On this itinerary, you’ll have the unique privilege of joining the Common Ridings – the oldest horse riding festival in the world. Astride a nifty Irish Sport Horse, you’ll ride shoulder-to-shoulder with Scottish lads and lassies, tailored in tweed, bursting with good cheer, happy to share a time-honoured tradition.
Let’s just segue into some Scottish history here: the Common Ridings are an annual event celebrated in Scottish Border towns from May through to September. The tradition of Common Riding dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries, during the continual border wars with both England and other clans, when local men risked their lives to protect their town and people. To this day, the Ridings continue in commemoration of local legend, history and tradition. And YOU get to join in – WHOOP!
When you’re not on a Common Riding, your days will see you trit-trotting across grassy glens, moorlands dotted in sheep and unspoiled coastlines. The dramatic scenery will pull you back in time to a bygone world of clan clashes and romantic tales of damsels in distress.
You’ll be guests at Cringletie House Hotel, which is hands-down amazing, bespoke yet homely. Throughout the week, you’ll be hosted by general manager, Bill Haegeland, who will charm you with his Scottish knowledge and hospitality. And let’s not forget the out-of-saddle delights like a wee dram (whisky) beside a crackling fire after a successful Common Riding; the tingle on the back of your neck when ‘Scotland the Brave’ skirls on the pipes at your welcome dinner; and trying your hand at the Highland Games.
It’s a brilliant balance of riding paired with time to explore the Borders’ highlights. *This is why this ride is PERFECT for non-riding partners.
Once you’ve completed this holiday, you’ll qualify as an honorary Scot, having stepped out on a Common Riding, tossed a shot-put, slugged a single-malt whisky and appreciated some fine pipe music. Scottish ancestry or not, Outlander fan or not, you need to make a beeline for this ride.
**If you are considering a UK or a European sojourn, have you seen some of the other UK rides we now offer? You could extend your trip to 10 days or a fortnight and sample a second or even a third ride to deepen or enhance the flavour of your trip to a full ‘Best of British Isles’ menu. We have designed the UK summer season to help you do exactly this, with one or two days between ‘complementary’ departures.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:A mixture of Irish Draughts, Irish Cobs, Irish Sport Horses and Connemaras. *Please note, you will ride a variety of horses throughout your holiday, with different horses being used for the Common Ridings.
- Pace:The pace is variable, depending on the nature of the terrain, but riders will enjoy long stretches of trotting, fast-paced canters and galloping on most Common Riding days. *Please note, the Common Riding pace is set by the Cornet (lead rider) and cannot be guaranteed.
- Type of tack:English all-purpose saddles and bridles.
- Time in Saddle:Variable depending on the individual Common Ridings. Be prepared to ride between 2 to 6 hours daily. Refer to the suggested itinerary for a more accurate breakdown of hours in the saddle.
- Ride Length:7 days, 6 nights, with 6 riding days.
- Seasons:May through to September, when the Common Ridings through the Scottish Border towns occur.
- Group size:A maximum of 10 guests per departure.
- Riding Ability:Suitable for strong intermediate to advanced riders only. This ride is NOT for the faint-hearted - nervous riders would be out of their depth on this ride, not because of the horses, but more due to the pace of the ride. On some of the Common Ridings, you will be riding alongside 300 horses and riders. With such a huge group, a range of unpredictable scenarios can occur, so you need to be alert, calm and quick-thinking. All riders need to be confident trotting and cantering over open and varied terrain, including downhill. Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out.
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 95kg / 209lbs. It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- Accommodation:Twin share accommodation at Cringletie House Hotel, just outside the town of Peebles in the Scottish Borders. With its very distinct architecture, from romantic turrets to feature fireplaces, Cringletie’s guest rooms ooze comfort and character while being modern and elegant. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms. Bill, the general manager, and his team will go above and beyond to cater for your every need.
- Inclusions:
The price includes all riding, twin share accommodation, meals (from first day dinner through to breakfast on the last day) and Common Riding fees.
- Exclusions:
The price does not include international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), all transfers, alcohol and dinner on one night of the itinerary (a high tea is included during the afternoon on that particular day).
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% interest-free payment plan!PLEASE NOTE: Only advanced riders can take part in the May departure dates due to the pace and distance of the Common Rides.
**You will be required to pay the single supplement rate should we not have another guest willing to twin share with you.**
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes all riding, twin share accommodation, meals (from first day dinner through to breakfast on the last day) and Common Ride fees.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), all transfers, alcohol and dinner on one night of the itinerary (a high tea is included during the afternoon on that particular day).
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. Depending on the ride you choose to book and your country of residence, there will be a 1.2% to 2.9% surcharge.
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.
Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse AllPlease note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.
The set dates and starting times of the Common Riding days vary, depending on the location of the event. Rest assured, you’ll enjoy two Common Ridings throughout your itinerary.
The Common Ridings are community events. They are not organised or controlled by Globetrotting, or our Scottish ride partners. While there will be a guide present on each Common Riding, they will not have authority over the event’s management, timings, pace, route or duration.

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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Transfer Information
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History of the Common Ridings
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Non-Riders
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Keen for another ride while in the UK?
What our valued Globetrotters say about The Scottish Borders Ride

Michelle N.
‘The Scottish Borders Ride was an absolute joy every day, from the care at Cringletie to the wonderful stables, to the magnificent horses that we had the absolute pleasure of riding. I cannot express enough how galloping in the countryside in Scotland brought so many dreams come true.’

