Ride the Trails of Exmoor
Destination: United Kingdom, England
Activity: Horseback Riding, Art/Architecture
Duration: 7 days
How Tough? Intermediate
When? Year-Round
For Kids? For Teenagers And Adults
Stay at a horse farm in the West Country of England and ride across the moors into Exmoor National Park where you see wild ponies, herds of red deer and many species of birds.
You visit Dulverton, a former market town that has existed since the 11th century and Anstey Barrows, an ancient Roman burial mound.
In Exmoor, famous wild ponies live in their natural habitat as they have for centuries.
You cross Molland Moor, a mystic place that for centuries served as the main thoroughfare to London. Trains once transported the Exmoor ponies to the coal pits in Wales in the 19th Century.
The terrain of Exmoor allows for some fast gallops, long canters and trots and even a swim with your horse. Plan to spend several hours each day in the saddle.
You stay at Higher Chilcott Farm, a cozy period farmhouse run by a husband and wife team who both have equestrian backgrounds. You have breakfast and dinner at the farm and lunch on the trail. On some days there will be a picnic. On other days, you lunch in a pub. Each night you return to Higher Chilcott Farm to the hospitality of English country life.
Non-riders are welcome on this trip.
Tour Plan
England’s Western Coastal Trail
Day 1, Sunday: Arrive, settle in and relax.
Day 2, Monday: Monday This is a very picturesque ride through the ancient pine forest of North Moor, a habitat for many interesting species of wildlife. There is a wealth of spectacular ancient oaks, Silver Birch and Douglas Fir trees. In early summer Red Deer hinds and calves may be seen sheltering among the trees. The purity of the air enables lichen to flourish on the trees, they are unique to the Barle Valley. After lunch you cross the river at a shallow crossing, and make your way to the coarse grasses and heathered White Rocks. Riders return to Higher Chilcott for lunch. Riders travel down the rustic lane, through the picturesque fields. They crossing the spring and canter up the steep hills beyond to reach The Old Racecourse on Venford Moor, here native Exmoor Ponies can be found.
Day 3, Tuesday: Tuesday Ride through farmland down to the river passing Castle Bridge, which was originally part of the Roman road. Flowing under the bridge is the Danesbrook. This is a renowned spot where the Danes triumphed in battle over the Anglo Saxons. The source of the river starts from a spring high on the moors which then tumbles down to meet the river Barle. A splash and a drink and onward to Hawkridge. From here riders have excellent views of the valleys below. Riders stop at the Tar Steps Hotel for lunch and walk over Tar Steps, an ancient Clapper Bridge steeped in myth and legend possibly dating back to the Bronze Age. After lunch ride through the river and follow the river bank west before turning to follow the bridle path through Knaplock Farm to Winsford Hill, past the Caracatus Stone, evidence of the Romans.
Day 4, Wednesday: The ride starts with a brisk trot uphill to Ansley Common, where riders look down towards Ringcombe Wood with various little farm dwellings nestled into the hillside. Then cross the common, finding an ancient dew pond, where the horses splash and drink. Travel onward to Red Ford. The gorse bushes in full bloom produce a healthy coconut smell, the dashing yellow blooms make this prickly bush a favorite among locals. On crossing Moorhouse Ridge, breathtaking views can be seen all around. A delicious summer picnic will greet you at Willingford bridge, a delightfully sunny spot. Horses are tethered on a line, so that riders thirsts can be quenched. The ride continues to Porchester Post, through a line of glorious beech trees and down into Withypool. This is an exceptionally pretty village with a central stone bridge, a typical example of an Exmoor community. The ride makes its way to the spectacular Punch Bowl where a cream tea will recharge energies. Time can be spent appreciating the romantic tranquil setting. The ride then goes through Mounsey Castle and on to Castle Bridge, before returning home.
Day 5, Thursday: This will be a less strenuous day, there will be the option of either a shorter trail ride, show jumping at Higher Chilcott, or a gymkhana, with an opportunity to win rosettes. The activity elected will be chosen by the whole group. This will take place in the morning, with lunch at the farm. The afternoon will be spent touring Exmoor by car.
Day 6, Friday: The views of the moor are breathtaking. You may first see Anstey Barrows, an ancient burial mound once used by the Romans, then continue to Froude Handcocks. On clear days the Tors of Dartmoor, in the South of Devon, can be seen, looking across Exmoor to the vista of Dunkery Beacon. Here the moor can be at its wildest on a blustery day, but can equally be baked in summer sunshine. Horses are tethered in a 17th Century farmyard and riders go to the London Inn for lunch.
Saturday, Day 7: Depart after breakfast.
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