The Dartmoor Explorer Dartmoor England Experience the wild open moorlands, deep river valleys of the mystical Dartmoor National Park. This ancient landscape contains prehistoric features; round house village sites, stone circles, stone rows and evidence of past tin mining activities. Create a lasting bond with your horse companion for this trip as they guide you through their homeland. Exploring Dartmoor on horseback allows you to cover more land while still having enough time to enjoy the scenery that surrounds you. These sure-footed mounts are happy to journey with you through all varying weather and landscape types. You can choose the option of travelling to different town and staying at local hotels, inns, and farmhouses for the night, or staying at one place the entire trip and exploring different routes daily.  For the progressive ride, you'll be traveling like many of the locals from town to town, where room and board are available for both you and your four-legged friend! Indulge in the local cuisine, where most restaurants/ pubs offer farm to table meals and traditional dishes. Experience the mixture of daily rides following new trails and the inviting accommodations that offer the familial and cozy feel. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife that call this unique area home. Immerse yourself in the timeless mystical lands of Dartmoor National Park! In August, you will get the opportunity to visit the Chagford Show (http://www.chagfordshow.co.uk/). In September, we attend the annual Widecombe fair (https://www.widecombefair.com/). Progressive Ride (no camping) Short Getaway Center-based ride Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Castle Inn Lydford Airport: Exeter Transfer: Exeter Riders: Min 2 riders Max 8 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

We can offer as short as a 3day/2night stay for the stationary ride. Please inquire for rates.
Camp-outs available. Please inquire.

Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfers from Exeter Airport are available anytime of the day.

Sample Itinerary (progressive option) -subject to changes

Day 1
We will meet all the clients at the welcoming Castle Inn Lydford in the evening for a briefing about what to expect from their stay.

Day 2
Clients are collected from the Castle Inn after breakfast and taken to Meldon Farm where they meet their assigned horse.
Today's ride is all about making sure the rider and horse are compatible. We will ride in the morning for 4-5 hours, with a stop for lunch. Lunches each day will be carried in saddle bags. Return to the Castle Inn in the evening. Evening meal at the Castle Inn.
Riding: 4-5 hours

Day 3
Ride from Meldon Farm across Dartmoor to The Two Bridges Hotel, situated in the middle of the Dartmoor National Park. Accommodation and evening meal at the Two Bridges Hotel.
Riding: 5-6 hours/ 20 miles

Day 4
Ride from The Two Bridges to a farm B&B, Drywell Farm near Widecombe. This is a very beautiful moorland farm where the guests get to sample a bit of life on a moorland farm. Ovewrnight at Drywell. Guests will be taken to a choice of local Inns for evening meal.
Riding: 4 hours

Day 5 (options)
Circular ride from Drywell.
Riding: 4 hours 

or 

A day out of the saddle visiting local Dartmoor attractions. Overnight at Drywell. Guests will be taken to a choice of local Inns for evening meal. 

**On the August ride, ride from Drywell to Chagford. Overnight in the Three Crowns Inn. Riding: 4 hours 
**On the September ride, this day will be spent at Widecombe fair (https://www.widecombefair.com/).

Day 6
Ride from Drywell to Chagford. Overnight in the Three Crowns Inn.
Riding: 4 hours

**On the August Ride, day out of the Saddle to visit Chagford Show (http://www.chagfordshow.co.uk/)

Day 7
We complete our circle route today as we ride from Chagford back to Meldon Farm. Overnight at the Castle Inn.
Riding: 4-5 hours

Day 8
Departure in the morning.

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Sample Itinerary (stationary option) -subject to changes

Day 1
We will meet all the clients at the welcoming Castle Inn Lydford in the evening for a briefing about what to expect from their stay.

Day 2
Clients are collected from the Castle Inn after breakfast and taken to Meldon Farm where they meet their assigned horse.
Today's ride is all about making sure the rider and horse are compatible. We will ride in the morning for 4-5 hours, with a stop for lunch. Lunches each day will be carried in saddle bags. Return to the Castle Inn in the evening. Evening meal at the Castle Inn.
Riding: 4-5 hours

Day 3 - 6 
Typical days: breakfast at the Inn;  guests are collected and brought to Meldon Farm for around 10.00am; we will be western trail riding exploring a different part of the spectacular Dartmoor landscape each day, stop for a packed lunch or stop at one of many local pubs, tie up horses outside, ride home via a different route; followed by tea and cakes at Meldon Farm; return to Hotel between 5 and 6pm.

Day 7
Departure in the morning.

 

 

Dartmoor has a temperate climate which is generally wetter and milder than locations at similar height in the rest of England. The weather year round varies from approximately 5 °C - 18°C. July and August are the warmest months with mean daily maxima not reaching 18 °C (64 °F). The fall and winter sees more rainfall.

