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Ceiriog Valley

Overview

These beautiful new rides are situated in Wales on the Wrexham/Powys border with England. The 130 acre hill farm overlooks the Ceiriog Valley and has views towards the Berwyn Mountains. Their nearest neighbour is a mile away, and the nearest village 2.5 miles away. They are a BHS approved equestria…

Highlights

  • Ride across moorland and through historic valleys
  • Watch for birds of prey such as red kites and buzzards
  • Canter up bridleways overlooking both England and Wales
  • Relax with a drink as the sun sets over the mountains
  • Discover local pubs for meals, or self-cater

Essential Facts

  • 4 itineraries available
  • Max 8 riders per group
  • Average of 3 - 4 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 95kg / 210 lbs / 15 stone

Description

These beautiful new rides are situated in Wales on the Wrexham/Powys border with England. The 130 acre hill farm overlooks the Ceiriog Valley and has views towards the Berwyn Mountains. Their nearest neighbour is a mile away, and the nearest village 2.5 miles away. They are a BHS approved equestrian centre and an official Pony Club centre, so have a wide range of horses of all sizes and shapes, to suit all abilities.

There is plenty of off-road riding on bridleways, moorlands and ancient drovers' tracks around the Welsh valley which is full of history, with both slate and granite quarrying (which was carried on its own tramway to meet the canal at Chirk). The peaceful farming valley is home to buzzards, red kites, peregrines and the rare hen harriers, and the Ceiriog River - the fastest flowing in Wales - runs through the bottom of the valley and through the villages and hamlets.

The 3 or 4-night trails are aimed at intermediate riders upwards, but private groups of more novice riders or mixed abilities can also be accommodated.

There is also a centre-based relaxed stay for the novice or beginner rider who would enjoy a combination of shorter hacks and lessons to improve and build confidence.

There really is something for everyone with these fabulous new UK-based rides.

Horses & Riding

Tack

The tack used is English style, with a mixture of leather or synthetic saddles. Bridles are generally simple leather cavesson bridles with snaffle bits. Some horses are ridden in stronger bits or with martingales, as required.

Horses

The horses are a wide range of breeds, including ponies, ranging from 13.2hh all the way up to 17hh. Many of the horses were born and bred here and you will find several generations still living their days out on the lush Welsh hills. All the horses and ponies are willing, good-natured and surefooted, perfect for navigating the undulating terrain you will have to cross

Riding

There are 4 itineraries:

  • 4 Night Stay is a based ride
  • 3 Night Stay is a based ride
  • Welsh Hills Trail is a trail ride
  • Relaxed Short Break is a based ride

Ages

5 years as part of a family for the Relaxed Riding break.

Weight

95kg / 210 lbs / 15 stone

Food & Accommodation

Food

Breakfast ingredients are included in your accommodation for you to sort out yourself, such as cereals, eggs, bread, coffee, tea etc.

Lunch is included on the full-day trails and will either be a picnic or taken in a nearby pub/cafe.

Dinner is to your own account. There are self-catering facilities in the accommodation if you wish to prepare your own meals or a number of different pubs and restaurants in the locality. Your hosts are happy to drop you off in the nearest town if you haven't a car.

Drinks are also to your own account, although there is plenty of water on tap.

Accommodation

You stay at the farm, either in rooms in the bunkhouse, or in one of two adjoining cottages. The accommodation is basic but clean.

The bunkhouse has 6 rooms, ranging from one single to a mixture of different bunk rooms which can sleep two to eight in each. There are no double beds, but two singles could be pushed together for a couple. There is one bathroom and four shower rooms to be shared between all occupants of the bunkhouse. Groups are never mixed in the bedrooms, so if you are a pair for example then you will be the only two in your bedroom. However, you will need to share bathroom facilities and the living area/kitchen with other guests staying in the bunkhouse.

