Horse Riding

Horse riding is good for improving fitness and getting away from it all in the fresh air. The bridleways and country lanes throughout the Peak District provide good opportunities for riding, hacking and trekking.

• Contact a pony trekking or horse riding centre that cater for all abilities
• Horse riders are welcome on the dedicated 65 miles (104km) of off road shared use trails in the Peak District. They are ideal for those who wish to relax and soak up the scenery at any time of year, whilst the bridleway network opens up opportunities for the more adventurous.
• Hartington Station on the Tissington Trail and Torside car park on the Longdendale Trail provide horse box parking and tethering facilities
• There is also a riding route around Carsington Water
• The Monsal Trail provides a firm, level surface from the car park at Bakewell Station south to Coombes Road viaduct and north to Blackwell Mill near Buxton (approximately 8.5 miles)
• Check out the Black Harry trails - a series of routes suitable for horse-riding in the Longstone Edge area of the Peak District National Park
• Macclesfield Forest and the Upper Derwent Valley have a network of bridleways that can be enjoyed by horseriders

Take the next step

Get in touch with an equestrian centre and it will talk you through your options. You should ensure any centre is approved by the British Horse Society, which is a guarantee of high standards. For approved riding centres in the Peak District visit the Association of British Riding schools or the British Horse Society

Read the Horse Ride Derbyshire web pages and leaflets which gives more tips and advice on how to get started and where to ride in Derbyshire.

If you are an experienced rider and want a long distance trek seek out the Pennine Bridleway, a 431km (268) mile National Trail across rugged moorland terrain from the old Hartington Station on the Tissington Trail. For more information, including accommodation with stables and grazing.

The Kinder Loop developed by Peak Horsepower, encircles Kinder Scout and is a 55 mile challenging riding route through the Dark Peak landscape using existing bridleways, the Pennine Bridleway and the Trans-Pennine Trail.

For experienced riders various long distance events are held in the area.
Contact: Endurance GB (long distance riding society).

The Peak District enjoys an extensive public transport network, enabling you to have a full day out exploring the area without using the car.

Useful links

• www.bhsaccess.org.uk - a directory of national routes suitable for horse riders
• www.transpenninetrail.org.uk - the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) is a route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders linking the North and Irish seas
• www.hoofride.co.uk - start riding, return to riding and get more out of riding
• www.matchyhorsey.co.uk/endurance/ - covers all the basics with a comprehensive breakdown of how to get started in endurance riding including assessing your horse and basic health care