HorseRiding

There is no better place to have a canter than in Yorkshire, be it alongside the Heritage Coastline, through one of the three National Parks or along the bridleways and routes specifically intended for the rider.  The choice of route is pretty much endless, and with miles of country roads, it is easy to travel between small hidden villages or along riverside trails.

A new guide, 'Horse Riders' Guide to the North York Moors' has been produced to help riders enjoy the Moors. In it you will find accommodation for horses, vets, saddlers, riding centres/schools and feed outlets. This is available here.

Forest Enterprise now welcomes riders on their extensive network of tracks in Dalby, Cropton, Harwood Dale, Broxa and Langdale Forests - find out more by visiting the Forestry Commission website. At Dalby Forest a network of forest roads including the 9 mile Dalby Forest Drive provide access to this outstanding landscape. Formed in the Ice Age and shaped by the people from the Bronze Age to the present day, Dalby is very much a forest worth visiting.

There have been significant additions to the bridleway network in the last few years, and concessionary bridleways such as the impressive former Scarborough to Whitby railway are now included, as well as new sections created as part of the Pennine Bridleway project.

Newtondale Horse Trail
The North York Moors National Park Authority has established a 35½ mile circular route for horse riders through the dramatic gorge of Newtondale. It is a two or three day ride and ideal for anyone with their own horse. A detailed guidebook which includes essential information and an accommodation booklet is available.

The Pennine Bridleway National Trail
This is an exciting trail which provides a fresh challenge for horse riders, off-road cyclists and walkers. Threading through the Pennine hills, it combines historic packhorse routes with specially created paths. An area of all year round stunning beauty and tranquillity, the Pennine Hills are accessible and a great way of getting closer to nature.

The Settle Loop
The Settle Loop is the first section of the Pennine Bridleway to be opened in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The 16km (10 mile) loop takes in stunning limestone scenery including views of the nationally important Malham Tarn. This exciting route starts in Settle and climbs out of this lovely town into the Dales, traversing the wonderful limestone upland, before descending back towards Settle. The Trail incorporates open grassy stretches, limestone outcrops, grass and gravel paths and quiet winding lanes.

The Mary Towneley Loop
The Mary Towneley Loop is a 47 miles circular trail which forms part of the Pennine Bridleway. For riders of all types, it provides a wonderful curtain-raiser to this ambitious National Trail.

For the more adventurous horse-owner seeking to bring their horse for a week long exploration of the region, pre-arranged itineraries are available from Bridle Rides covering both the North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds.  For more information click here.

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Horse riding in the region is a great way to see the diverse landscape and abundant wildlife. Most riding centres in the area cater for beginners through to experienced riders but some also have facilities for disabled riders, side-saddle and carriage driving. It is always wise to contact the centre first to find out what facilities they have to offer, where the centre is based, what level of rider they cater for and the type of riding offered before you book.

Book a day riding and you could be heading across the open moors, along the rugged coastline, through the picturesque dales and villages or having a lesson in a covered arena. The choice is yours!

There are a large number of British Horse Society approved riding centres throughout the area, and you can find full listings here

You can find out more about horse riding on the North York Moors by clicking here

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