Pennine Bridleway 4-Day Trail Ride

Settle to Kirkby Stephen

This is a real trail ride with a sense of adventure, a spectacular 4-day guided trail ride starting at Settle in the Yorkshire Dales and finishing at Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria, following the Pennine Bridleway, a new national trail built specifically for horse and riders.

Stonetrail is currently the only riding centre offering riders the opportunity to ride the most northerly stretch of the Pennine Bridleway, following a mix of bridleways and historic packhorse routes through some of the best scenery in the North of England. The majority of this route is off-road and enjoys spectacular views across the Yorkshire Dales and the Cumbrian fells. Riding in a small group of usually no more than 8 horses, we cover around 15 miles a day at a variety of paces which includes some lovely canters. This ride is suitable for riders capable of riding for 5-6 hours per day who are confident at canter.

ITINERARY

Day One - Settle to Austwick

This ride starts at 8am on Day One where we meet at our centre near Kirkby Stephen. We quickly load up our horses and travel to Settle in the Yorkshire Dales to begin the ride home. Once we arrive at Settle, we unload the horses, tack up, say goodbye to our crew and begin our journey home, an adventure which will take us 4 days. Luggage is transported each day by our crew team leaving us to carry our lunch and small items of spare clothes in our saddle bags.

Starting from the edge of Settle town centre, our morning route follows the Settle Loop which includes a fabulous view of Malham Tarn and our first glimpse of Pen-y-ghent, one of the great three peaks of Yorkshire before stopping for a picnic at a lovely spot just past Jubilee Caves. In the afternoon we enjoy some great canters near Feizor and follow a pretty bridleway to the village of Austwick where riders and horses spend the night in a local B&B. In the evening we meet in the Gamecock Inn, famous for its french style cuisine.

Day Two - Austwick to Horten-In-Ribblesdale

On day 2, after a good breakfast, we collect you from your B&B at around 9.30am and after tacking up we set off for Horten-In-Ribblesdale following the Pennine Bridleway through Autwick village and add on an extra loop near Wharfe with lovely views across the valley using a long forgotten bridleway. We enjoy a picnic stop on the bridleway above clapham and in the afternoon we enjoy some great canters across the wide open fells of Crummock Dale. Overnight acommodation is at Horton-in-Ribblesdale in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

Day Three - Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Garsdale

Day 3 is an adventourous 18 mile journey across the top of the fells where we leave the Yorkshire Dales behind and travel back into Cumbria. Continuing to follow the Pennine Bridleway we journey through Ling Gill Nature Reserve and up onto the Cam High road, a historic drovers route. The views are quite spectacular as we look down over the famous Ribble Head viaduct and across to Wherneside. After a picnic lunch we ride over Wold fell, then Dent fell before we head downhill to Garsdale where we stay and dine at the very popular Garsdale B&B.

Day Four - Garsdale to Stonetrail Riding Centre ( Kirkby Stephen )

On our final day, the Pennine Bridleway joins the historic Lady Anne Highway which winds its way through the remote and beautiful Mallerstang Valley where we enjoy some lovely canters along the green lanes. We ride up and over Wild Boar Fell and admire the views across the Eden Valley and the Lake District fells in the distance. The bridleway leads us quietly downhill back to our centre where we are met with a good cup of tea and cakes.

Ride Organisation

The ride is organised and run by Alison Roper ( seen here with her son Jack ). Alison takes overall charge and is present throughout the ride either as the Ride Leader or running the daily back-up along with a very supportive team who work hard to make sure both yourself and the horses are well cared for. Your luggage is transported every day by our crew and each horse is equipped with a saddle bag to carry small essentials and your lunch. Whilst the cost of dinner and evening drinks is not included in the price of this holiday we book a table each night for the whole group to eat together.

Price - £695 per person

This price includes 3 nights bed and breakfast, 4 days guided riding ( approx 5-6 hrs ), packed lunch each day and luggage transfers. Not included - evening meals and drinks.

How to Book

If you wish to book or would like to chat in person with Alison about this ride please contact us here or by phone on 07775 642400.

Stonetrail Holidays

Pennine Bridleway 4-Day Trail Ride

Settle to Kirkby Stephen

ITINERARY

Price - £695 per person