The Trans Wales Trail is a CRACKING point-to-point ride that traverses the width of this modest-sized Celtic country. It’s a fast-paced ride hosted by a second-generation Welsh family who were pioneers in the horse trekking business. You’ll be mounted on A-grade Welsh horses that are niftier than their nation’s red dragon emblem. Wales may be compact, but she sure packs a punch when it comes to horses, landscapes and quirky folk.
On the Trans Wales Trail you’ll walk, trot and canter through four mountain ranges – The Black Mountains, Mynydd Epynt, the Elan Valley and over Plynlimon, before a final gallop on the beach near Aberystwyth. There is no namby-pamby treatment on this ride, it’s boots and all – the Welsh way! With that said, you’ll love the freedom that this ride offers. Yes, you’ll need to ride nose to tail on country roads and when tiptoeing through bogs and marshes BUT other than that, when the signal comes down the line to trot, canter or gallop (yep, plenty of these) you can spread out at your own discretion. Hence why this particular ride is for experienced riders who are also physically fit.
Some days are saddle-bag packed lunches and other days, the horses are tied up to snooze while you drop into an ale house to enjoy a roaring fire, a pint of beer and a hearty meal. Every inch of this riding itinerary is positively Welsh – from the Welsh mounts to the crumbling Welsh castles to the quirky Welsh guides and hosts. Don’t discount Wales as a premier riding destination.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:Fine, fit Welsh Cobs who will surprise you with their surefootedness and superb balance. Compact, intelligent and strong, they are ideally suited to the hills and mountains that will surround you.
- Pace:The pace is fast and varies on a daily basis, with lots of trotting, cantering and some gallops involved.
- Weight Limit:Maximum of 88kg / 194lbs.
- Type of tack:English all-purpose saddles *Please be advised that this is a hands-on ride (it’s the Welsh way) which includes pitching in to help at the end of each day. Not only will you have to help look after your horse, but you’ll also be required to assist with cleaning the saddles, bridles, girths and saddlecloths at the end of every day. For those accustomed to handing your horse to a groom, this might not be the right riding holiday for you.
- Seasons:May through to October.
- Group size:A maximum of 8 guests.
- Time in Saddle:Between 4 to 6 hours per day.
- Riding Ability:Suitable for experienced riders who enjoy a fast-paced riding holiday. You’ll cross from the Black Mountains to the Irish sea, over several mountain ranges, covering great distances, mostly off-road. All riders must be fit, have good stamina and be comfortable riding at speed over varied terrain including downhill.
- Accommodation:Various 3-star local hotel accommodation options in each town, including a 17th Century Welsh Longhouse, a boutique country house hotel, and a local pub. All rooms have either ensuite bathrooms or shared facilities down the hall.
- Ride Length:7 days, 6 nights with 5 riding days.
- Inclusions:
The ride price includes 5 full days riding, 6 nights accommodation, all meals (from first day dinner through to last day breakfast) and luggage transportation throughout the ride.
- Exclusions:
Price excludes international flights, travel insurance, transfers to and from the ride, alcohol and drinks (other than water).
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with just a 10% deposit.A single supplement charge of £40 per night will apply to guests not willing to twin share a room with another guest (subject to availability).
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
Five full days riding, six nights accommodation, all meals (from first day dinner through to last day breakfast) and luggage transportation throughout the ride.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
International flights, travel insurance, transfers to and from the ride, alcohol and drinks (other than water).
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 All*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.
-
Day 1
-
Day 2
-
Day 3
-
Day 4
-
Day 5
-
Day 6
-
Day 7
-
Transfer Information
-
Optional Extras
What our valued Globetrotters say about the Trans Wales Trail
Doreen Heal
‘I had never done an equestrian holiday before our Wales trip. I explained to Laura and Kate what we’d like to do and they suggested the Trans Wales Trail. The experience was beyond what I could have hoped for. The scenery, horses we rode, guides, and hospitality of Emily and Paul were lovely. Every day was so different, with stunning scenery and challenging riding. I especially loved the forest rides, galloping along the mountainside, and of course the beach. Most importantly, we were prepared for the trip thanks to Laura and Kate – no surprises. There was constant communication right up until the day before our trek began, which I appreciated. All of the hard work of finding a quality holiday with sturdy horses and honest guides/hosts was already done by Globetrotting. We will never forget our riding experience and have already booked out next holiday! Thank you for a once in a lifetime experience.’
