England's Countryside Trail Riding Vacation
2008 Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive on Sunday, settle in and relax in your very own cozy, period cottage.
Day 2
After a full English breakfast, riders will be allocated their horses for an assessment ride. This is a very picturesque ride through the ancient pine forest of North Moor, a habitat for many interesting species of wildlife. The horses traverse down to the banks of the crystal clear River Barle. In early summer Red Deer hinds and calves from the famous Exmoor herds may be seen sheltering among the trees. In autumn when the leaves are turning golden, one can hear the rutting of the majestic stag. The purity of the air enables lichen to flourish on the trees; these are unique to the Barle Valley. Riders cross the river at a shallow crossing and make their way up to the coarse grasses and heathered White Rocks. Riders return to Higher Chilcott with their horses and are taken down to the unspoiled former market town of Dulverton for lunch. This town dates back to the Doomesday Book and has a small population of 1400. The people of Dulverton are very proud of their town and there have been at least four charters since 1270, the last of which is dated 1556.
Day 3
Today you will begin at 11:00 am with a ride through picturesque 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 that then tumbles down to meet the River Barle. A splash and a drink (for the horses) and onward to Hawkridge. From here riders have excellent views of the valley below. Riders stop at Tarr Steps, where one of the oldest Clapper Bridges in England can be found, comprising of great slabs of stone weighing up to two tons each. After lunch your ride follows the river bank west along a bridle path and up on to Winsford Hill, where in the month of August the heather can be seen in all its glorious purple bloom.
Day 4
The ride starts with a brisk trot uphill to Anstey Common, where riders look downwards towards Ringcombe Wood with various little farm dwellings nestled into the hillside. The gorse bushes in full bloom produce a healthy coconut smell. On crossing Moorhouse Ridge, breathtaking views can be seen all around. Passing over Willingford Bridge you’ll ride through a line of wonderful beech trees to Porchester Post. From here, the ride works its way around Withypool Hill and on to the small village of Withypool itself where lunch can be found at the local tea rooms. This is an exceptionally pretty village with a central stone bridge, a typical example of an Exmoor community. The ride with long leisurely canters in green fields alongside the river then follows what once was a Roman road back along to Castle Bridge before heading back to the farm for evening supper.
Day 5
Riders depart on an all day ride traveling up to the Old Five Cross Way, where roads turn in every direction. Riders travel across Venford Moor, crossing the moorland terrain at varying speeds. The views of the moors are breathtaking. Here the moor can be seen at its wildest on a blustery day, but can equally be baked in summer sunshine. The ride arrives at Molland, a mystic place, which for centuries was a main thoroughfare to London 300 miles away and also where trains used to transport the Exmoor ponies to the pits in Wales in the 19th Century. The horses are tethered up and riders make their way to the London Inn for lunch. Upon a warm welcome, the Inn offers a wide choice of hot or cold Exmoor food. After an enjoyable lunch there is the opportunity to view the Saxon Church; it is believed to be one of the only churches not to have been altered by Henry VIII after his changes in religion. The ride continues on well rested horses up to Cuzzicombe Post before taking the route home past Anstey Barrows. On arrival home a traditional cream tea awaits.
Day 6
A last trail ride in the morning, departing in the afternoon.
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