Laura
09 August 2021
With over 600 miles of beautiful bridle paths and tracks, the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons is the perfect place for a few hours of horse riding.
Whether you want to feel like Indiana Jones with an adventurous gallop or find your own Black Beauty, experience a whole different perspective of the spectacular Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park with an exhilarating horse ride full of beautiful sights and sounds.
To make it even more enjoyable, why not stop off and enjoy a leisurely pub lunch while your horse grazes outside?
These magnificent, sweet-natured animals will take you on a thrilling journey to remember during your stay in this beautiful, lush part of the world.
Encompassing routes for beginners and more experienced riders, we’ve rounded up the top places to experience the varied landscape of the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons on horseback. Discover places you never knew existed with a guided horse riding tour!
Wherever you go on your pony adventures, make sure you pack a couple of slices of delicious apple to treat your equine friend after your amazing horse riding experience.
Brecon Beacons Cottages
Cantref Riding Centre
The long-established, family-run Cantref Riding Centre offers rides to suit all ages and riding abilities. With a choice of horses and ponies in all shapes and sizes and a friendly and knowledgeable team, you’re sure to be well looked after on your horsey adventures.
Pony treks range in duration, from 20 minutes to a full day of riding.
Brecon Beacons Explorer Ride and Welsh Pony Trail Ride
Ages: 11 years and over.
Level: Beginners, novices and experienced riders.
Summary: The rides lead you along country lanes and up into the mountains to enjoy stunning countryside views.
Red Kite Ride
Ages: 6 years and over.
Level: Leisurely shorter ride ideal for beginners and families.
Summary: Explore the farm tracks and fields and enjoy beautiful views of the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains.
Introduction to Riding
Ages: 4 years and over.
Level: Suitable for beginners.
Summary: Takes place in the outdoor riding area which has a viewing section for proud parents. The backdrop of the Brecon Beacons makes for a perfect memorable photo opportunity.
Own a Pony Day
Ages: Suitable for children.
Level: Ideal for pony-mad children.
Summary: Own a pony for a day and learn how to care for your horse including how to groom, tack up, ride and play. Everyone receives a special photo certificate to remind them of their fun day out.
Ellesmere Riding Centre
The small, family-run Ellesmere Riding Centre has been offering horse rides in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park since 1966.
They offer a range of experiences, including private guided hacks, for all levels. These include:
Half-day hacking (Easter - October)
Level: For riders able to canter; not suitable for novices.
Duration: Half-day (2 hours).
Summary: Follow the circular route from the stables and trot along quiet lanes. Canter across the open mountainside and look down on the spectacular Llangorse Lake.
Full-day hacking (Easter - October)
Level: For riders able to canter; not suitable for novices.
Duration: Full day (approx. 4 hours).
Summary: Discover the western parts of the Black Mountains and enjoy lunch in a village pub or cafe. The route back offers numerous opportunities for long canters. Take in views across Llangorse Lake to the Brecon Beacons, and the mysterious Black Mountains.
Full-day Mountain, Moorland and Forest Hacks
Level: Experienced riders.
Duration: Start at 10.30 am for 5-6 hours riding.
Summary: Take a picnic lunch and enjoy a small guided group hack crossing amazing open moorland and grassy forest tracks.
Pony Trekking (Easter - October)
Level: Novices, children, families and experienced riders.
Duration: Half-day or full-day.
Summary: Enjoy a steady guided ride walking and trotting, which will really allow you to take in the amazing views around open mountainside, bracken and heather.
Wern Trekking and Riding Centre
Situated at the edge of the beautiful Brecon Beacons, Wern Trekking and Riding Centre provide rides and lessons for all abilities, whether you’re an experienced rider or are after a leisurely hack in the glorious Welsh countryside.
There are a number of rides available:
Trekking
Level: Ideal for first-timers.
Summary: A leisurely stroll through the glorious Welsh countryside, with occasional trotting.
Hacking
Level: Experienced.
Summary: Trot and canter across more challenging terrain.
Picnic rides
Duration: Full day.
Summary: Enjoy an extra-special treat and stop for a scenic picnic. While your horse grazes you can sit back and refresh ready for the return trip.
Tregoyd Mountain Riders
Tregoyd Mountain Riders offer horse riding, pony trekking and lessons across the trails of the Black Mountains, which lie within the Brecon Beacons National Park.
With direct access to the Black Mountains from the centre, enjoy breathtaking views of the River Wye and the Wye Valley, with the Brecon Beacon mountain ranges as the beautiful backdrop.
Pony trekking
Level: Novices and non-riders.
Duration: Full day (4-5 hours) and half-day (2 hours).
Summary: Walk and trot around the beautiful Black Mountains straight from the centre. Enjoy riding through the open commons, woodland and forestry of this magical landscape.
Riding
Level: Suited to experienced riders.
Duration: Full day (4-5 hours) and half-day (2 hours).
Summary: Walk, trot and canter and enjoy stunning views along the way.
Hacking
Level: Suited to experienced riders.
Duration: Full day (4-5 hours) and half-day (2 hours).
Summary: Walk and trot the mountain terrain and enjoy more exhilarating, faster canters on suitable tracks.
Llangorse Multi Activity Centre
Discover over 25 miles of private bridleways with Llangorse Multi Activity Centre horse riding experiences. Take in gentle valleys and beautiful views of the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains and Llangorse Lake.
Beginner's Horse Riding
Ages: Pony rides from 4 years and above and horse rides from 7 years and above.
Level: Beginners.
Duration: Half-day (2 hours) and 1 hour.
Summary: Beginners can enjoy a riding experience with friendly instructors, including a riding demo before you venture out on your guided adventure.
Children’s Horse Riding
Ages: 4 years and above.
Level: Beginners.
Duration: 4-6-year-olds can enjoy a 20-minute pony ride while children over 7 can experience the beginner’s horse riding experience mentioned above.
Summary: This centre caters to all ages and levels of children who can’t wait to ride or pet their first pony! Be it riding lessons or pony camps, they have plenty of options to suit.
Intermediate & Experienced Riders
Ages: 9 years and above.
Level: Intermediate and experienced.
Duration: Half-day or 1 hour.
Summary: Llangorse activity centre has horses and ponies to suit every rider, along with miles of off-road riding tracks with incredible views over Llangorse Lake.
Stay in the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons
We have lots of handpicked cottages to relax in after a busy day trotting around the Brecon Beacons’ majestic mountains and dramatic landscapes. For more holiday inspiration, take a look at our guide to the Brecon Beacons or discover even more adventures with our Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons activity guide.
Browse our cosy cottages throughout the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons and discover your perfect getaway for you and your horsey buddies.
Brecon Beacons Cottages
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.