Horseback Riding Vacations in Scotland

Scotland, the country of Castles and Lakes

Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, covering approximately the northern third of the island of Great Britain.

Scotland is one of the most appealing places in the United Kingdom.

Its idiosyncrasy was shaped by a long struggle, which lasted for several centuries, with their English neighbours. Scotland has survived all the invasions it suffered and its people have remained firm in their convictions and beliefs.

Since it was first inhabited, the Scots have had a profound affinity with the land, horses and a natural way of life.

Its main cities are Edinburgh, the capital, and Glasgow.

Its geography

It is a land of natural mountain areas, such as the Highlands to the north and west, and the Lowlands to the south and east, interspersed with glacial valleys and lakes.

The country also contains a large number of small islands divided into the whole of the Shetland Islands and the archipelago of St Kilda.

Its mountains

In its territory, we can differentiate three main regions:

• The Highlands: are made up of granite and sandstone mountains and are characterized by their unspoiled and wild nature.
• The Central Lowlands: in central Scotland, are shaped by the valleys of three rivers: the Tay, the Forth and the Clyde.
• The Southern Uplands: in the southern part of Scotland, are predominantly made up of rolling hills.

Its lakes

Although Scotland covers approximately a third of the island of Great Britain, it has much more water than the rest of the UK combined.

Scotland has 138 main lakes, the large ones, not counting the more than 600 lakes with a smaller area.

On the rugged west coast of Scotland, the well-known Lochs (freshwater lakes) are framed by great cliffs or fjords.

Some of these lakes are Loch Lomond (the largest in the UK), the world-famous Loch Ness, Loch Awe, Loch Maree or Loch Morar.

You may not find the famous Loch Ness Monster, but don’t miss the reflections of the Scottish landscapes in the water like a mirror.

Its Castles

What can you see in Scotland? Without a doubt, its Castles.

This is one of the first activities you must add to your list of things to do here. Definitely, you must visit these Monumental Buildings with centuries of history, which are waiting to be rediscovered by every visitor to Scotland.

In addition, of course, on horseback is the best way of experiencing all their power and ostentation. Independent of where you are, there will always be a castle near you.

You will be surprised to see that many historic castles were built on small islands, located in some Scottish lochs.

These castles are among the most emblematic in the world and they are as typically Scottish as the crystalline lochs and the rolling mountains.

There are more than 3,000 castles, ranging from the simple and imposing towers of Hermitage or Smailholm Castle to the beautiful Caerlaverock or Craigmillar Castles, where you can discover Scotland’s great medieval fortresses.

Equestrian tourism in Scotland

Experiencing Scotland on horseback is an excellent way of coming face to face with its culture and dream scenery. Relive its glorious battles on their desert coasts, next to foggy lochs or in its magical forests.

The famous Highlands of Scotland, the forests, the steep coastline and the deep, crystalline lakes must be discovered on horseback. Horseback rides in the Scottish Highlands reveal the impressive beauty of Scotland.

Explore Scotland on horseback, from coast to coast in the North or in the South; ride along its gorgeous Beaches, or be astonished at their green meadows and blue seas.

Here you will meet friendly people, learn about the local clans and their history, and visit Medieval chapels, which played an important role in the Scottish history.

Some equestrian tourism outfitters in Scotland

Scottish Equestrian Hotel and Highlands Unbridled are two companies that offer several routes and we recommend taking a look at them.

Scottish Equestrian Hotel

Scottish Equestrian Hotel is set in the rolling countryside of central Scotland, just a 10-minute stroll from the market town of Lanark.

Is situated in one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland, and the scenery can look completely different depending on the season of the year.

They are Scotland’s only 5* equestrian center with its own 4* Bed and Breakfast accommodation. Now, they are celebrating 30 years in this activity.

They are a BHS, TRSS multi – function center providing almost anything you can think of – whatever you want to do with horses, riding holidays and leisure, or training for riders of all levels, you are sure to find it here. They also offer routes, trails and schools programs all year round.

Their equestrian Facilities are simply unbeatable.

Their horseback rides

Enjoy one of their trail riding holidays while enjoying the superb scenery this part of Scotland has to offer. Their trail rides are legendary, filled with unbelievable scenery.

They have excellent ensuite accommodation.

Trail Riding holidays are ideal for anyone who has great riding skills or even just moderate riding skills; the pace varies with each tour.

Trail Rides run for most of the year and each of the seasons has a wonderful variety of flora and color for the whole of the ride. You’ll be bowled over by the variety of wildlife encountered each day. Your trail riding holiday will be even more memorable due to the wildlife and beautiful scenery.

The Castles Trail Ride is a must!

This program start each week with two nights at their very own Scottish Equestrian Hotel with the first days’ picnic ride to Lanark Castle and Corra Castle. You can picnic just beside the famous Falls of Clyde.

This day is ideal to get you acquainted with your horse and to meet your fellow trail riders.

After the first two nights in this sophisticated hotel, you will stay at a variety of inns and castles, most with spas so you can ease the aches of a long day in the saddle.

All meals and transfers of luggage are included in the package. Drinks are paid for by each guest.

Their guests return to the Centre on Friday evening to enjoy a final meal in the Stables Bistro and a good night’s sleep before departing on Saturday morning, after an unforgettable trail riding holiday.

All their staff hold the British Equestrian Tourism Certificates.

More information about them on their website: scottishequestrianhotel.com.

Highlands Unbridled

This riding center is located in Tain, a bustling town in the Highlands of Scotland with a population of around 4000 people.

They are surrounded by beach, forest and beautiful farmland, and their Equestrian Route and Trail area is actually in the least rainy part of Scotland.

They offer 13 Riding programs all over Scotland – you certainly have many options here!

Such programs go from coast to coast. The beaches of Scotland are incredible settings for galloping and the inland geography of this country – full of greens, forests and mountains – has everything you need for a perfect ride.

On their long distance rides, you will be travelling many kilometers metres a day in the saddle, riding up/down hills and over rough terrain so you must be capable of riding in a balanced and safe manner in these places.

Their horses’ health and happiness is always a priority to them and because of the long days in the saddle, they require all riders to be competent in trots and canters.

You will be crossing rivers, galloping along beaches and may need to jump small natural obstacles, like ditches or fallen trees - nothing too big, but you need to be a capable rider and able to control a horse at speed.

It is also important that you have experience in leading a horse over difficult terrain, as there may be times when this is necessary.

The first half day of your ride will be treated as a formal ride assessment and you may be asked to perform simple ridden tasks such walk, trot and canter as well as stopping, steering and dismounting. If at any time during the ride assessment, you are deemed unfit to ride for whatever reason, your guide reserves the right to ask you to leave the ride.

Riders must be over 18 years old, unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, where their minimum age for long distance trails is 12 years old, and the same riding ability level as described above applies.

As regards riders’ weight, due to the tough nature of their trails and the distances covered per day, they have a maximum weight limit of 105 kilos.

Please note that you visit some incredibly beautiful and unspoiled parts of Scotland and this means that mobile reception may not be available in all places.

An interesting additional programm is Horse Care Holidays, of 7 nights and 6 days of accommodation with them. It is a chance to have a real hand on experience, spending all day enjoying the company of horses and learning from their years of experience in this rewarding activity.

If you want to learn more about them, their routes, their staff and horses, please go to their web site: highlandsunbridled.com.

Scotland, a country of castles, offers incredible horseback rides among mountains, green valleys and amazing cliffs. Visit its castles and plunge into its legends and history. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover its shores where you can enjoy some exhilarating canters along open beaches, and don’t forget to try its exquisite cuisine.

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