Discover the perfect horse riding location near you
There are a lot of excellent horse riding routes for riders to follow around the UK. Whether you want a leisurely, relaxing ride, challenging terrain, spectacular scenery, or simply good pub pit stops, we’ve picked out ten of the best places to go exploring with your horse. It’s time to saddle up, get out of the school and go for a ride in the great outdoors!
From windswept coastal paths to ancient forest tracks and highland trails, the UK offers an incredible variety of hacking experiences for riders of all levels. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, a long-distance adventure, or just a peaceful afternoon hack, these locations promise unforgettable rides, breathtaking views, and plenty of places to pause and soak it all in.
Where are the best places for horse riding?
1. The New Forest
Renowned for the ‘wild’ ponies which roam free across the New Forest, exploring this unique place on horseback seems only natural. Explore open forest, paddle in shady streams or canter along a picturesque beach, wherever you choose there’s always stunning flora and fauna along the way.
The Crown Lands of the Forest permit open access for horse riders and provide plenty of suitable tracks, although you are expected to keep to the tracks, roads and bridleways. You will find plenty of country pubs and restaurants along the way, as well as accommodation offering livery facilities.
For those keen to hack independently, the New Forest offers an extensive network of gravel tracks, bridleways and permissive routes that wind through ancient woodland, open heath and tranquil glades. Popular hacking routes include the scenic ride from Boldrewood to Rhinefield, offering majestic views of ornamental trees, and the peaceful trail from Beaulieu Road Station to Denny Wood, where you can often encounter wild ponies and deer. The Highland Water Inclosure and Castle Hill areas are particularly recommended for their varied terrain and seasonal beauty.
You are encouraged to follow the New Forest Horse Riding Code, which promotes responsible riding to protect the landscape and wildlife. This includes keeping to designated paths during wet conditions and nesting season (March to July), avoiding erosion-prone slopes, and using adjacent fords instead of pedestrian footbridges. Forestry England provides guidance and signage to help you navigate safely and respectfully.
2. South Downs Way
Explore some of England’s finest countryside, stretching from historic Winchester to the white cliffs at Eastbourne. From short hacks to epic challenges, the South Downs Way provides miles of designated bridleways, meaning you can ride off road for hours – or even days!
With plenty of attractive wildlife, pretty villages and fine pubs, the chalk downland provides good going, even after rain. Some parts of the trail can be quite challenging in places, particularly higher up, but the dramatic views and beautiful countryside are definitely worth the hill work. Make sure your horse is fit enough and arrange a support crew if you plan to ride the whole distance.
The South Downs Way offers over 100 miles of continuous bridleway, making it one of the few National Trails in England fully accessible to horse riders. The chalk terrain provides excellent drainage, ensuring firm footing even in wet weather, and the route is well-marked with waypoints and water troughs for horses at regular intervals. You can enjoy varied scenery, from open downland and wooded valleys to coastal views, with plenty of opportunities for long canters and peaceful hacks through quiet countryside.
Horsebox-friendly parking is available at multiple points along the trail, including Cheesefoot Head, Beacon Hill, and Devil’s Dyke, allowing you to access different sections with ease.
3. Pennine Bridleway
Well marked and largely off road, this historical trail offers a variety of riding, from gentle rolling landscape through to more challenging hills.
Often called the rugged backbone of England, there’s opportunity to experience some of the finest upland riding on the UK’s first National Trail, designed especially for horse riders, mountain bikers and walkers. Connecting the Peak District, South Pennines, Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria, there’s 200 miles of fantastic riding to be enjoyed.
The Pennine Bridleway follows a mix of ancient packhorse routes, drovers’ roads and newly created bridleways, offering you a unique opportunity to explore the dramatic landscapes of Northern England. Terrain varies from grassy tracks and stone setts to moorland paths and quiet country lanes, with panoramic views and rich natural heritage throughout.
Horse-friendly access points such as Hartington Station and Summit near Littleborough provide facilities like horsebox parking, water troughs and safe mounting areas.
4. Strath Brora, Sutherland
Experience the dramatic beauty of the Scottish Highlands and follow an old trail high in to the hills above Loch Brora. The ride offers stunning views and the opportunity to spot red deer and osprey. Let your pony have a splash in the loch or canter along the banks before exploring a woodland trail. Local centre Highlands Unbridled offers exciting trekking holidays and accommodation.
Strath Brora offers a wealth of hacking opportunities for riders seeking remote and scenic trails. The terrain varies from lochside paths and forest tracks to open hill routes, with long stretches ideal for trotting and cantering. You can follow the old drovers’ roads and estate tracks that wind through the valley, offering panoramic views over the Highlands and peaceful encounters with local wildlife such as golden eagles, otters, and deer.
The area is well-suited to experienced riders looking for multi-day adventures, with routes connecting to Glen Loth, Badenloch, and beyond. These trails often include river crossings, steep climbs, and boggy sections, so a fit horse and confident navigation are essential. It’s advisable tocarry OS Explorer maps and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which encourages responsible riding across open land.
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Go to the shop5. Dartmoor
The wild Dartmoor landscape is completely unforgettable. Ride out on the open moor and really stretch your horse’s legs, or follow woodland trails and bridleways for a gentle trot.
The High Moor is a must for experienced riders, as long as you plan your route around the blanket bog. In addition there are a historic networks of byways linking towns and villages which you are entitled to use. Your horse will receive just as warm a welcome as you at many of the pubs along the way in Dartmoor. You’ll find plenty providing water and paddocks or tie rails, often with a convenient picnic table for yourself nearby.