The bunkhouse also has an entrance hall with space for coats/boots and a washer/dryer. There is a large dining area and a modern, fully equipped kitchen as well as a separate sitting room. Outside there is a covered seating area with a BBQ.

The separate cottages are single-storey and also have small kitchen/living areas - these sleep up to 6 guests each and may be used if the bunkhouse is busy or if a cottage is more appropriate for your group. Again, groups in these units will not be mixed. The bedrooms in the cottages also contain single bunks and have en-suite wet rooms. One cottage has one bedroom whilst the other has two separate bedrooms.

Please note that if a large group has booked the bunkhouse, then you won't be able to access its facilities. Instead, you will be able to use the living areas in your own cottage - we can check this for you at the time of booking.

Itineraries

4 Night Stay Standard accommodation.

3 Night Stay Standard accommodation.

Welsh Hills Trail Basic accommodation.

Relaxed Short Break Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

The area is perfect for outdoor activities such as walking and cycling as well as riding. On-site they can offer archery, outdoor chess and table tennis.

Within 10 miles there is fishing, water-based activities, paintballing, golf, canal boating, steam trains and National Trust properties to explore.

Travel

Liverpool or Manchester are the closest airports at just over one hours drive away. Transfer can be arranged from here at extra cost.

The next nearest airport is Birmingham, from where you can take a train to Gobowen station. No airport transfers are possible from Birmingham.

The nearest train stations are Gobowen or Chirk. Transfers from the train station are possible for no charge.

Alternatively, you may wish to self drive and we will provide driving directions.

Testimonials

Joseph M., April 15, 2024

I had a wonderful time. Enjoyable and engaging rides through some truly breathtaking scenery. I left feeling so refreshed with improved confidence. I feel as though I completely fell in love with horse riding during this holiday. Favourite memory? Having the opportunity to canter for the first time. Was completely guided through it and never felt a loss of control.


Alex N., Aug. 22, 2023

The perfect trip for myself and my daughter. We were put on perfect pony/horse, the guides were friendly, highly competent and good company. The hacking far exceeded my expectations. Favourite memory? Watching my daughter overtake me and the rest of the group on a gallop across open land as she realised that actually she's a speed demon at heart is a memory that I won't forget and one that I have on camera. Plus staying on site meant that we could go on morning and evening walks around the farm to meet the various herds of horses and foals in tranquil peace and quiet - again this is a special memory for us, one that is so far from our normal urban lives.


Tatjana G., Sept. 13, 2022

It was a great and relaxed holiday with lovely people and horses and good accomodations. The horses I rode were both very lovely. They were very well behaved and complied with my wishes. The tack was in very good conditions. (Favourite Memory?) The fast canters along the beautiful fields of Wales with very well-behaved horses.


David A., June 28, 2022

We had a super time. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed good riding in the beautiful countryside each day. The horses selected for us were willing and responsive and looked after us very well on the rides. The ride leaders were very approachable and supportive, allowing us to enjoy the rides at a level suitable to our experience. Both of us were able to extend our experience by cantering outside a school environment which we had not done before.


Rachel D., April 20, 2022

Brilliant! As novices/beginners we all felt happy and relaxed throughout the whole holiday. We had a great sense of achievement by the end, seeing all of us relaxed and smiling during our hacks in the most beautiful countryside! Louis was brilliant - we had her all four days and she inspired confidence in all of us.


Dani J., Oct. 18, 2021

Very enjoyable. Well-trained horses, beautiful scenery and varied riding pace. We were impressed with the amount of time we got in saddle... Tack was very good, with comfortable saddles and roomy saddlebags ( which gave us options for bringing extra clothes out with us in case the weather changed). The horses were great, ranging from the steady plod to the more forward going sorts. We chose to ride a different horse each day, and they were all very well behaved.


