Does your heart race at the thought of seeing Scotland’s legendary countryside from between two pricked ears and a windswept mane? Does the idea of calling a 16th century castle home for a week make your eyes bulge? Then make no mistake: the pipes, the pipes are calling, and the Scottish Borders await! This week-long itinerary is THE perfect combination of quality time in the saddle and quintessential Scottish experiences.
Your equestrian guide, Susy (from our popular Scottish Borders Ride), will lead you through new and astoundingly beautiful landscapes every day, from wild, windy moors to postcard-worthy farmland criss-crossed with ancient stone walls. Susy has an EPIC team of horses, and all abilities are catered for on this trip. Whether you’re an experienced rider eager to pop over a few cross country jumps or a beginner wishing to improve your skills in an awe-inspiring yet safe environment, rest assured, this ride will exceed your expectations.
As for Thirlestane Castle, we’ll leave a few secrets for your hosts, Edward and Sarah Maitland-Carew, to reveal over the course of your time together; but we will tell you this much: it’s been the home of the Maitland family for over 400 years, and your five-star accommodation in the South Wing apartments will have you picking your jaw up off the ground. You’ll have plenty of time to explore this incredible castle during the week, as well as ample opportunities to discover the history-filled, vibrant communities dotted across the Borders. There’s so much culture, history and downright gobsmacking scenery to take in here, and to absorb it all astride a willing, plucky steed is a privilege like no other.
All those in favour say ‘och aye!’
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:A mixture of Irish Draughts, Irish Cobs, Irish Sport Horses and Connemaras. *Please note, you can expect to ride a variety of horses throughout your holiday.
- Pace:The pace is variable depending on the nature of the terrain, but riders will enjoy long stretches of trotting and cantering.
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 95kg / 209lbs.
- Type of tack:English all-purpose saddles.
- Seasons:August & November.
- Group size:A minimum and maximum of 10 riding guests. Non-riders may join the off-horse activities, with the entire group size being no more than 16.
- Time in Saddle:On average, between 2 to 6 hours daily.
- Riding Ability:Suitable for all riding abilities.
*Beginner riders are expected to be confident rising/posting to the trot and learning to canter. You MUST be confident to ride in an English all-purpose saddle. Riding groups will be split according to ability so everyone feels comfortable.
**Should you wish to take part in the Lauderdale Hunt meet (November departure) you will need to be a strong intermediate/advanced rider. Not sure what your riding experience is? Watch THIS video to find out. - Accommodation:You will be staying at the magnificent 16th century Thirlestane Castle. set in a quiet meadow landscape on the outskirts of Lauder in the Scottish Borders, a charming town just over half an hour from the south of Edinburgh. Thirlestane Castle is one of the oldest and finest inhabited castles in Scotland.
You’ll be accommodated in the South Wing of the castle, which consists of eight bedrooms split into five apartments with exceptional views of the parkland and estate. The rooms have been decorated in a classic but contemporary style and finished to a five-star standard. You’ll have the opportunity to dine in the castle’s portrait-lined State Dining Room and the rustic Victorian Kitchen, looked after by award-winning caterers. Each apartment also has its own kitchen and sitting room should you wish to relax and make yourself a cup of tea after a long day of riding or sight-seeing.
PLEASE NOTE: There are 2x twin share rooms and 6x single rooms available. These will be assigned by preference on a first come, first served basis. - Ride Length:7 days, 6 nights with 6 riding days.
- Inclusions:
The price includes all riding activities, accommodation in a Castle, meals (with the exception of 1x lunch and 2x dinners within the itinerary), private tour of the Castle, and housekeeping every second day.
- Exclusions:
The price does not include international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), all transfers, alcohol (BYO is welcome or you can purchase from the Castle’s cellar), 2x dinners and 1x lunch, additional activities on the estate (e.g. spa treatments), and a tour of the Borders (if required). If you have booked on a departure date that involves hunting, please note the hunting cap is not included and will be payable direct to the Hunt Secretary.
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!*There are 2x twin share rooms and 6x single rooms available. These will be assigned by preference on a first come, first served basis.
PLEASE NOTE: The November departure will see you participating in the Lauderdale Hunt Club’s Opening Meet on the final day of your ride should you wish. There is the option of enjoying a hack in the surrounding countryside if jumping and hunting is not your choice of activities today.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes all riding activities, accommodation in a Castle, meals (with the exception of 1x lunch and 2x dinners within the itinerary), private tour of the Castle, and housekeeping every second day.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), all transfers, alcohol (BYO is welcome or you can purchase from the Castle’s cellar), 2x dinners and 1x lunch, additional activities on the estate (e.g. spa treatments), and a tour of the Borders (if required). If you have booked on a departure date that involves hunting, please note the hunting cap is not included and will be payable direct to the Hunt Secretary.
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. There is a 2% surcharge on all card payments. Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.
WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN GBP?
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.

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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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Transfers
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Non-Riders
STORIES FROM THE SADDLE
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Meet Our Guide: Susy
If you’re booked on one of our rides in Scotland, The Thirlestane Castle Ride or The Scottish ...
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Meet a Globetrotter: Gerard Schmid
Gerard Schmid has always loved horse riding as a way to stay active, spend time with his daughters ...
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A Day Spent in Edinburgh
So you’ve booked yourself a spot on the Scottish Borders Ride, Scotland. I’m so excited for ...
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Horse Breed: Irish Sport Horse
Name of breed: Irish Sport Horse (also known as the Irish Hunter) Country of origin: Ireland Breed origin: ...
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Horse Breed: Irish Draught
Name of breed: Irish Draught Country of origin: Ireland Breed origin: The history of the Irish Draught dates ...
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Horse Breed: Connemara
Name of breed: Connemara Country of origin: Ireland Breed origin: Named after the Connemara region in County Galway, ...
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Horse Breed: Gypsy Horse
Name of breed: Gypsy Horse (also called the Gypsy Cob, Gypsy Vanner, Irish Cob, Romany Tinker and Traditional ...
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