Scotland
Since its opening in 1986, the riding centre has grown to become the largest horse-riding holiday destination in the United Kingdom – and is today run by Maureen together with her adult son Paul. Just 40 minutes from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, an idyllic setting awaits you where Scottish history meets modern equestrian joy.
After the move to Belstane Manor, the riding centre is now located on the grounds surrounding Belstane Castle, the medieval 14th-century stronghold that once belonged to Robert the Bruce. Here, you have access to a full range of facilities for a first-class riding holiday, including the renowned Scottish Castles Ride.
The warm hospitality and unique environment create a sense of calm and harmony – a place where you can truly unwind, let everyday stress melt away, and take in the sweeping views toward distant Ben Lomond. It is the perfect destination for anyone who loves nature, history and riding in inspiring surroundings.
The centre offers a large indoor arena that allows you to ride in all weather conditions, a spacious outdoor arena with show jumps, as well as generous green spaces ideal for hacking out. All instructors are trained and certified by the British Horse Society, and the centre is also approved by British Equestrian, British Showjumping and the Scottish Endurance Riding Club.
You can choose between a week of basic dressage and jumping lessons combined with lovely hacks – or, during certain weeks, the Scottish Castles Ride with overnight stays and accommodation changes along the way.
In addition to riding, there is so much to see and explore in Scotland, making this an exciting and enriching week from beginning to end.
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation is cosy and comfortable in twin or double en suite rooms. Meals are table-served with a delicious daily menu on offer every day.
Safe deposit box: No
A/C: No
Hair Dryer: Yes
Towels and sheets: Yes
Fridge: No
Horses
The riding centre has about 50 horses. Many cross breeds with Irish horses of the coarser type. There are also American western horses of the breed apaloosa, highland ponies, Welsh cobs and ponies crossing. The horses are ridden and handled according to Monty Roberts philosophy.
Scotland - Allround Program
Arrival & Welcome
Arrive on Sunday afternoon and check in. Once you’ve settled in, you’ll meet the horses and have the opportunity to speak with a trainer about the week’s program. This is followed by a trial ride. In the evening, enjoy dinner with the other guests.
Daily Riding
Each day includes two riding sessions—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Each session consists of a lesson followed by a short hack.
Lessons
Tuition consists of approximately 1-hour group lessons in dressage, show jumping, or cross-country with qualified instructors. You decide what you want to focus on.
Dressage sessions are tailored to your skill level, and the horses are well-trained, making them suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders. Examples of exercises include leg-yielding, shoulder in and halfpass. Jumping lessons focus on the basics, with fences set at around 60 cm.
Facilities include an indoor arena, outdoor arena, gallop track, and a number of cross-country obstacles.
Groups can be up to a maximum of 8 riders but are often smaller. Private lessons are available for an additional fee (please inform us at the time of booking). Each lesson concludes with a short hack.
The program is flexible, and many guests choose to take an afternoon off to explore the area. Both Glasgow and Edinburgh are easily accessible, and Loch Lomond is just over an hour’s drive away.
Castle Trail in Scotland
Program
Day 1: Sunday. Arrive Sunday after 2.00 pm. Meet and greet other guests and take a short ride on a horse around our beautiful Centre just to get a feel of the environment. Dinner in our Stables Bistro
Day 2: Monday. You take a full day picnic ride through the World Heritage Site of New Lanark Village and onto the Famous Falls of Clyde, the highest and most spectacular waterfalls in Scotland. You have a picnic lunch here before continuing through the delightful countryside. This day they will give you your horse for the duration of the trip so it allows them to make changes if necessary. After the ride you may like to visit the Health Spa in New Lanark Village. Dinner in the evening and spend the night in the accommodation alongside the horses. They are part of the Equestrian Centre.
Day 3: Tuesday you take the horses to the departure town of f Broughton and from there begin your journey down into the Scottish Borders. From there on its hills, tracks, rivers and heather. Arriving at Stobo Castle for sumptuous dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Wednesday You continue the trip through stunning scenery, perhaps catching sight of deer, rabbits, hares, foxes and all species of birds resident. Your guide will be pointing out all the wildlife along the way and of course the many Castles and giving you the history of the area.
Day 5: Thursday You continue deeper into the Borders country with this being the most spectacular scenery in all of Scotland. Your guide will take you to all the best vantage points. Overnight and dinner in the famous Hunting Lodge in the town of Selkirk. After dinner you may like to take a stroll into the town. Very historic, scene of many battles between the Scots and English, and thoroughly beautiful and authentic.
Day 6: Friday You will ride through the awesome estate of the Duke of Buccleuch, the biggest landowner in Scotland and today the ride will take you to a vantage point where you will be able to see a 360 degree view of the borders, Scotland and England. Lunch is on the tops. Incredibly beautiful. After lunch you make your way to the truck and minibus and return to the Centre. Tonight you will have a welcome back toast of the traditional Glayva followed by dinner and certificate presentation in the Stables Bistro. Overnight in the delightful complex.
Day 7: Saturday. After breakfast, you will transfer to your airport or train station.
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen events. Our Hotels may change according to availability.
