Heaven on horseback
Drove roads, woodland trails, forest tracks and hill routes … the Tweed Valley offers almost unlimited scope for adventures on horseback. How far you go is up to you.
From the Border Reivers to today’s Common Ridings, the horse is woven into the fabric of Scottish Borders history. And today, riding is as popular as ever, albeit for recreation rather than stealing livestock and seeing off raiding parties! It’s said that there are more horses per head of population in the Borders than anywhere else in Scotland.
The Borders as a whole offer more than 450km of off-road riding, many of which are part of Scotland’s Great Trails which stretch from coast to coast and south to north across the country.
But let’s start off small and go from there. Beginners can get to grips with the basics with lessons and short treks on offer from Kailzie Equestrian Centre – making full use of the nearby Cardrona Forest – and Haughhead Stables. More experienced riders can join one of the Common Ridings held each summer between June and August and enjoy all the associated pomp and ceremony. Or else head further afield on day or multi-day rides that give a real taste of the local landscape. Try Yair to Peebles via Traquair Forest, Cardrona to the Glen, Minch Moor and Plora Wood, or go long on the Cross Border Drove Road.
The options are truly endless.
Further Information
For everything from suggested routes to details on horse-friendly accommodation in the Tweed Valley and wider Borders, South of Scotland Countryside Trails is an excellent resource. And check out the Ride Scottish Borders Facebook page for local guided ride-outs and more.