What to bring

‘There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing!’

Meldon Farm sits at 800 ft, we rise to 2,000ft where it can be quite a bit cooler than at the farm, we strongly recommend warm riding wear and good riding waterproofs, a long slicker type is usually the most practical

•Riding hat (mandatory- best to bring your own because we only have a very limited supply and cannot guarantee fit)
•Boots with heels are also mandatory
•Comfortable warm riding wear, jeans, polo shirts, jumpers, fleece shower-proof coat etc.
•Chaps full or half. (optional)
•Waterproof coat, ‘Drizabone’ slicker type is recommended
•Lip balm and sun cream
•Casual evening wear

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations

Stationary: You will be staying at the Castle Inn Lydford or another nearby inn for the duration of your trip. Camp-outs are possible upon request for an additional fee. Please inquire
Progressive:You will be staying in various hotels, farms, and B&B's during your trip. All accommodations include private bathrooms and WIFI

Castle Inn Lydford (night 1, 2, and 7)
The Castle Inn is a traditional 16th century inn of great character resting on the fringes of Dartmoor National Park. They have a total of 8 bedrooms, all ensuite and privately decorated. All the rooms offer tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryers, flat screen television, bath sheets, hand towels and complimentary toiletries. The Inn has its own restaurant/pub, where you can order dinner.

Two Bridges Hotel (night 3)
The Two Bridges Hotel is your oasis of comfort and fine Devon hospitality in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. They are located on the banks of the beautiful West Dart River, with jaw-dropping countryside and bracing walks in every direction. Step inside and discover a warm Devon welcome, comfortable hotel rooms in which to rest the night, fine restaurant dining, characterful lounges, and a bustling bar. And all in beautifully historic surroundings. They have 32 uniquely stunning bedrooms, many of which enjoy views of the West Dart River and the moorland beyond. Their rooms are a delightful combination of modern facilities and traditional charm, capturing something of the splendour of Dartmoor.

Drywell Farm (night 4 and 5)
This is a very beautiful moorland farm where the guests get to sample a bit of life on a moorland farm. Guests will be taken to a choice of local Inns for evening meal.

Three Crowns Inn (night 6) (also night 5 and 6 for the August trips)
Set in the heart of Chagford, this 5-star inn boasts a magical mix of 13th century features and contemporary comfort and style. From beamed ceiling and huge inglenook fireplaces, to a glass atrium and stunning courtyard garden, the Three Crowns is a delightful place to enjoy great food and a comfortable stay. The inn has 21 en-suite boutique bedrooms refurbished. In each room you will find a contemporary en-suite, a divinely comfortable Vi-Spring bed, flat-screen TV, internet connectivity, bottled water, bathrobes and i-pod docking stations. WIFI is available throughout the inn.


Meals

Breakfasts, picnic lunches, and a snack after rides (tea and cakes) are included. Dinners are not included, but each accommodation offer restaurants nearby for you to explore and sample the local cuisine.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Quarter horses, quarter horse cross, hunters
Pace:		Mainly walking/trotting with long cantering areas. 4-6 hours riding per day. 15-20 miles per day
Level:		(3 to 5 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 14	Max 65
Weight:		Max 210lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 8 riders

Tack and Terrain
We normally ride Western, however we can provide English saddles if the guests requests. Riders need to be reasonably fit and at least a strong intermediate standard or better. The terrain involves crossing streams, shallow rivers, undulating ground and up and down steep inclines and would not be suitable for novice or inexperienced riders.  

Riding level
The strong intermediate rider has ridden several different types of horses and can independently manage a horse’s care. Their seat is secure, they are able to control a horse at walk, trot and canter and do not apply unintentional aids to the horse when they lose balance or become unseated. They know how to rise or post to the trot and ask for and obtain a specific lead or change in lead. They are capable of riding a less experienced horse and helping in that horse’s training. They are able to train/compete at a more advanced level with a trainer’s assistance. The rider is knowledgeable about different horse breeds and disciplines. He or she knows basic horse conformation and can detect lameness issues.

Our style of riding is very much akin to ‘Natural Horsemanship’. We like riders to be relaxed and ride with soft hands.

Horses
We have a selection of fantastic Quarter Horses with their calm attitude and appetite for work, all are western trained, very sure footed and a pleasure to ride. We also have a selection of Irish hunters some western trained some English style, all a pleasure to ride and cross the terrain with ease. Heights range from 14:3 to 16:2hh

Guides
The guides are all local moor men or women, who know the moor well. They know where the best crossings are, and where to avoid, as there are areas where it is unsuitable for horses. Some of the guides are members the Dartmoor Rescue Group; some are range clearers for the army on the moor. All are excellent horsemen or women, and are first-aid trained.

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

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.