A thread for all those keen on extended riding trips in the Lake District - Discuss routes (closed or open), planned group rides,favoured watering holes, overnight accommodation with grazing/stables and much more.http://www.biglandhall.com/bigforum/list.php?7Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:50:59 +0100 Phorum 5.2.10 http://www.biglandhall.com/bigforum/read.php?7,32,32#msg-32 http://www.biglandhall.com/bigforum/read.php?7,32,32#msg-32This trail ride met all my expectations and more....each day was different -
Day 1 to Ings had varied riding through all kinds of terrain - moorland, woodland, open fell, green roads and wonderful scenery across the valleys. Lots of opportunities for meandering and bird-spotting, interspersed with exciting canters (:D:-) My Le trec training from Bigland came into its own here - beware low branches and uneven terrain. It was fabulous to have gone such a long way with very little road work.
Day 2 onto the Roman Road began with fabulous scenery of Kentmere and surrounding valleys - the tops remained stubbornly under heavy raincloud, until we began to climb, and then the cloud lifted for us. The approach up Nan Bield became strenuous for us and the horses, but the views from High Street were amazing. It felt a long way from any sort of 21st Century civilisation. It was a steep and long way down to Patterdale - more opportunities to practice Trec techniques - leading horses BEHIND - I think Baileys got it eventually. Hope the Outward Bound kids enjoyed their gill scrambling.
Day 3 over Helvellyn to Grasmere- was the best - a relatively easy ride technically up to Raise, where the high Lakeland fells were all about us. There were a few heart-stopping moments on the tops as the trail became steep and precarious, with long drops either side. The horses didn't falter however - and cantering to the Trig Point is THE way to arrive on Helvellyn - much to the amazement of fell-walkers. The descent was tricky, as steps have been put in the bridleway and we had to lead the horses round. We arrived at the farm in very high spirits, looking back at where we had been. Tea and homemade flapjacks were extremely reviving.
Day 4 - Grasmere to Coniston - was much less extreme. We re-lived all the ascent and descent many times as we trekked through the scenic Keswick - Barrow route up Red Bank, through Little Langdale and behind Coniston - all on old bridleways. This became the 'Mike Myers life story' route - he must be related to everyone in the Lakes and lived (or at least stayed) in most of the farm-houses and inns along the way. This is an area rich in industrial archeology, passing all the slate quarries and coppermines in the valleys. And Mike's family seemed to have excavated most of them! This day was the longest and we were all glad of the welcome at Torver.
Day 5 - On the home stretch - but still beautiful country in my back yard. I knew some of the area from dog-walking and enjoyed being able to experience it on horse-back. Beacon Tarn is especially a favourite dog walk on a sunny summer's evening.
I was proud of what we had achieved, especially as the horses arrived back with no ill-effects after 113 km and 5500 metres of climbing. The hostelries were great, ride companions the best. Thanks to Mike for arranging it and leading us on a tremedously exciting trail, and for all the backup from Bigland Hall Equestrian.
A holiday to remember!


Day Route Distance Metres climbing
1 Bigland to Ings 21 Km 894m
2 Ings to Patterdale 26 Km 1365 m
3 Patterdale to Grasmere 20 Km 1360 m
4 Grasmere to Torver 24 Km 1051 m
5 Torver to Bigland 22 Km 829 m]]> Tish Trail Riding In Cumbria (Lake District)Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:16:20 +0100 http://www.biglandhall.com/bigforum/read.php?7,13,13#msg-13 http://www.biglandhall.com/bigforum/read.php?7,13,13#msg-13Mike has ridden in Grizedale for forty years.
Those were the days when you could ride for miles without seeing a soul just the passing red deer. The paths then were amongst dense forestry with hardly a view to be seen. How things have changed many of the paths are now occupied by mountain bikes and walkers and since the felling of the conifers it has opened up the views.We will challenge you to find a better way than horse riding to see this forest.]]> Mike Trail Riding In Cumbria (Lake District)Thu, 07 May 2009 21:13:48 +0100 http://www.biglandhall.com/bigforum/read.php?7,12,12#msg-12 http://www.biglandhall.com/bigforum/read.php?7,12,12#msg-12
We spent a productive day today walking and planning routes in the Eastern Fells near Hawswater for our up and coming 5 day trail ride in May.

The weather was good if a little windy but we spent an enjoyable time up and around Nan Beild Pass at the top of Kentmere Valley, and on the top of Highstreet looking at terrain and how best to get most out of this amazing Lakeland Scenery.

We have ridden routes in this area before and have worked out a great section of the ride comprising of a beautiful ride up through Kentmere, past the resevoir and onto the top of the old Roman Road before descending into the Ullswater Valley, Patterdale and Glenridding for one of our overnight stops in local accommodation at Home Farm


[www.homefarmpatterdale.co.uk]

On a previous ride we took a picture above Small Water which is an example of the type of riding experience on offer and look forward to offering our riding clients in May the same experience.



If you have experience of riding in the area or would like advice on how a trail ride in the English Lake District could give you a riding holiday experience of a lifetime please feel free to post any questions or suggestions and I will be happy to reply.

Happy Trail Riding

Mike

Please call me (office hours) if you would like advice on Trail Riding in Cumbria and the Lake D]]> Mike Trail Riding In Cumbria (Lake District)Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:43:01 +0100