The Black Mountains Explorer

A cosy farmhouse welcome, a local warm-up ride followed by a spectacular trail riding adventure through the Black Mountains. Get to know your horse and fellow riders before heading off on our epic Hay Triangle trail.

Monday evening — settle in

Arrive at our cosy farmhouse, settle into your room and join us for a drink by the fire. Meet your fellow riders over a relaxed, home-cooked dinner, with time to explore the grounds or simply unwind before the riding begins.

Tuesday — get to know your horse

Start the morning grooming and tacking up before heading out on a local warm-up ride. It’s a chance for you to get to know our horses, and for us to get to know you.

Explore ancient green lanes, woods, commons and mountain paths at a variety of paces, stopping for lunch at a local pub or café.

Back at the farmhouse, we’ll untack, groom and feed the horses before enjoying tea and cake. A home-cooked dinner rounds off the day, followed by a relaxed evening by the fire or perhaps a stroll to the local pub.

Wednesday — into the Black Mountains

Ride over Rhiw Trumau, taking in sweeping valley views before lunch at the Red Lion Inn in Llanbedr. Continue beneath Sugarloaf and across Bryn Arw to Llanvihangel Crucorney, where you’ll stay in a comfortable B&B and enjoy dinner at the atmospheric Skirrid Inn.

Thursday — border ridges and the book town

Follow Offa’s Dyke along the border ridge, with glorious canters and far-reaching views across England and Wales. Ride over Black Hill before descending Hay Bluff and Cusop Dingle to historic Hay-on-Wye, the famous book town and our second overnight stop.

Friday — home across the commons

Leave Hay through wooded Cusop Dingle and follow the northern slopes of the Black Mountains. After lunch at the Three Horseshoes in Felindre, head home across Felindre Common’s grassy tracks. Back at the farmhouse, well-earned tea and cake await.

Your luggage travels ahead each day, with comfortable accommodation for you and overnight grazing for the horses. This trail suits intermediate and experienced riders.

Coming solo? You’re in good company

We welcome lots of solo riders. Many are happy to share with another rider of the same gender, but we know sharing isn’t for everyone—and we don’t like penalising that choice.

New for 2027, we’re offering two solo spaces on every Explorer ride without a single supplement. Join us for four days of riding: a local warm-up day followed by one of our epic three-day Triangle adventures.