A group of four, riding horses on high moorland in the North York Moors National Park

Horse riding in the National Parks

A group of horse riders from Shapley Farm, with a view acoss Northumberland National Park behind them

A gentle ride on horseback is a great way to feel closer to the outdoors in the National Parks, Britain’s breathing spaces. From challenging rides over hills, through gorges and high open moor, to gentler treks through woodlands and meadows, there is something to suit every ability of rider.

Holidays with your horse

Take your own horse with you, and ride for a few days with places for you and your steed to stay along route. Or find a local stable and hire yourself a four-legged friend.

Brecon Beacons National Park has over 600 miles of bridleways and tracks, complete with accommodation for you and your horse. The Brecon Beacons horse riding website contains information about riding centres, riding trails, accommodation, events, and the annual Blessing of the horse.

The North York Moors National Park has almost 500 miles of bridleways, from old railway routes to forest tracks and open heather moorland. The Newtondale Horse Trail is a 35.5 mile circular route, through a dramatic gorge, that makes a stunning 2 or 3 day ride.

The Cheviot Challenge Routes are being developed by Northumberland National Park and the British Horse Society, to provide riding routes within and between 5 valleys, 4 within Northumberland and one across the border in Scotland. They offer you circular rides to do in a day, or longer routes to do across a week.

Amongst Exmoor’s 400 miles of bridleways is the Coleridge Way, which combines history, culture and great riding in the landscape that inspired the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Click on the thumbnails to see a bigger picture

Riding across the North York MoorsView from horse back in the Brecon BeaconsTrekking in the Yorkshire DalesHorse riders crossing a Dartmoor streamA horse trek in the Peak DistrictHorses and riders resting at a pubRiding in the Brecon Beacons

Shorter routes and family friendly treks

The Pennine Bridleway National Trail will be a 350mile National Trail for riders, cyclists and walkers winding through the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Parks. The first 120 mile stretch in the Peak District National Park is already open, as is the Settle Loop, a 10 mile circular trail in the Yorkshire Dales.

The New Forest National Park and the South Downs have gentle landscapes of woodland, open moor and rolling grasslands, ideal for beginners or just taking it easy and admiring the view. There are lots of stables who will hire you horses, equipment, give your lessons or take you on a guided trek.

Further information

Good guide to riding

  • Keep to the path
  • Do not jump hedgerows or fallen timber
  • Shut gates behind you and ride slowly past sheep or cattle
  • Only ride on bridleways and where you have permission, footpaths are not meant for horses
  • Ride with consideration towards other riders, walkers and cyclists. Slow down where visibility is restricted and ride cautiously on country roads
  • Don't start fires or drop cigarettes or matches
  • Take litter home, it can be dangerous to wildlife as well as unsightly
  • Keep dogs under close control. A loose dog can harm sheep and ground nesting birds
  • Plan your journey carefully and aim to end it well before dusk, especially on dark winter days. Tell someone where you are heading to
  • Take warm and waterproof clothes, the weather can change very quickly

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