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Explore the Scottish Highlands on Horseback

Published by Tina Isa, Writer

Country: United Kingdom

The Experience

When visiting Scotland, it is almost a shame to whiz past such gorgeous rolling hills, countryside and lochs in a car on the highway. What other alternative is there, you might ask? Horses! In a place such as this, nature is simply begging visitors to slow down and take in the impressive scenery at a normal pace. Many places in Scotland offer horse-riding holidays, which includes accommodation as well as the hire of a horse, tack and other equipment. One of the main advantages of travelling by horseback is that visitors have the chance to view a number of gorgeous sights that are rarely accessible by vehicles. The slower pace and sheer freedom when traveling by horse is hard to beat.

A horseback riding holiday can range vastly in price depending mostly on the accommodation. While some simply comprise of a rented room in a medium-sized bed and breakfast, other places allow guests to book an entire cottage to themselves. On the higher end are castles or country homes (aka: mansions) steeped in history and culture; a delight in themselves.

Don't be afraid if you've never been riding before. Scottish equestrian vacations are available for all experience levels from beginner to advanced. Novices can get started by enrolling in a few beginner horse-riding lessons, where they are taught the basics of walking, trotting, and communicating commands to the horse. Lessons may either begin in an enclosed compound or on relatively easy terrain in the surrounding area. Alternatively, beginners can opt for a guided trail tour of the countryside. More advanced riders can normally rent out the horses with a guide or with a group. Some of the best riding trails are the ones that trek along the mountainsides offering stunning views of the rugged landscapes. Some of the best vacation packages are those that involve a week-long riding trip out in the wild. A camera is definitely a must when heading out on an equestrian trip in the Scottish Highlands.

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When to Go to Drive The Scottish Highlands

The best time to head off on an equestrian adventure in the Scottish Highlands is during the middle of the summer. Since Scotland is further north, it tends to have colder and wetter weather, so mid-summer is the best bet for dry, sunny skies. Although prices may be lower in the off-season, travelling there later in the year bears the risk of riding out in pouring rain every day. Visitors can also make the most of the numerous festivals that occur in the cities, such as the annual Comedy Festival in Edinburgh.

There are many different types of equestrian vacation companies, packages and trips to choose from. Make sure to research and book early since they tend to fill up quite fast.

Odds n' Ends

Even though the weather may seem quite decent, it never hurts to pack an extra set of warm clothes, including waterproof rain gear, extra socks and footwear. Cold and rain can appear out of nowhere, especially in the mountains of Scotland, so it's better to be prepared.

Most guides will usually let riders know in advance what they should bring with them for the ride. Pack light but bring the essentials. A snack or a bagged lunch is also a good idea to keep the hunger pangs away on longer riding trips. Finally, don't forget your camera! The guides in Scotland are incredibly friendly and accommodating, so feel free to let them know if you would like to stop to shoot a few pictures. They are always happy to teach visitors about their homeland, and are a great source of knowledge about interesting spots or sights to visit off the beaten path.

Want a Guide?

Aberdeenshire Equestrian Centre
The Aberdeenshire Equestrian Centre is a great option for adult beginners or children who are new to horse-riding. The centre offers lessons as well as easy treks for a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Highlands Unbridled
For more advanced riders, this is definitely a company worth checking out. They offer many different types of equestrian vacation packages, including one that takes riders from one end of Scotland to the other over the span of a week!

More Experiences Nearby

Loch Ness is More than a Monster
Loch Ness is more than the name of an alleged sea monster. It is a Scottish lake, the site of the historic Urquhart Castle, and an area of towns and villages. The term “loch” is a Gaelic name for lake, so Loch Ness would roughly translate to “Lake Ness”. It is located in the Scottish Highlands, and is arguably the best known of the Scottish lochs due to its legendary association with the Loch Ness Monster. Some people claim that it is the most famous lake in the world. Nessie aside, Loch Ness pulls in many second place records. It ...16 miles away.

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Books and DVDs

Horseback Riding: The Complete Beginner's Guide - All You Need To Know About Horseback Riding BEFORE Your Take Lessons! [Kindle Edition]
The Rough Guide to Scottish Highlands & Islands (Rough Guide Scottish Highlands and the Island) [Paperback]

Elsewhere on the Web

Horseback riding vacations in Scotland
Highland Horse Riding

Language Guides

French , Hindi , Italian , Japanese , Mandarin , Portugese , Turkish , Vietnamese are some of the languages spoken in United Kingdom. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!

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