drinks. The amount of luggage each rider can take is roughly equal to one aircraft carry on sized bag/case. We also supply liners for your main expedition bags – these are 100% waterproof and will keep your belongings dry.

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 guest houses 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 note that you are limited to around 6-8 kilos of clothing on this ride, as all your belongings will be carried with you in special expedition saddlebags. Please pack only what you need. The following list is a recommendation and outlines things you might need, depending on the season.

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.

Did you know?

Did you know?

The Cambrian Mountains, also known as the “Green Desert of Wales” is a barren and scenic wilderness that offers the most incredible and unspoiled views of Mid Wales. This wild and empty plateau is the path between the famous Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons National Parks, and the charm that joins the two together. At the base of Plynlimonis and the highest point of the Cambrian Mountains, you will get your first glimpse of the sea and the spectacular Cardigan Bay, the largest bay in Wales. It is often possible to see the bays “Big three species” of harbour porpoise, grey seals and bottlenose dolphins, of which the bay has the largest population in the UK.

On the blog

Ride report on the blog by Equus guest Justine:

“Have you been on a riding holiday before?” I’m staring at my computer screen, the question staring back at me. In all fairness, I’ve never been on a riding holiday before. I’ve plenty of horse-riding experience under my belt. I started riding when I was five, I was competing all through high-school in eventing, and I’ve even groomed for a professional rider for a few months, back when I lived in Australia. But all of this was a long time ago. These days, I’m lucky enough if I can get the odd lesson at the local riding school, where all I’m able to do is trot and canter in circles, safe in the midst of a tiny schooling arena.

I’m about to sign up for the “Border to Coast” package, which is a six-day expedition on horseback in Wales. And let’s be honest, I’m very nervous. I don’t know if I’m fit enough to survive the trip; I have doubts as to whether I’m a good enough rider to handle an unfamiliar horse in the great outdoors. However, I’m always up for a challenge, and having just handed in my resignation and left an office job, six days in the wilderness sounds exactly like what I need to get a fresh start.

See more on the blog: click here
 

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.
  • Justine aged 31 Glasgow 1 trip
    August 2023
    I was thoroughly impressed by the overall quality of the "Border to Coast" trip. Initially a bit put off by the price compared to some of the other rides in faraway places, I quickly understood that it was well justified by the better-than-nice accommodation and meals included in the fare. The horses are all-round... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Adele aged 67 6 trips
    September 2021
    A really good ride and I felt that it compares well to rides around the world. A good selection of horses for different abilities: the ride is not technically difficult, but is fairly fast. The scenery is amazing, and the beach at Borth is perfect for long gallops.
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide