Discover the lush valleys and rolling mountains of the Welsh Borders on this 5 day trail ride suitable for novice riders onwards. Overlooking the Ceiriog Valley, ride through ancient woodlands, past crumbling castles and into deep valleys.
Accommodation on the hosts farm (the second highest farm in the country) on the first and last nights and at traditional Welsh Inns while out on the trail. Wake up to incredible views and explore this undiscovered region on fit and responsive horses. Spring is one of the best times of the year to visit Wales, and the greenery in this rural region is spectacular. After a long days riding, spend the night in a quintessentially Welsh village and sample some local culinary specialties.
The hosts have been running their farm on the Welsh Borders for decades and have an extensive knowledge of the intricate history of this region. After 3 days out on the trail, return to the host's farm for the final night for a farewell dinner before heading home the following day. The Ceiriog Valley offers the perfect destination for adventure and relaxation, deep in the heart of Wales.
Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.
Review received from ES of San Jose on 21/08/2024
Day 1
Arrive at the hosts farm in the afternoon, this is the second highest farmyard in Wales at 1475ft. After checking in and freshening up, riders will be paired with a suitable horse and take part in a short riding assessment. This is usually in the outdoor school and followed by a ride around the farm to ensure that riders are happy with their mount. Dinner will be either at the farm or at a local pub for some traditional Welsh comfort food.
Day 2
After breakfast, set off across the moors that surround the farm riding on old drovers tracks and bridleways into Powys. This trail offers long canters and great views towards the Berwyn Mountains and Shropshire plains, heading out towards The Gyrn. The British film, ”An English Man who Climbed a Hill, but Came Down a Mountain”, starring Hugh Grant was filmed on this hill. This location offers lovely views of the Welsh borders and riders will enjoy a picnic near the top. The afternoon is spent enjoying the countryside, finishing with a canter to reach the horses' home for the night. Riders will take a transfer to stay in a local Welsh village for a comfortable night and a well-earned dinner.
Day 3
After breakfast, mount up and set off for the day trotting on quiet lanes and head up for a canter over Selattyn Hill which follows part of Offa’s Dyke, the 8th century earthworks build by Offa, the ancient Anglo Saxon king of Mercia. After a picnic lunch, riders cross the lovely Ceiriog valley, heading up with some lovely canters to the ridge of the valley for the horse's overnight stop. Riders are transferred to the evening's accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 4
Riding on along the top towards the head of the valley, and more views of the Berwyn mountain, the group stop for a pub lunch in the pretty welsh village of Llanarmon D.C. Head back to the host's farm in the afternoon along a quiet lane which leads to some long open uphill canters on an open track across the mountainside. The views over-looking the surrounding counties of Wrexham, Denbighshire, Powys, and Shropshire are stunning. Say goodbye to the horses and relax.
Day 5
Enjoy a final Welsh breakfast before saying goodbye to the hosts and heading home.
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
This destination has a huge range of horses to choose from, many of them homebred. All are well-suited to trail riding, used to being turned out on the steep hillsides surrounding the farm. There are ponies, cobs, sport horses and Welsh native breeds to chose from ranging in height from 14-17hh. The hosts are experts at matching horses and riders and there are plenty of options if riders wish to swap horses.
The riding on this trail can be adapted to the group's level, for novice riders there are plenty of opportunities for some nice, steady, uphill canters to build confidence. The rugged countryside in this part of the country can also lend itself to more extreme trail rides for experienced riders. Groups are generally arranged by experience and it is possible to split the group if necessary.
This trail ride is suitable for novice riders onwards. You should be able to walk, trot and canter but you do not need to be an accomplished horse rider. Your hosts have a range of trustworthy horses and are experts at pairing horses and riders. More experienced riders can also be catered for by splitting the group with the more experienced riders taking part in a more challenging trail with a faster pace. For this trail, riders will be covering between 15-20 miles per day.
The weight limit for this ride is 209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
The first and last night will be spent on-site at the host's Welsh farm. Rooms are basic but comfortable on-site holiday cottages or in the bunkhouse (bunkbed accommodation, maximum of two to a room) depending on availability. Both accommodation options have shared bathrooms and the kitchens and are warm and comfortable. While on the trail, riders will be spending two nights in traditional village inns or B&Bs. Rooms are cosy and comfortable with en-suite bathrooms.
Breakfasts on this trail ride are provided at each nights accommodation and will usually include continental and cooked options such as cereal, fruit, bacon eggs, toast and yogurts. Lunch is a picnic lunch eaten out on the trail. Expect homemade sandwiches, fruit, crisps, biscuits and soft drinks such as tea, coffee, juice, water or squash. Dinners on the trail are eaten at traditional Welsh pubs along the route. Pubs tend to have a varied menu featuring classic comfort food like fish and chips as well as Welsh specialties such as rarebit. Please note that some hotels have a limit of £25 for the evening meal. While at the farm there are self-catering facilities for those wishing to prepare their own meals, or a number of different pubs and restaurants in the area. Your hosts are happy to drop guests off in the nearest town.
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the US travel advice is available from: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/UnitedKingdom.html In Canada travel advice is available from:: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-kingdom
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
The region has a temperate maritime climate with typically warm rather than hot summers and cool to cold winters. This area rarely experiences very extreme weather. On average the hottest month is July in summer and the coldest is January in winter. Rainfall on average falls fairly evenly throughout the year, the wettest month is December and driest is April. The weather is unpredictable as with the rest of the UK and it is possible to see elements of all four seasons in one day. The area may experience some snowfall in the winter although heavy and sustained snowfall is rare.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in the UK and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
In United Kingdom the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.