Paula M., June 17, 2021

Overall the holiday was excellent. The horses were easy to ride and forward going and sure footed on the at times rugged terrain. The variety in terrain kept the trails interesting with the right mixture of walking, trotting and cantering in a very beautiful location. Yes, more than happy (with my horse) – Sapphire - she was forward going but safe and I was happy to ride her on a loose rein and be in control even during fast canters and she had a lovely kind temperament – very genuine horse, and I can honestly say that I felt safe on her at all times.


Amber, May 24, 2021

Just thought I'd drop you a line and tell you how much I enjoyed my time in Wales! Liz, Sue and Steve were friendly and easygoing hosts and Liz worked her socks off to make sure we had a great time. She took us on some fun rides and our horses were matched perfectly. She also planned really well for the weather, took us to the waterfall, and even found time to make a delicious cheesecake for our barbecue. The bunkhouse is really comfortable, and there is a little pool and sauna so worth mentioning to bring a swimsuit. I will definitely be back. Thanks again for a great week!


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: 2 hours

Arrive around 2pm to get settled in to your first night's accommodation and be introduced to your horse. You will have a short assessment lesson followed by hack to make sure you and your horse are compatible. There is a wide selection of safe, fun horses so if you’re not satisfied please say as the aim is for you to enjoy your break away. Once back you’re more than welcome to assist with untacking and turning out your horse, and if you’d rather not then feel free to go and relax for the evening with views over the Berwyn mountain range.

Day 2

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

If you wish before breakfast, you can help to give the horses their feed and groom them ready for the day ahead. Once the horses are ready and complete with saddlebags carrying today's picnic lunches, you set out for a day’s riding. Passing herds of Welsh mountain sheep, riding along the old drover' tracks and bridleways takes you into the county of Powys and onto ‘the Gyrn’. Made famous from the 1995 British film starring Hugh Grant, ‘The Englishman who Went up a Hill but Came down a Mountain’, you should be lucky enough to have great views of it from just around the corner of the farm. Finish the morning with a long canter up a grassy bridleway before stopping on the top for a well-deserved break and enjoying views across Wrexham, Powys and Shropshire counties.

For the afternoon, head down the other side of the mountain and meander your way back into the county of Shropshire where you’ll leave the horses for the night. You’ll then be transferred back to the farm where the evening is yours to relax. For the more adventurous we can set up a camping option, where you can stay the evening with the horses and have a barbeque.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

This morning you will arrive to find the horses all tacked up and ready for you (unless you chose to camp of course!). Staying in Shropshire for the morning today, you will be heading back through the woods to find your way onto part of the Offa’s Dyke path. Offa’s Dyke is a 177-mile walking trail roughly following the Welsh and English borders. There are opportunities for canters and trots up and over Selattyn Hill and along the quiet country lanes, before stopping for lunch overlooking Chirk Castle.

Once the horses have rested, continue along the path crossing back into Wrexham county and home. After settling the horses, head to spend the evening relaxing in the cottage or take yourself off to one of the local pubs in the area for an evening meal.

Day 4

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Head out for the morning, making your way to the head of the Ceiriog Valley with continuing views of the Berwyn Mountain range. Sticking to the Upper Ceiriog Trail, one of the many trails of kilometres of bridleways on offer, you head to the village of Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog where you tie the horses up in the car park and head for a pub lunch. A small village, the two inns served the many drovers who were taking their flocks to the market town of Oswestry.

After a filling lunch, mount up for a shorter ride to take the horses to their home for the night. Once the horses are settled, get in the car and drive to Pistyll Rhaeader, one of the wonders of Wales and Britain’s tallest single drop waterfall standing at 240ft. This is a fantastic site to go and see and if you are feeling fit enough it is well worth taking a walk up to the top to look at it from above and enjoy the surrounding views. Once you’ve taken in the beauty at leisure you head back to the farm, where you can continue to relax with the surrounding views on offer.

