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
The centre offers a modern accommodation with all the comforts you would expect, including en-suite bathrooms and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Meals are served in Gallops, the centre’s welcoming dining room and residents’ lounge, with menus showcasing the best locally sourced Scottish ingredients.
Breakfast at 7.30 -9.30
Lunch at 13.00-14.00
Dinner at 18.30
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.
Castle Trail in Scotland
The Scottish Castles Trail begins at the Equestrian Centre, situated on the historic site of Belstane Castle, which was once the home of Robert the Bruce in 1312. Over five days, you will ride for approximately 4–5 hours a day through some of Scotland’s most magnificent and historic countryside, finishing in the Scottish Borders town of Selkirk. Along the way, you will follow the ancient drove roads used by the Border Reivers for centuries. You will encounter no fewer than 14 castles, with overnight stays at selected castles along the route. One of the highlights is a bespoke tour of Traquair House, Scotland’s oldest inhabited house, which was once visited by Mary, Queen of Scots.
What’s included in the package
The holiday is offered as an all-inclusive package, including accommodation, daily breakfasts and dinners, and packed lunches for every riding day. Drinks are included at the Equestrian Centre but are not included during stays at the castles and other hotels. You will have access to the spa facilities at the hotels. Spa treatments are not included in the package. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms and tea and coffee-making facilities. You won’t need to worry about luggage transfers, as your bags will be transported from hotel to hotel throughout the ride. If you prefer, you can leave larger bags at the Equestrian Centre and take a smaller bag with you on the trail.
Preliminary day-by-day 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.
Spectacular Scotland – Lessons and Scenic Trail Rides
Experience Scotland on horseback, with the equestrian centre as your base throughout your stay. This riding holiday combines riding lessons and trail rides with full-day adventures through the beautiful Scottish countryside. You will stay in the same place all week, with a flexible riding programme that can be tailored to your interests and preferences.
Arrival and the Week’s Programme
You arrive on Sunday afternoon and check in at the equestrian centre. Once you have settled in, you will meet the horses and have the opportunity to discuss the week’s riding programme with an instructor. This is followed by a trial ride, and in the evening you will enjoy dinner with the other guests.
On three of the days, the programme includes two riding sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Each session begins with a lesson and finishes with a short trail ride. The programme is flexible, and you may choose to take an afternoon off to explore the surrounding area.
Riding and Training
You will ride for approximately 3–4 hours a day, combining lessons with trail rides. You can choose to focus on dressage, showjumping or cross-country jumping. Lessons are led by qualified instructors and tailored to your experience and preferences.
The horses are trained to a relatively high standard, with suitable horses available for riders of different experience levels. Dressage lessons may include movements such as leg-yield, shoulder-in and travers. Jumping lessons focus on the basics, with fences at approximately 60 cm. The equestrian centre has an indoor arena, an outdoor arena, a canter track and a selection of smaller cross-country jumps. Groups consist of no more than eight riders and are often smaller.
Two Full-Day Trail Rides with Picnic
Two days are dedicated to full-day trail rides with a picnic lunch. The horses are transported by horse lorry to different locations, allowing you to head straight out into the beautiful Scottish countryside. You will explore areas such as New Lanark, Cutlar Fell, Manor Valley, Blackgate Moss and Biggar.
The landscape changes with the seasons, from fields full of daffodils to heather-covered moorland. These rides offer a wonderful way to discover Scotland’s wildlife and scenery on horseback. After a day of adventure, you return to the equestrian centre for the evening.
Excursions and Experiences
When you are not in the saddle, there are opportunities to discover more of Scotland’s history and culture. The programme may include a visit to Traquair House, where you will hear stories about Mary, Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie, as well as a visit to a whisky distillery for a guided tour and tasting.
Your stay concludes on Saturday after breakfast, when it is time to check out and say farewell to Scotland.
Spectacular Scotland is ideal for riders who want to combine riding lessons and enjoyable trail rides with full-day adventures, historical excursions and the chance to discover the beautiful Scottish countryside, all while staying at the same base throughout the week.
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).
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
From central Edinburgh
Price: approx. 1-4 pax £ 120.00 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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