Lucinda M
‘If you dream of Scotland and Outlander, this is the ride for you. Running through the mountains atop your trusty steed, you can just imagine what it must have been like in the 1700s in Scotland. This Globetrotting holiday was an absolute delight from start to finish. The accommodation was superb, and with a room that had a much-needed bath after each ride. The food was of a very high standard, and the tack and horses were excellent. I was paired with the beautiful mare, Miss P, who was an absolute joy to ride. Whenever I felt unsure, she knew exactly what to do for me. The guides, Helen, Gemma, and Susy, were wonderful. Helen had exceptional knowledge of the local area, Gemma was a true horse-woman and the tour operator of the future, and Susy was knowledgeable about the horses and joined us for the first ride and several dinners. The common ride and the ride along the beach were particular highlights, but every moment was special.’

Anne L
‘This was the riding holiday of a lifetime! Thus I will do it again next summer! I enjoyed all parts of the holiday: The Common Ridings, hacking in the forests and hills and on the beach, The Cringletie with its fantastic staff, the gorgeous Irish horses, Helen’s warm hosting and Gemma’s calm and friendly supervision. I made many new friends with all of my wonderful fellow riders and organisers; in a week’s time we became such a good team to support each other. I was travelling solo and enjoyed every moment. Globetrotters seem to have so much in common despite nationality or background. It is a very well-planned holiday for a fit and experienced rider. You will safely enjoy every moment of the journey!’

Jule W
‘Just got home from a dream vacation to Scotland! Along with some wonderful old friends, and lots of new ones we enjoyed a week of amazing horses, scenery, and tradition on the Scottish Borders ride. I don’t think I ever stopped smiling, and will treasure these memories for a lifetime! The accommodation was absolutely lovely – from the celebrity chef-prepared meals to the nightly chocolates on our down pillows, it was luxury living! The staff there took impeccable care of all of us. We also fully enjoyed our Scottish night filled with traditional Scottish games (and men in kilts!), a bagpiper, and a full haggis presentation (which I surprisingly ended up enjoying!). The hosts were top-notch as well. Gemma was consistently enthusiastic and engaging and did a great job matching each rider with the perfect horse. The horses were all fantastic – I rode 6 different ones and each one was wonderful in their own way. The Kelso Common Ride was something I’ll never forget, with almost 9 hours in the saddle (and a drizzle rain most of the day) – and I never stopped smiling! Galloping the beach in Dunbar on a full sun day was also a day to remember. Scotland is a painting everywhere you look, with green fields, stone walls, gurgling streams, sheep, quaint villages and cottages, and castles in all directions. I’m ready to go back!’

Dina D
‘There are no perfect words to describe this incredible trip, but I’ll certainly try. First, this was a soul-gripping adventure that transformed me. Even as a lifelong frequent rider and horse enthusiast, I had to gain a new set of skills and confidence to take my riding to the next level. I’m so glad I didn’t let fear hold me back! These powerful and well-trained horses allowed me the opportunity to improve my riding but also to experience Scotland as a participant in one of the most honorable Scottish traditions. I became emotional as crowds with small children, teens, and elders from their front porches and windows would clap and cheer, “Hip hip hooray!” I would laugh uncontrollably as we would literally soar through grassy fields, beaches, and hillsides! The smile never left my face. I’m still transformed by the spirit of these wonderful people. Suzy and Gemma were brilliant at making us feel comfortable and pairing us with the ideal mounts. I have been changed in the best way possible. I’ve been given a gift of majestic horses and Scottish beauty all wrapped up in the trip of a lifetime!’

Natalia Matilevica
‘The best Holiday I have had so far. Riding through the hills and rivers, galloping on the beach with a group of excellent horses, fun guests and outstanding guides. It was snowing for a few days which turned our holiday into a winter wonderland. I enjoyed every minute of it and cannot thank the staff and guides enough for this outstanding experience. Martin, Susy and Gemma made this holiday IMMACULATE!’

Megan Petry
‘If you’re an adrenalin junkie and love a hard and fast ride, this is the ride for you! To gallop alongside 140 other horses, up and down hills, through bogs, and over ditches with the townspeople out everywhere cheering us on was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Returning each day to a luxurious manor for a hot soak, gourmet dining, and a wee dram of scotch was the perfect ending to the perfect day. Considering how few folk experience this, I recommend getting into shape and signing up now. This is not one to miss!’

Sarah Beattie
‘A magical experience I will always cherish. The horses were amazing and a privilege to ride. The Common Ridings were truly thrilling, and I had a smile on my face the whole time. Taking part in such unique festivals, following a pipe band into town and riding through spectacular scenery, was incredibly special and better than I could ever have imagined. The hosts provided the most wonderful riding experiences that built my confidence as the week progressed. From the glass of port at the beginning of the first ride to the hot chocolate at the end of the last, they looked after us so well. Every care was taken for our safety, without diminishing the thrill of riding superb, powerful horses in truly unique circumstances. Every aspect of this holiday was so well planned and organised. The accommodation at Cringletie was beautiful, the food was delicious, and my room was incredibly comfortable, with countless thoughtful touches. It was an incredible Globetrotting adventure in every respect.’

Harli Dollinger
‘This was the second time my sister and I did the Scottish Borders Ride, and they were both amazing experiences. We stayed at Cringletie House, an absolutely lovely hotel with great food and staff catering to your every need. Scotland is so beautiful, and the people are friendly and giving. I just love them! But you want to know about the horses and the rides, right? Susy and Gemma have the horses so well trained; they are a pleasure to ride. I rode several horses but fell in love with Adonis! I had the best time riding him on Dunbar Beach and again on our ride around Jedburgh. He was big and smooth and never put a foot out of place. The group of riders on this trip were great, too! They were interesting, kind, friendly, and funny – truly enjoyable to be around. It really is the trip of a lifetime.’
STORIES FROM THE SADDLE
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Meet Our Guide: Susy
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Getting Fit for the Scottish Borders Ride
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I Ran Away to Scotland…
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Horse Breed: Irish Sport Horse
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