Day 5

Riding: 2 hours

Today you can have a leisurely ride before your departure late morning. You can go to explore the Pen-Y-Gwely reservoir and use the opportunity to take in the last of the breath-taking views, the changing terrain and making the most of the fantastic cantering spots. Returning to the farm, take as long as you need to say goodbye to your new best friend, before packing up and checking out.

Accommodation

All nights are based at the farm.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You should be at least a confident intermediate rider, capable in all paces across varied terrain.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 6
Departure windows

At any time during: March 25, 2024 - Nov. 3, 2024  (Flexible arrivals within this period - please enquire)

Pricing

2024
Per person sharing		 £775 $960 €900
Included Accommodation, breakfast, lunches on full day rides, riding.
Not included Flights, airport transfers, other lunches, evening meals and drinks
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1

Riding: 2 hours

Arrive around 2pm to get settled into your accommodation and be introduced to your horse. You will have a short assessment lesson followed by a hack to make sure you and your horse are compatible. There is a wide selection of horses so please speak up if you aren't happy so that an alternative can be found. If you wish to help untack after your ride then you are welcome, but you can just go and relax for the evening if you prefer.

Day 2

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

With the horses ready and complete with saddlebags carrying today's picnic lunches, you set out for a day’s riding. Passing herds of Welsh mountain sheep, riding along the old drovers' tracks and bridleways takes you into the county of Powys and onto ‘the Gyrn’. Made famous from the 1995 British film starring Hugh Grant, ‘The Englishman who Went up a Hill but Came down a Mountain’, you should be lucky enough to have great views of it from just around the corner of the farm. Finish the morning with a long canter up a grassy bridleway before stopping on the top for a well-deserved break and to enjoy views across Wrexham, Powys and Shropshire counties.

In the afternoon you head down the other side of the mountain and meander your way back into the county of Wrexham and home. After settling the horses, head to spend the evening relaxing in the cottage or take yourself off to one of the local pubs in the area for an evening meal.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

If you wish before breakfast, you can help to give the horses their breakfast and help groom them ready for the day ahead. Once everyone is ready, you head out for the morning making your way to the head of the Ceiriog Valley with continuing views of the Berwyn Mountain range. Sticking to the Upper Ceiriog Trail, one of the many trails of kilometres of bridleways on offer, you head to the village of Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog where you tie the horses up in the car park and head for a pub lunch. A small village, the two inns served the many drovers who were taking their flocks to the market town of Oswestry.

After lunch mount up and continue along the Upper Ceiriog trail, taking advantage of the last remaining canters of the day. Spend the evening stretching your legs after the days ride with a gentle walk taking in the sunset after supper.

Day 4

Riding: 2 hours

Today you can have a leisurely ride before your departure late morning. You will go to explore the Pen-Y-Gwely reservoir and use the opportunity to take in the last of the breath-taking views, the changing terrain and making the most of the fantastic cantering spots. Returning to the farm, take as long as you need to say goodbye to your new best friend, before packing up and checking out.

Accommodation

All three nights are spent at the farm.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You should be a confident intermediate rider, capable in all paces across varied terrain.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 6
Departure windows

At any time during: March 25, 2024 - Nov. 3, 2024  (Flexible arrivals within this period - please enquire)

Pricing

2024
Per person Sharing		 £565 $700 €655
Included Accommodation, breakfast, lunch on full day rides, riding.
Not included Flights, airport transfers, other lunches, evening meals and drinks
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1

Riding: 1 - 2 hours

Arrival to the farm early afternoon in time to settle into your accommodation for the night. You will meet the horses and have a short ride in the school before setting out on a hack of approximately one and a half hours. This is a great chance to get to know your horse before the trail begins - they have a large herd of horses and will find you the right mount to suit. Overnight at the farm.

Day 2

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

With your luggage packed and breakfast eaten you will mount up for the day with your daily essentials packed in your saddle bags. Today's ride will take you into the Welsh hills with views towards the borderlands, enjoying wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. This is lovely off-road riding with plenty of opportunities to canter.