Daily Riding Hours: 4 – 5
Horses: Appaloosa, cobs
Saddles: English endurance
Group Size: Min.. 4 – max. 8
Food: Well cooked dinner, easy lunch which is brought with the saddle bags.
Spectacular Scotland – Lessons and Scenic Trail Rides
If you want to combine training with the enjoyment of two trailrides, choose this program.
Arrival & Welcome
Arrive on Sunday afternoon and check in. Once you’ve settled in, you’ll meet the horses and have the opportunity to speak with a trainer about the week’s program. This is followed by a trial ride. In the evening, enjoy dinner with the other guests.
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
These days include two riding sessions—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Each session consists of a lesson followed by a short hack. The program is flexible, and many guests choose to take an afternoon off to explore the area. Both Glasgow and Edinburgh are easily accessible, and Loch Lomond is just over an hour’s drive away.
Lessons
Tuition consists of approximately 1-hour group lessons in dressage, show jumping, or cross-country with qualified instructors. You decide what you want to focus on.
Dressage sessions are tailored to your skill level, and the horses are well-trained, making them suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders. Examples of exercises include leg-yielding, shoulder in and halfpass.
Jumping lessons focus on the basics, with fences set at around 60 cm. Facilities include an indoor arena, outdoor arena, gallop track, and a number of lighter cross-country obstacles.
Groups can be up to a maximum of 8 riders but are often smaller. Private lessons are available for an additional fee (please inform us at the time of booking). Each lesson concludes with a short hack.
Wednesday and Friday
Enjoy two full-day rides with a picnic. The horses are transported by horsebox, so you quickly reach the beautiful Scottish countryside on horseback. You’ll experience spectacular places such as New Lanark, Cutlar Fell, Manor Valley, Blackgate Moss, and Biggar. The scenery varies with the seasons—from fields full of daffodils to heather-covered moors. These rides are a wonderful way to experience Scotland’s wildlife while returning to your comfortable hotel each evening.
Saturday
Departure after breakfast
Climate
Travel Information
Ability description: Dressage level 1-3, Jumping level 1-3, Trail Ride level 2-3 >>
Included in the price: Castle Trail: 6 nights, 5 days riding, full board (excl. drinks).
Allroundprogram: 6 nights, 5 days riding, half board (breakfast and dinner) excl. drinks.
Spectacular Scotland: 6 nights, 5 days riding, half board (breakfast and dinner) excl. drinks.
Not included: Flights, transfers, drinks, personal inscurance and extras not mentioned.
Special Terms & Conditions for Castle Trail: Not possible to buy cancellation insurance on the Castle Trail
Travel: Book flight/rental car >> Fly to Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
Transfer: Book in advance with HorseXplore and pay direct to the driver.
From Glasgow International airp.
Price: approx. 1 - 4 pax £ 140.00 per journey, 5+ pax £ 180.00 per journey
From Edinburgh airport
Price: approx. 1-4 pax £ 100.00 per journey, 5+ pax £ 140.00 per journey
Season: All year (in summer also riding camps for children) . Castle Trail: Specific dates
Group size: Castle Trail: Minimum 4, maximum 10.
Currency: Pound
Credit card: Yes accepted by riding center.
Wifi: Yes
Electricity jack: Three plug
Age limit: 8-16 years old unaccompanied by parent. Castle Trail, 15 years accompanied by an adult.
Beach: No
Pool: No
Misc.:
Riding equipment to borrow: Helmet
Saddle bag available: Yes
Special diet: Inform when booking.
Feedback from our travellers
A fantastic experience with care and safety!
I was able to express my wishes, and they did everything to accommodate them. The horses were incredibly steady and traffic-safe! I was taken care of like a princess :) It was a very nice place that deserves more visitors.
Katharina Eriksson
A night in a castle and stunning nature!
We were welcomed with whisky from the nearest distillery as soon as we stepped through the door. The accommodation at the riding center was very good. During the long ride, the first night's stay was absolutely fantastic! We stayed in a castle with 1500-year-old history! It was incredibly luxurious, with a top-class spa! This should be marketed better! I suspect that this castle night is one of the reasons the trip is so expensive…
We rode in very hilly terrain through breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. This should be marketed better! The best part was the stunning nature and the one night we spent in a castle!
Ingela Hagman
Fantastic accommodations and beautiful nature experiences!
We received good information upon arrival from friendly staff. The castle was absolutely fantastic, and the hunting lodge was also very nice. The horses were in excellent condition—friendly and well-behaved. We were very well taken care of by professional and experienced people. Absolutely amazing nature experiences!
Susanne Voges
A fantastic family experience!
I truly appreciated this trip, being able to spend an active holiday with the whole family where we could laugh together at my mistakes. The host family was very welcoming, and the facility was top-notch.
Family Gustafsson (Marie, Micke, Johanna, and Alice)
Perfect accommodation and an amazing instructor!
Great rooms = hotel standard. Super delicious food! Wonderful instructor (Paul Taylor). We would gladly return!
Gudrun, Pernilla & Malin Hamberg
Exceeded all expectations!
The accommodation was beyond expectations, delicious gourmet food, and a good pace with friendly horses. This has exceeded all of our expectations.
Ingrid Bergqvist and Staffan Hultberg
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