Dartmoor offers over 35,000 hectares of open access land under the Dartmoor Commons Act, making it one of the most rider-friendly landscapes in the UK. The terrain ranges from gentle slopes in the south-east to rugged uplands in the north, with hundreds of miles of bridleways, multi-use trails, and historic packhorse routes to explore. Popular hacking areas include the Burrator and Meavy Circular and the Ryder’s Hill loop, both offering moderate challenges and stunning views across moorland and valleys.
As well as the blanket bogs, you should be aware of military training zones, particularly in the northern half of the moor, and check live firing schedules before setting out. Tie rails and water troughs are available at many pubs and rest stops.
6. Holy Island, Northumberland
The white sandy of beaches of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne offer enjoyable rides along the beach, with the impressive backdrop of Lindisfarne castle. Cut off from the mainland twice daily, both an island and a picturesque village, there’s lots to see. For nature enthusiasts there’s the opportunity for seal and bird spotting in the North Sea and perhaps a dip in the sea too if you and your horse can stand the sometimes icy temperature!
You can enjoy peaceful hacks along the shoreline and across the dunes, with firm sand providing excellent footing for trotting and cantering. The tidal nature of the island adds a unique rhythm to any ride, and planning around safe crossing times is essential. Beyond the beach, grassy tracks and permissive paths offer scenic routes through the island’s nature reserve and historic landmarks, including views of Lindisfarne Priory and the Gertrude Jekyll gardens.
While the terrain is generally gentle, you should be mindful of soft sand and changing tidal conditions. Our Explorer maps and local tide tables are useful tools for planning safe and enjoyable rides.
7. Studland Beach, Dorset
With three miles of sandy beaches to enjoy there are also cliff top rides overlooking the impressive Dorset coastline and around Old Harry Rocks. With backdrops like this for your ride and plenty of sand to run on it’s a great experience for horse riders. Be aware that beach riding permits are not available all year round.
Horse riding on Studland Beach is permitted between 1 October and 30 April, and you must obtain a valid permit from the National Trust before accessing the beach. Daily permits are available for £25, and you must adhere to time restrictions.
Access to the beach is via designated entry points near Knoll Beach, where horsebox parking is available in the left-hand pay-and-display car park. Follow the Studland Beach Riding Code by keeping to the tide line, avoiding the dunes, and respecting other beach users. Beyond the beach, permissive bridleways link to scenic heathland and forest trails across Godlingston Heath and Ballard Down, offering excellent off-road hacking with panoramic views.
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OS Shop
We are with you every step of the way. Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooks so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.
Go to the shop8. Carmarthenshire
Known for its wonderfully long beaches and beautiful forests, as well as being the mythical home of Merlin, there are plenty of riding routes to explore. Horse riding is welcomed in many of the forests and woodlands and there are lots of bridleways, forest roads and riding trails to enjoy.
Carmarthenshire offers over 160km of bridleways and byways open to all traffic, with additional access via minor unclassified roads that are quiet and well-suited to hacking. Popular areas for off-road riding include Crychan Forest and Halfway Forest, where waymarked trails wind through ancient woodland and open glades, offering peaceful rides and the chance to spot wildlife such as red kites and deer.
Beach riding is also possible at Cefn Sidan, where you can access the sands via designated byways and enjoy long canters along the shoreline. Permissive access routes and countryside stewardship schemes further expand the network of rideable paths, and the county’s Equestrian Access Strategy aims to improve connectivity and safety for riders by upgrading footpaths to bridleways and developing circular routes.
9. Radnor Forest Trail, Powys
This trail offers you glorious views of tranquil Welsh countryside – ideal for those wanting to step off the beaten track and explore parts of Wales that are virtually untouched. It’s a fairly remote trail, with few pubs or restaurants along the way, but if well planned, offers a wonderful chance to escape from the hustle and bustle.
The Radnor Forest Trail spans approximately 70 miles of bridleways, byways, and quiet lanes, forming part of the National Bridleroute Network. Riders can enjoy varied terrain, from pine-scented forest tracks and open hilltops to historic drovers’ roads marked by clumps of Scots pine. Highlights include the ascent to Whimble, nearly 2,000 feet high, and the dramatic gorge at Water-break-its-neck waterfall.
Several well-marked bridleways converge in the forest, making it a hub for equestrian exploration. The trail links with other long-distance routes such as the Three Rivers Ride and the Jack Mytton Way, offering opportunities for extended multi-day hacks.
10. Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path
Ride along a historic Roman road, along low cliffs and extensive sandy beaches. Separate riding and walking routes are available and there’s something to suit every rider, from short hacks to longer full day excursions. Ride out along the coast in an area of outstanding natural beauty or visit tiny flint villages and quiet streams.
The Peddars Way Horse Riders’ Route offers designated bridleways and quiet lanes, following the ancient Roman road from Knettishall Heath to Holme-next-the-Sea. The terrain is largely flat, making it ideal for relaxed hacking, with good going across heathland, farmland, and pine forest tracks. Riders can enjoy peaceful stretches through the Brecks, spot wildlife in the salt marshes, and take in sweeping views of the Norfolk coast.
The Norfolk Coast Path section, while more limited in equestrian access, includes inland alternatives for riders that parallel the coastal walking route. These inland bridleways offer access to scenic spots such as Ringstead Downs and the countryside around Burnham Overy and Holkham. The area is rich in birdlife, and riders may encounter seals basking on the beaches or flocks of geese overhead.
Horsebox parking is available at several trailheads, including Knettishall Heath and Holme-next-the-Sea.
For more articles on exploring Britain on horseback, take a look our our horse riding collection. Find inspiration on where to go next and how to plan a route that suits you.
