Pennine Bridleway Trail Ride - Settle to Kirkby Stephen - 60 Miles

A spectacular guided trail riding holiday from Settle in the Yorkshire Dales to Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria along the Pennine Bridleway.

The Pennine Bridleway

The Pennine Bridleway is a new 200 mile National Trail in the north of England, the first purpose-built long distance bridleway for horse riders, mountain bikers and walkers. The route follows a mix of green lanes, ancient packhorse routes as well as newly constructed bridleways and takes in some of the best scenery in the North of England.

About this Trail Riding Holiday

Our Pennine Bridleway Trail Ride is a guided 5 day 60 mile adventure using our horses following the Pennine Bridleway from Settle in the Yorkshire Dales back to our centre which is situated near Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria. After a warm up ride at our centre on day one, we transport riders and horses to Settle on day two and from there we make our way home through the rolling valleys of the Yorkshire Dales and along the tops of the Cumbrian fells. 4pm. This is a very unique trail ride with wonderful scenery and facinating history along the way. We ride past the famous three peaks of Yorkshire and rest overnight at Austwick, Horten-in-Ribblesdale and Garsdale riding between 12 and 18 miles a day. The majority of this route is off road and the pace is gentle with some opportunities for some lovely canters each day. The ride is aimed at experienced riders who are comfortable with the distances and prefer a steady pace with occasional canters. The ride is mostly led by Alison, the owner, who ensures a very high standard of care for both riders and horses and a fun and relaxed atmosphere. We have an excellent support team who take care of our backup and ensure our itinerary runs smoothly.

Non Riding Partners Welcome

We welcome non riding partners who can walk or cycle the route ( we provide maps and bikes ).

Why not leave your car at home ?

If you wish to leave your car at home and travel by trail we offer a free pick up and return service from Kirkby Stephen ( Leeds / Carlise line ).

Daily Itinerary

Arrival Day - Monday

1pm - Arrive at our centre at Street Farm near Kirkby Stephen and spend the afternoon getting to know your horse and your fellow riders during an easy 2 hour ride. During the afternoon we will take you through our safety procedures and daily horse care routines so you are fully prepared and ready to go first thing on Tuesday morning. Your accommodation tonight will be in one of our favorite local B&B's. There are several options for dinner in local Inns which we can book for you.

Trail Day One - Tuesday

Settle to Austwick - 18 Miles

On Tuesday we have an early start, leaving about 8.15am to travel to Settle with our horses which takes about an hour. After tacking up we say goodbye to our transport crew who leave us to begin our adventure and make our way home. ( Its a great feeling being left so far from home with just your horse for company ). The morning route follows the Settle Loop which includes a fabulous view of Malham Tarn and our first glimpse of Pen-y-ghent, one of the great three peaks of Yorkshire before stopping for a picnic at a lovely spot just past Jubilee Caves. In the afternoon we enjoy some great canters near Feizor and follow a pretty bridleway to the village of Austwick where riders and horses spend the night. We meet for dinner in the Gamecock which is famous for its french style cuisine. Total distance 18 miles ( includes 4 miles of roadwork ).

Trail Ride Day Two - Wednesday

Austwick to Horton-in-Ribblesdale - 14 Miles

On Wednesday we meet at 9.30am and after tacking up we set off at about 10am. We quickly re-join the Pennine Bridleway on the edge of the village and add on an extra bridleway loop near Wharfe with lovely views across the valley. By now you may be starting to marvel at the everyday folk not so long ago who used the very same bridleways to travel from village to village as part of their everyday life. We only wish the tracks could whisper their facinating stories to us as we ride along ? In the afternoon our routes takes us along the lower edge of Ingleborough, past Gaping Gill and onto the wide open spaces of Crummock Dale. The views from here are really inspiring and we stand for a while and be amazed at the limestone pavements at Sulber Nick. Accommodation and dinner is arranged at a local B&B. Total distance 14 miles ( 1 mile of roadwork as we leave the village )

Trail Day Three - Thursday

Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Garsdale - 18 Miles

Thursday is a stretch of 18 miles so we usually set off at by 9.30am. We cross over the river Ribble using a very impressive bridge built specifically for horse and riders which has just won a special award at the British Construction 2011 awards.After crossing the bridge the Pennine Bridleway joins the Pennine Way as it winds its way through Ling Gill nature reserve and up onto the Cam High road, a historic drovers route. The views are quite spectacular on this route as we look down over the famous Ribble Head viaduct and Wherneside. After a picnic lunch we ride over Wold fell, then Dent fell before we head downhill to Garsdale saying goodbye to Yorkshire as we cross over the county boundary into Cumbria. Garsdale is a tiny collection of houses and we stay at the Garsdale B&B where your hosts Karen and Peter will give you a warm welcome. Dinner is available at the B&B or at the Moorcock Inn next door. Total distance - 18 Miles ( 2 miles roadwork )

Trail Day Four - Friday

Garsdale to Kirkby Stephen ( Street Farm ) 12 Miles

On our final day the Pennine Bridleway follows the historic Lady Anne Highway through the remote and beautiful Mallerstang Valley where we enjoy some lovely canters along the green lanes. We ride up and over Wild Boar fell and admire the views across the Eden Valley and the Lake District fells in the distance. The bridleway leads us quietly downhill back to our centre where we are met with a good cup of tea and cakes. We normally arrive back at around 3.30pm. Total Distance 12 Miles - ( less than a mile roadwork )

Ride Organisation

The ride is organised and run by the Eden Valley Trail Riding Centre based at Kirkby Stephen. Alison, the owner, takes overall charge and is present throughout the ride either as the Ride Leader or running the daily back up along with a very supportive team who work very hard to make sure both yourself and the horses are well cared for. We have a well organised routine each day before and at the end of each ride, you are very welcome to join in but equally you are not expected to. We have a driver and a back up vehicle which follows the ride each day carrying all our tack and equipment which in the event of bad weather is a great lunchtime refuge if we need somewhere to shelter and have a hot cup of tea !

Price & Inclusions:

Riders - £795 per person which includes:

Afternoon ride ( Monday ), 4 full days riding ( Tues – Fri ) 4 nights bed and breakfast ( Mon-Thurs), picnic lunch ( Tues – Fri ) hire of horse & tack , luggage transfer. Not included: Evening meals, .

Non Riders - £295 per person which includes:

4 nights bed and breakfast, picnic lunches ( Tues – Fri ), walking routes, luggage transfer. Non riders are welcome to join our vehicle back up crew at any time. Mountain bike hire available £40 per week.

Dates for 2012

Monday 28th May - Friday 1st June 2012 ( Adults only )

Monday 25th June - Friday 29th June 2012 ( Adults only )

Monday 6th August - Friday 10th August 2012 ( Children aged 13 upwards )

Monday 17th September - Friday 21st September 2012 ( Adults only )

How to Book

If you wish to enquire further please contact us here or by phone on 015396-23444. A deposit of £200 is required to secure a place and the final balance is due 4 weeks before your holiday.

Stonetrail Holidays