Let’s Get Trekking: Horse Riding Holidays in Snowdonia
Whether you’re a complete beginner or have years of experience in the saddle, horse riding in Snowdonia is a unique way to experience the wild and rugged beauty of Northwest Wales. This is a stunning corner of the country, where rocky beaches and jewel-toned bays give way to emerald-green valleys, glacier-fed lakes and the craggy peaks of Snowdonia National Park.
From the saddle, you can venture off the beaten track and discover a different side to Snowdonia. Away from busy roads, bustling villages and crowded tourist sites, you’ll have the chance to reconnect with nature and take a walk (or should we say trot?) on the wild side. And of course, you’ll get to bond with some of the friendliest and most beautiful horses in Wales.
You don’t need to be an experienced rider to explore Snowdonia by horseback. The region is peppered with local stables and riding centres where you can sign up for lessons, join pony treks and even embark on overnight adventures. With so many fantastic stables in and around Snowdonia, it’s easy to enjoy horse riding holidays in North Wales. Discover some of our favourites below!
Where to go horse riding in Snowdonia
Snowdonia Riding Stables
Set between the Snowdon massif and the Irish Sea, Snowdonia Riding Stables immerses you in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the British Isles. The stables offer a warm welcome to riders of all levels, whether you’re a complete beginner or have lots of experience in the saddle.
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There are miles of car-free bridleways to explore within a stone’s throw of the stables, many taking you deep into the foothills of Snowdonia National Park. Horses and ponies are carefully paired with riders to ensure your experience is as safe and comfortable as possible.
While short countryside rides are always a treat, their Full Day Mountain Ride is one of our favourite North Wales pony trekking experiences. You’ll enjoy around five hours in the saddle – more than enough time to venture deep into the mountains and experience the wild and remote scenery of Snowdonia. Approval from the Pony Club and the British Horse Society wins Snowdonia Riding Stables extra points.
Pen-Llyn Lusitano Stud and Riding Centre
Whether you’re a complete novice or you’re looking to brush up your skills in the saddle, Pen-Llyn Lusitano Stud and Riding Centre offers private and group lessons in a welcoming environment. The family-run stables are polished and professional, with a focus on both basic skills and classical riding.
The horses are the real highlight at Pen-Llyn Lusitano, with teachers relying on impeccably trained Iberian horses to help you master the art of classical riding. The school is also home to several beautiful home-bred horses, some suitable for keen beginners and others reserved for more advanced riders.
Bwlchgwyn Farm
If you want to wake up to the sounds of nickering horses and the smell of fresh hay, nothing beats a getaway to Bwlchgwyn Farm. Set on the famous Welsh Coastal Path, with spectacular views over the Mawddach Estuary and Snowdonia National Park, this working sheep and cattle farm offers a chance to live and breathe the stable life. Choose from a wide range of activities on this horse riding holiday in North Wales, including one-on-one and group lessons if it’s your first time in the saddle.
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Family-friendly pony treks along the Mawddach Estuary are perfect for young children, combining beautiful coastal scenery with stunning mountain views. If you’re an experienced rider and have always wanted to canter along a sandy beach, private rides at Bwlchgwyn Farm promise sand, saltwater and a fresh sea breeze.
Want to bring your own horse? From September to June, Bwlchgwyn Farm offers two-night packages including accommodation in a luxury self-catering cottage with breakfast included, plus stabling for your horse and exclusive access to well-maintained trails. The farm is walking (or trotting) distance to the nearby village of Fairbourne, making it easy to head into town for a coffee or a drink at the local pub.
Cilan Fawr Riding Centre
Perched on the Cilan Headland and overlooking Cardigan Bay, this long-established horse riding stable in North Wales is perfect for a mud-splattered getaway. Experienced teachers and well-trained horses make the Cilan Fawr Riding Centre ideal for both new and seasoned riders.
All rides and treks take you off the roads and onto trails reserved for horses and hikers only. This leaves you free to enjoy postcard-perfect views over Hell’s Mouth Bay, Bardsey Island and of course, Snowdonia National Park.
As well as self-catering accommodation at cosy cottages, Cilan Fawr Riding Centre offers budget-friendly camping and caravan sites. Alternatively, look at accommodation in nearby Abersoch village, where you’ll be just a short drive from the stables and within strolling distance of shops, cafes and taverns.
Gwydyr Stables
Gwydyr Stables was founded in 1973 and enjoys a picturesque setting surrounded by lush forests, rolling countryside and the rugged peaks of Snowdonia National Park. From short half-hour introductory rides to full-day adventures in the mountains, the stable offers a wide range of options for every occasion. The celebrated pub ride has been a hit for years, combining beautiful scenery with some of the best watering holes in Snowdonia.
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If you want to really get away from it all, the two or three-day Snowdonia pony trekking trail rides are a great excuse to leave your smartphone at home and immerse yourself in the wild natural beauty of Snowdonia. Get back to basics and sleep under the stars in a tent or bunkhouse, or enjoy creature comforts with B&B or hotel accommodation.
Experience Snowdonia from the Saddle
Ready to swing into the saddle and enjoy a horse riding holiday in North Wales? Put simply, there’s no better way to experience Snowdonia than with reins in your hands, stirrups at your feet and the sounds of swishing tails and whinnying horses up ahead.
Looking for something a little different? Check out our guide to horseback riding tours on the Welsh coast for more inspiration.
