Transfer and Other Options:

Day 1 Saturday: Arrival, dinner, overnight stay.  During the week you will be staying at a cozy guesthouse in the lovely village of Tomintoul. Tomintoul is the highest village in the Scottish Highlands (1,165 feet) situated in the south of Moray on the edge of the Cairngorm Mountains. The town was originally founded during the "Age of New Towns" in the latter part of the 18th century.

Day 2 Sunday: After meeting at the farm, you will be introduced to our horses and there will be an opportunity to discuss the week’s program. Riders may be assessed in the outdoor riding arena and matched to the most suitable horse. Leaving Tomintoul along the old military road we ride to Glenmulliach Forest. After a picnic lunch we follow forestry tracks and start climbing before opening out onto moorland towards the summit of Breac Leathad. Here the panorama shows most of the area covered during the rest of the week and dramatic views of the Cairngorm Mountains enjoyed.  We descend through the forest back to Tomintoul.

Day 3 Monday: Heading out to the north-west today, our route takes us through farm and woodland before descending to cross the river Avon (pronounced A’an).
Our route takes us through forestry, past Kilnadrochit Lodge before opening out into Glen Brown. This valley was in the past well populated, despite its isolation, but now all that remains of this community are the deserted ruins of once thriving crofts. Leaving Glen Brown, we cross the main Tomintoul-Grantown road and stop for lunch at the Bridge of Brown Tearoom. After lunch we enter Glen Lochy- riding along the waterside in this extremely peaceful valley birdsong and the river flow are the only sounds. Leaving Glen Lochy we follow the Avon valley before returning to Tomintoul via hill and forest tracks.

Day 4 Tuesday: We set out to the north of Tomintoul following the Speyside Way, riding through upland farmland and over open moor. Our descent takes us into Glenlivet, home of the world famous “The Glenlivet” malt  whiskey. We arrive at the distillery for lunch and time is available for a guided tour and sampling of the product (in moderation please!). Suitably refreshed, our return takes us over the shoulder of Carn Liath and through forestry plantations to return to Tomintoul along the Conglass valley. Today we may include a whiskey tasting at the local whiskey shop  - not everyone likes whiskey but everybody seems to enjoy Mike's stories, information, and background on the different whiskies.

Day 5 Wednesday: We leave the village heading north through farmland and pine forest, with the opportunity to see Fallow Deer, Soay Sheep (a rare semi-wild Scottish breed) and sometimes Reindeer which are farmed in this deserted glen.
We descend through birch woods to the River Avon where we stop for a picnic lunch by the waters edge. After lunch we climb a secluded heather covered valley. Here there are remnants of ancient Caledonian pine forest and to the north the spectacular views over lower Avonside open to the less rugged farmland of the Spey valley. We descend through pine woods and return to Tomintoul along the Conglass valley.

Day 6 Thursday: This route takes us east out of the village with long canters through pine forests emerging into the Braes of Glenlivet. We ride on through farmland to a secluded valley where many of the farms and crofts are now deserted, over moorland and descend through  birch woods towards Tomnavoulin. After a picnic lunch we ride through farmland and  pine woods to the shoulder of Cairn Ellick where a spectacular view of Tomintoul and the Cairngorm Mountains unfolds. Our descent is over moorland and farmland and follow the Conglass valley back to Tomintoul.

Day 7 Friday: Heading south-west out of Tomintoul our route takes us past Glenmulliach forest before climbing over open moorland and descending into the hill-farming area of the Braes of Glenlivet. We stop for a picnic lunch at the Scalan- from 1717 -1799 this was a college for training Roman Catholic priests and played a vital role in keeping the traditional Catholic faith alive in northern Scotland. The present house dates back to 1767. Our  return route takes us past the Braes of Glenlivet distillery, through farmland and forest tracks with fine views over Tomintoul with the backdrop of the Cairngorms on our descent to the village.

Day 8  Saturday: Departure after breakfast.

    Subject to change

May and early June:

Spring comes late to Tomintoul and this can be a magic time here. The bright fresh green of the birch trees bursting into life and the skies are filled with birdsong - Lapwings, Oyster Catchers, Curlew, Redshank and Snipe are all nesting and the fields are full of fluffy chicks!

July and August:

Long summer days often bring good weather but even on the sunniest day it can be cooler and breezy on the high moorlands so an extra layer may be required.
The fields and hills are full of wildflowers and all the animals and birds are busy feeding young. If you are lucky you may spot a young Roe Deer hidden in the forest.

Mid August, Early September:

The heather is usually in full bloom at this time turning the hills "picture postcard" purple.

Late September, Early October:

This can be a lovely time of year too although the weather is turning colder. Crisp days, autumn colors appearing and Red Deer stags roaring in the hills.

In addition to your usual riding clothing we suggest that you should bring (just in case!) gloves, a warm jumper, waterproofs and definitely a camera is recommended. All riders must wear a riding hat and these can be provided here if you are unable to bring your own. Attire is casual.  Don’t forget – throughout the UK, including Scotland, riding helmets are MANDATORY. Some are available – please let us know if you wish to reserve one!

This list is only a guideline for you...

• Travel documents and Voucher
• Flight tickets
• Passport
• Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

• Two pairs of riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)
• Riding boots + Minichaps
• Riding helmet (mandatory)
• Riding gloves
• Rain coat/Wax jacket

PERSONAL CLOTHING

• Warm jacket and sweaters
• Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
• Jeans
• Shorts
• Underwear and socks
• Pyjama
• Bag for dirty clothes
• Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes
• Swimsuit
• Bandana

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

• Personal Toiletries
• Insect protection
• Personal medications
• Sore cream (for the emergency)
• Sewing kit
• Handkerchiefs
• Adapter for electric appliances
• Camera and enough extra films
• Belt pack
• Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)
• Sun glasses with strap
• Sun tan lotion and lip balm

You will be staying at The Guest House in Tomintoul.

Moray

Stretching from the Cairngorm Mountains northwards to a coastal lowland plain known as the Laigh of Moray, Moray is bisected by the River Spey which flows northwards to empty into the North Sea. The region is renowned for its many whisky distilleries and its chief towns are Elgin, Forres, Buckie, Fochabers, Keith, Dufftown and Tomintoul.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English
Horses:		Thoroughbred cross and Highland Ponies
Pace:		5-6 hours per day | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Good Intermediate
Weight:		Max 210 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 8 riders

A selection of well mannered horses to suit everyone - some require more sensitive, confident riding of experienced riders and others have a more calm and relaxed approach to life for our lower level riders.

Mostly Thoroughbred crosses and Highland ponies.

During your week’s holiday, we will be riding for on average 5-6 hours per day.

With minimal riding on public roads the trails cover varied and occasionally demanding terrain at a medium pace with plenty of opportunities to canter. It is physically demanding to ride all day, and for your enjoyment and the horses well being, it is expected that you are reasonably fit. Our trail riding holidays are specifically for riders with experience only and you must have the ability to canter confidently! This is essential!

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
(a) A passport is not required for travel between Great Britain and Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. (b) Passengers transiting the UK destined for the Republic of Ireland are advised to hold return tickets to avoid delay and interrogation.

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to six months.
Visa Note
(a) Nationals not requiring visas are advised to be in possession of either a return ticket or, if arriving on a one-way ticket, proof of sufficient funds to accommodate and support themselves for the duration of stay. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements