The ultimate guide to horse riding in the Lake District

Horse riding in the Lake District is one of the best ways to see the fells, explore hidden trails, and immerse yourself in nature. At a leisurely pony’s pace, you notice more than you do on foot, while a canter across the coast makes for a thrilling ride.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Lake District horse riding experiences, including where to stay to make the most of your stay.

5 types of Lake District horse riding experiences

There are five main types of Lake District horse riding experience. Which one suits you comes down to your ability and the time you have available. 

Below, we cover each one, from gentle lead rein rides for beginners to beach canters for experienced riders. 

1. Beginner horse rides and lead rein experiences

If you’ve never sat on a horse before, a lead rein ride is the best place to start. Guides walk beside you, holding the reins, so you can get used to the feel of the horse, without worrying about steering.

Most beginner rides last 30-60 minutes and stay at a walking pace. They usually take place somewhere quiet or enclosed like a paddock or a gentle track.

Sessions begin with a safety briefing, before staff help you mount your horse. These rides suit adults just as much as children, and stables often match first-timers with gentle Shetlands and steady cobs. 

Our recommendation: Cumbrian Heavy Horses offer a one-hour walk-only farm ride for first-timers and nervous riders.

2. Pony treks

Pony trekking in the Lake District is less about learning to ride, and more about enjoying a scenic day out.  It’s an excellent activity for families of all ages, looking to do something a bit different.

Small children can be led, but usually, you hold your own reins, following a guide in a single file line. Typically, these experiences take 30-60 minutes, so it’s easy to slot in around other outdoor adventures. 

Walking along easy trails gives you plenty of time to admire the scenery. And you might even find yourself atop a fell pony: the steady-footed breed that used to carry slate and copper out from the hills!

Our recommendation: Park Foot Pony Trekking above Ullswater takes children from four years old. Parents can also walk alongside if they don’t want to ride.

3. Full day or half day hacks 

Hacks range from three hours to a full day in the saddle, heading off the beaten track, along hidden bridleways, country lanes, and open fells. They’re best for confident riders, looking for a longer, more challenging experience.

Depending on the ground, expect to walk, trot, and canter. For this reason, most stables make sure you can trot comfortably before booking. If you’re after a faster ride, you could even book a private Lake District horse trekking experience, so you’re not bound by the ability of a group.

Our recommendation: Rookin House, Fell Pony Adventures, and Harness Change offer half-day and full-day hacks. Cumbrian Heavy Horses lead three-hour fell rides through the Duddon Valley.

4. Multi-day riding holidays

Lake District riding holidays run from a weekend to over a week, and normally include 5-6 hours in the saddle each day. 

Over the course of the trip, you get to explore rugged beaches, iconic fells, and hidden bridleways, often with pub stops along the way. You need to be a fit, experienced rider, comfortable at all paces. 

Some stables also include accommodation as part of the booking. If they don’t, they usually help you sort it.

Our recommendation: Cumbrian Heavy Horses combine coast and fells in their Wild Weekend. For something longer, check out the Wasdale Riding Holiday or the Cumbrian Classic adventure. Experienced riders should also explore Rookin House’s weekend breaks.

5. Beach riding and coastal treks

Beach rides are for experienced riders who want to canter, and even gallop, across Cumbria’s sweeping sands.

These rides take around 3-4 hours, and they’re fast-paced, so you’ll need to be confident cantering in open space. They’re also weather and tide-dependent, so the timing of your visit is important. We recommend wearing layers and a warm coat as it gets windy along the coast.

Our recommendation: Cumbrian Heavy Horses offer an incredible beach riding experience, over 3-4 hours for experienced riders.

Best places to stay for Lake District riding holidays

Horse trekking in the Lake District spreads right across the National Park, but Coniston and Ullswater make particularly great bases. Both have stables close by, and they’re quieter than busier towns like Keswick and Windermere.

Coniston and the Duddon Valley

Best for: Heavy horses and beach rides

Cumbrian Heavy Horses in Whicham Valley is the place to go to ride heavy horses like English Shires and Scottish Clydesdales. Our Coniston cottages are a 30-minute drive away, or choose a barn in the Duddon Valley to be slightly closer.

Hawkshead and Windermere

Best for: A central Lake District base close to longer hacks

As a rule of thumb, Windermere and Hawkshead make great central bases for any Lake District holiday because you’ll find plenty of walks, hotels, and pubs. Plus, Windermere has the train station and boat services. 

If you’re after more immersive, challenging half-day or full-day hacks, Harness Change at Bigland Hall is your best bet. We have cottages in Hawkshead and Windermere which are only a 30-minute drive away.

Ullswater and Keswick

Best for: Family horse riding for all abilities

The closest option for horse riding Keswick-side is Rookin House. The stable is roughly a 15-minute drive from town, and it’s perfect for day hacks and multi-day treks. For families and beginners, Park Foot Pony Trekking is ideal, and it sits right along Ullswater. 

What to consider before booking a horse riding activity

Before booking your horse riding adventure, check the stables are open. Not all stables open year round, and certain routes aren’t accessible in bad weather. 

While the stables provide riding hats, you’ll need to wear boots or shoes with a small heel, plus long trousers and a waterproof jacket in the rain. Most stables also have weight limits to keep the horses safe. This varies, so make sure to check before you book.

Choose a Coppermines Cottage for your horse riding holiday

Horse riding Lake District experiences make the perfect addition to family trips and girls’ weekends, as well as being the reason for your visit. 

We’d recommend staying in Keswick, Windermere, or Coniston, so you’re within easy reach of local stables. Plus, these towns make wonderful bases for other outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking in the Lakes. 

Ready to book your trip? Explore all our Lake District cottages.