A fantastic way to enjoy some of the coastline
and countryside of Wales is on horseback. A steady ride over
bridleways, or an exhilarating canter along a tide-lapped beach –
the many riding and pony trekking centres on or near the coast
cater for riders of all ages and abilities. The Wales Coast
Path provides access to hidden corners close to the sea, forests
and open land.
North Wales Coast & Dee Estuary
Talacre Beach provides nearly 5 miles of safe riding
along the sands. Penmaenmawr in the Conwy area has an excellent
horse riding beach, while at Morfa Conwy Beach there is riding and
parking for horseboxes.
Isle of Anglesey
Try a beach ride with Tan y Foel Riding
Centre at the south west tip of Anglesey near Newborough
Forest.
Menai, Llŷn and Meirionnydd
Gwynedd provides many opportunities for exhilarating rides
against the stunning backdrop of Snowdonia. Cilan Headland on the
Llŷn Peninsula, provides panoramic views of Hell’s Mouth Bay,
Bardsey Island and Cardigan Bay.
Ceredigion
The
Urdd Camp at Llangrannog has its very own equine centre with an
indoor silicon sand riding school with viewing gallery and a two
mile outdoor track. Or you can explore the area on horseback on one
of the centre’s
pony trekking holidays.
Carmarthenshire
The Forestry Commission has designated riding areas in Pembrey Forest,
close to, and accessed from, the Wales Coast Path. Ragwen Point,
west of Pendine, is another popular spot.
Gower & Swansea Bay
On the beautiful Gower Peninsula,
beyond Swansea, nearly all beaches are accessible by bridleway,
including those at Caswell Bay and Swansea Bay. Pennard and
Cefn Bryn are among popular destinations.
South Wales Coast & Severn Estuary
Riding a horse on a wide open beach is a dream for many people.
Ogmore Farm, on the Heritage
Coast, makes this dream come true every day. At
Bridgend, Kenfig bridleways are very popular. The Haul road,
along the front of the dunes, is part bridleway with a link inland
to the Kenfig National Nature Reserve visitor centre to form a
circular route.
Blackrock to Sudbrook, and byways near Undy in Monmouthshire,
allow riders to use part of the coastal path. Severnvale Equestrian
Centre at Tidenham, Chepstow, and David Broome Event Centre at
Crick, Chepstow, are well-established riding centres.