There is electricity available every evening for charging cameras, phones and batteries. Wifi is not available at the farm which is the accommodation for your first and last nights. There is also no mobile signal at the farm. Wifi is available in the B&B accommodation while on the trail.
- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Clothes suitable for layering
- Casual clothes for the evening
- Waterproof, lightweight coat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
Provided by hosts
Riding helmets
This is a 4 night trail with 3 days of riding available on set dates.
2025: Dates available from 24th March until Sept.
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | double pp | 945 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | single supplement for nights in hotel/b&B | 51 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | double pp | 1,115 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | single supplement for nights in hotel/b&B | 60 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | double pp | 1,185 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | single supplement for nights in hotel/b&B | 64 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | double pp | 12,949 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | single supplement for nights in hotel/b&B | 699 |
Running for the Hills by Horatio Clare - The authors account of his Welsh childhood when his parents made a leap of faith in the 1960s and bought an isolated sheep farm nestled on a Welsh mountainside.
On the Black Hill by Bruce Chatwin - An elegantly written tale of identical twin brothers who grow up on a farm in rural Wales and never leave home. They till the rough soil and sleep in the same bed, touched only occasionally by the advances of the twentieth century.
Wales is renowed for wildlife watching thanks to the ancient woodlands, lakes and rivers, and wide open spaces. Hundreds of red kites arrive each day at special feeding stations in Mid Wales. Then there are seasonal treats; autumn welcomes leaping salmon to the rivers, and a blaze of colour to the forests, before huge flocks of wildfowl arrive for winter.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a sovereign country in western Europe. Lying off the north-western coast of the European mainland, the United Kingdom includes the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland and many smaller islands. Apart from this land border, the United Kingdom is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with the North Sea to its east, the English Channel to its south and the Celtic Sea to its south-south-west, giving it the 12th-longest coastline in the world. The Irish Sea lies between Great Britain and Ireland. With an area of 242,500 square kilometres (93,600 sq mi), the United Kingdom is the 78th-largest sovereign state in the world and the 11th-largest in Europe. It is also the 21st-most populous country, with an estimated 65.1 million inhabitants. Together, this makes it the fourth-most densely populated country in the European Union. The capital of the United Kingdom and its largest city is London, a global city and financial centre with an urban area population of 10.3 million, the fourth-largest in Europe and second-largest in the European Union. Other major urban areas in the United Kingdom include the conurbations centred on Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Liverpool and Manchester. The United Kingdom consists of four countries—England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The last three have devolved administrations, each with varying powers based in their capitals, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, respectively. The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of governance. The monarch is now King Charles III following the passing of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned from 6 February 1952 until 8 September 2023. England is separated from continental Europe by the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south. The country covers five-eighths of the island of Great Britain (which lies in the North Atlantic) in its centre and south; and includes over 100 smaller islands such as the Isles of Scilly, and the Isle of Wight. England's terrain mostly comprises low hills and plains, especially in central and southern England. However, there are uplands in the north (for example, the mountainous Lake District, and the Pennines) and in the southwest (for example, Dartmoor and the Cotswolds). England has a temperate maritime climate: it is mild with temperatures not much lower than 0 °C (32 °F) in winter and not much higher than 32 °C (90 °F) in summer. The weather is damp relatively frequently and is changeable. The coldest months are January and February, the latter particularly on the English coast, while July is normally the warmest month. Months with mild to warm weather are May, June, September and October. Rainfall is spread fairly evenly throughout the year. Scotland's only land border is with England, which runs for 60 miles (97 km) in a north-easterly direction from the Solway Firth in the west to the North Sea on the east coast. Scotland accounts for just under a third of the total area of the UK, covering 78,772 square kilometres (30,410 sq mi) and including nearly eight hundred islands, predominantly west and north of the mainland; notably the Hebrides, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands. Scotland is the most mountainous country in the UK. The more rugged Highland region contains the majority of Scotland's mountainous land, including Ben Nevis which at 1,343 metres (4,406 ft) is the highest point in the British Isles. The climate of Scotland is temperate and very changeable, but rarely extreme. Scotland is warmed by the North Atlantic Drift and given the northerly location of the country, experiences much milder conditions than areas on similar latitudes, such as Labrador in Canada - where icebergs are a common feature in winter. Wales accounts for less than a tenth of the total area of the UK, covering 20,779 square kilometres (8,020 sq mi). Wales is mostly mountainous, though South Wales is less mountainous than North and mid Wales. The highest mountains in Wales are in Snowdonia and include Snowdon which, at 1,085 metres (3,560 ft), is the highest peak in Wales. Wales has a maritime climate, the predominant winds being south-westerly and westerly, blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. This means that the weather in Wales is in general mild, cloudy, wet and windy. The country's wide geographic variations cause localised differences in amounts of sunshine, rainfall and temperature. Rainfall in Wales varies widely, with the highest average annual totals in Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, and the lowest near the coast and in the east, close to the English border. In July 2007, England is introducing a smoking ban in pubs and other public places, following on from the success of the scheme in Ireland. Be aware that there may be large fines for smoking in banned areas. The UK is on GMT time. Although most weights and measures are now metric (celsius, litres and kg) some imperial measures remain and distances are indicated in miles. The international dialling code is +44.
