Transfer and Other Options:

Day 1: Saturday

Arrival on your own to the riding center or transfer from London Heathrow at 1 PM (min of 2 riders). Dinner together to meet fellow riders and overnight.

Day 2: Sunday

Today is a bit of a test ride to try out the Welsh horses and familiarize with the riding levels. We ride to the Farmer’s Arms in Cwmdu, stop for lunch and return through mountains with views of the Brecon Beacons to the riding center – about 10 miles for the day. Any horse changes are made now if necessary - so speak up! Dinner and accommodation at the riding center.

Day 3: Monday

Monday morning we’re up bright and early to transport the horses to the start of the day's route. It will take us high up over the Brecon Beacons along an old Roman road with fantastic views over the three reservoirs. We  will enjoy a lovely picnic in the forest before following an old pony tram route down to Talybont where we will spend the night in a small country inn.

Day 4: Tuesday

Today we ride back to the riding center through Llanganidir to Bwlch where we stop for lunch at the New Inn. Then we ride over Llagorse Mountain for some fast canters on the top, coming back down the steep Snake’s Pass before returning to the home base of the riding center.

Days 5 and 6: Wednesday – Thursday

You have a choice of two options for the itineraries for these days.

i)                The Skirrid Inn Option

On Wednesday morning we ride over the spectacular Rhiw Trumau ridge of 700 meters, before riding southwards down an old coach road to Llanbedr. Here we take lunch then travel along the Grwyne Fawr Valley and around the Bryn Arw to our evening stop in Pandy where we have dinner in the oldest pub in Wales and stay overnight. Thursday sees us following right along the ancient Offa’s Dyke Path up the Hatterall Ridge and coming down from Hay Bluff at the other end into Hay-on-Wye where we end the evening.

ii)               The Llanthony Abbey Option

On Wednesday morning we ride over the spectacular Rhiw Trumau ridge of 700 meters, before riding southwards down an old coach road to Llanbedr. Here we take lunch before climbing up the Henbant Ridge and dropping into Mynydd Du forest and then up and over the Ffawyddog Ridge before dropping down into the Llanthony Valley with wonderful views of the abbey below. Here we spend the night. On Thursday we ride up the sheltered Llanthony Valley until we pass the monastery at Capel-y-ffin and picnic at a beautiful waterfall in the mountains. We ride gradually to the head of the escarpment where there is a view that will blow you away. After we travel down through the Gospel Path and onto Hay-on-Wye where we end the evening.

Day 7: Friday

We return to the riding center via the Three Horseshoes Pub (which used to be an old smithy), and a great and exciting gallop on Felindre Common before returning along the northern escarpment of the Balck Mountains for a final thrill of the "Rollercoaster" or "Helter Skelter"!

Day 8: Saturday

Riders leave after breakfast, having said goodbye (and thank you!) to their lovely Welsh horses.

The starting base will be at a lovely farmhouse that dates back to the 17^th century. The rooms are basic, but clean and comfortable... some have a private washroom, some have to share. There is a dining room with open fire place where everyone meets and swaps stories of the day. There is a  Jacuzzi to ease off your well worked muscles in after a long days riding.  So don't forget your swimsuit!!
On three of the nights (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday) along the trail you will be accommodated in a small country inns or quaint hotels.  The lodgings are basic, but comfortable.
Single riders:  There is no single supplement if you are willing to share. If you prefer a room to yourself, a Single room can be requested and if available charged at GBP 20 per night.

Meals:  When staying at country inns along the trail, dinners are served in local pubs and restaurants. At the base Maria's superb Anglo-Bavarian cooking has earned the farm a reputation for some of the finest food to be found anywhere on a horse riding holiday in the UK. Luckily you will have the chance to ride off the extra calories! All meals are fully inclusive in your holiday, except on a Wednesday night, when the kitchen staff escape for the night and we ask guests to eat at a nearby pub. We can cater for vegetarians and any special dietary requirements - just let us know when you book.
We take care to use the highest quality products, locally and ethically sourced wherever possible. All of the meat is from Brian George, a nationally-acclaimed butcher in Talgarth (he got a write-up in the Guardian too!) with an abattoir attached - this meat has never known packaging! Eggs are from the farm across the road. Fruit and vegetables are from the Farmer's Market in Hay on Wye. Potatoes and onions are from a farm down the road in Raglan. And when in season, you may find raspberries, blackberries, lettuces, salad leaves, green beans or fresh herbs on your plate, picked that afternoon from our garden. We even have our own spring water on tap!
There is a 'local pub' (a.k.a. Mike's shed) serving real ale, which operates on an honesty policy, but it's open strictly on the landlord's whim, so you are welcome to bring along your own wine or beer to enjoy with your evening meal!
** Drinks not included. Beer: ~£2/pint (0.5l) & Wine: ~£10/bottle

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

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