At the end of the day you will settle the horses in their field for the night before being transferred to your hotel accommodation for the night.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

After breakfast your hosts will pick you and your luggage up (your bags will be taken on to the next accommodation) and will take you on to the horses for another day in the saddle. Today brings more great views as you ride amongst Welsh sheep. There is plenty of birdlife to be seen along today's route too, this is a wonderful area for wildlife.

After dropping the horses off for the night you will be transferred to your hotel for a relaxing evening in another pretty Welsh village.

Day 4

Riding: 3 hours

After another breakfast and short transfer back to the horses you will mount up for an exhilarating ride. Today's journey will take you back to the home farm and is a slightly shorter day, giving you time for an optional afternoon visit. You can choose to visit Llanrhawadr waterfall, the highest in Wales, for a walk or perhaps wander around the lovely Welsh town of Llangollen, home of the international Eisteddfod - your hosts will drive you to either option.

Day 5

Riding: 1 - 2 hours

This morning brings your final ride. Your guide will take you out on a last hack, enabling you to make the most of your time here before you head home.

Accommodation

The first and last night are at the farm where the horses live, sleeping in their standard bunkhouse accommodation which has self-catering facilities. The other nights are spent in hotels along the way and your luggage is transported for you.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

This ride is suited to intermediate and above riders who are happy to ride at walk, trot and canter in open countryside and who feel comfortable to ride for several hours a day. You are welcome to groom and tack up your own horse but your hosts will do this for you if preferred.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 8
Departure windows

At any time during: March 25, 2024 - Nov. 3, 2024  (Dates available on request for a minimum of 2 riders, subject to availability - please contact us.)

Pricing

2023
Shared room.		 £985 $1220 €1145
Included 4 nights of shared accommodation, breakfasts, 3 main days of trail riding with picnic lunches, a short ride on both arrival and departure day, dinner on the two hotel nights, transport of luggage between accommodations and local train station transfers.
Not included Flights/train tickets, insurance, dinners on the two nights at the farm and drinks.

Extras

2023 - Single Supplement £60 $74 €70
Paid to Far and Ride
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1

Riding: 2 hours

Arrive around 2pm to get settled in to your first night's accommodation and be introduced to your horse. You will have a short assessment lesson followed by hack to make sure you and your horse are compatible. There is a wide selection of safe, fun horses so if you’re not satisfied please say as the aim is for you to enjoy your break away. Once back you’re more than welcome to assist with untacking and turning out your horse, or if you’d rather not then feel free to go and relax for the evening with views over the Berwyn mountain range.

Day 2

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

You can either help get your horse ready, learning new or more skills, or simply enjoy a leisurely breakfast before mounting up. You then set off for a 2 hour hack to explore the surrounding area and trails as well as get yourself comfortable and relaxed in the saddle. Return to the farm where you can relax with lunch before mounting up for an afternoon session of either a lesson or another hack. The choice is yours.

Day 3

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

Today you head out for a day ride. You will spend around 2 hours in the saddle riding through a variety of terrain to go and find a spot for your picnic lunch. After you’ve rested it’s time to mount up and make your way home, where you can continue with some stable management lessons or using the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 4

Riding: 1 - 2 hours

This morning it’s up to you whether you choose to have another lesson to continue developing your skills or enjoy one last hack in the countryside. Returning to the yard, take as long as you need to say goodbye to your new best friend, before packing up and checking out.

Accommodation

All nights are spent at the farm.
Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced

There are horses to suit all abilities. Novice riders are welcomed, as are mixed groups/families.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 6
Departure windows

At any time during: March 25, 2024 - Nov. 3, 2024  (Flexible arrivals within this period - please enquire.)

Pricing

2024
Non-Rider, sharing		 £145 $180 €169
2024
Rider, sharing		 £445 $550 €515
Included Accommodation, breakfast, one lunch, riding.
Not included Flights, transfers, other lunches, evening meals and drinks
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.