Horse riding in the Brecon Beacons

With more than 600 miles of bridleways and tracks plus a selection of pony trekking centres providing lessons and equipment, the Brecon Beacons is an ideal destination for horse riding through some glorious Welsh countryside. 

Whether you are a beginner or experienced at horse riding, you’ll find routes, guided treks or tuition that’s suitable for you. Here are some of the best places to try horse riding in the Brecon Beacons. For even more holiday inspiration, read our ultimate guide to the Brecon Beacons.

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🐎 Brecon Beacons horse riding centres

🐎 Brecon Beacons bridleways & hacking routes

🐎 More outdoor activities to try

🐎 Plan your Brecon Beacons getaway

Brecon Beacons horse riding centres

There are various horse riding centres located within the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons which can provide organised treks along bridleways, riverside paths and up into the higher peaks of this beautiful Welsh landscape. It's the perfect way to go horse riding in the Brecon Beacons with experienced instructors who can lead into some of the most scenic parts of the national park.

Llangorse Multi Activity Centre

Located close to Llangorse Lake, this centre offers a range of both indoor and outdoor activities including horse riding sessions on their 25 miles of private Brecon Beacons bridleways. Special beginners' sessions are available on some of the flatter terrain here and pony rides can be taken by children aged 4 and above. Llangorse Multi Activity Centre is an ideal choice for horse riding in the Brecon Beacons.

Cantref Adventure Farm

This adventure farm near Brecon is just right for a day out with the kids, with interactive shows, animals, sledge rides and a maize maze. Animals on the farm include sheep, alpacas and llamas, with the on-site Cantref Riding Centre offering both treks through the surrounding countryside and pony riding lessons. VIP Pamper Pony Sessions are available at Cantref Adventure Farm for family groups of up to six which include free pony rides for the little ones.   

Ellesmere Riding and Trekking Centre

This small family-run centre near Llangorse has been around for more than 50 years and runs full and half-day hacks through the hills and valleys of the Powys countryside for more experienced riders. You can head into the peaks of the Black Mountains from Ellesmere Riding and Trekking Centre for some wonderful views of the spectacular landscape or take a more gentle trek along some of the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Tregoyd Mountain Riders

Located at the top of the Brecon Beacons National Park between Talgarth and Hay-on-Wye, riders have direct access from the Tregoyd centre to open commons, woodland and trails leading up into the Black Mountains. Novices can enjoy a gentle riverside trek before stopping for an idyllic picnic while experienced riders can canter or gallop through the countryside.

Pentre Riding Stables

The Pentre Riding Stables are located near the National Showcaves Centre and Craig-y-Nos Country Park with a variety of woodland and riverside paths to follow in the local area. The centre specialises in running sessions for children and offers riding parties and own-a-pony days so that kids can experience taking responsibility for a horse.

Golden Castle

As well as traditional treks through the Brecon Beacons, the Golden Castle stables near Llangattock offer showjumping training in their on-site ring and themed days where you can learn dressage and lunging, or go on a Western-style ride through the remote hills of Wales. Horse riding routes through the Brecon Beacons can vary to include pub walks and riverside trails.   

Grange Pony Trekking

Located in the heart of the Black Mountains with direct access to three different climbing paths, Grange Pony Trekking is ideal if you’re looking for an exhilarating ride that takes in some of the finest views in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Welsh ponies and cobs are used for the mountain treks which can range from hourly trips to full-day sessions.

Brecon Beacons bridleways & hacking routes

From undulating paths along the river to trails through the forest, there is a network of bridleways and tracks allowing you to explore the Brecon Beacons on horseback. Here are some of the most popular Brecon Beacon horse riding routes to follow:  

Three Rivers Ride

Although this ride actually starts over the English border in Herefordshire, much of the scenic route is within the boundaries of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The Welsh section of the trail heads down towards Brecon from Hay Bluff and crosses the Wye and Usk Valley before skirting past Llangorse Lake to the end point at the National Park Visitor Centre in Libanus. There is a variety of different terrains along the 36-mile Welsh section of the route with peaceful valleys, steep hills and spectacular viewpoints to enjoy.

Furlong Route Ride

This trio of loops circles around Blaenavon World Heritage site near Abergavenny taking in ancient forests and woodlands, and allowing riders to uncover some of the fascinating history of Wales’ industrial past. One of the Blaenavon loops to try is the Lasgarn Wood Trail which is a 7-mile route through ancient beech woodland. 

Radnor Forest

The Radnor Forest Ride is part of the National Bridleway Network and there are 70 miles of trails to canter along which start at the site’s visitor centre. This route links up with the Three Rivers Ride if you fancy exploring further and features bridleways, byways and quiet lanes travelling up through the Cambrian Mountains.  

Crychan Forest

Crychan Forest is a very horse-friendly destination in the Brecon Beacons with special bays for horse boxes and tying posts where you can keep them safe and secure while you enjoy a picnic. There are seven different trails through the forest which can be tackled separately or joined together for a longer route. Highlights include the Cym Crychan viewpoint which looks out over the Tywi Valley and following the path of a gently flowing stream at Nant y Dresglen.    

More outdoor activities in the Brecon Beacons

Horse riding is just one of the many outdoor activities you can enjoy in the Brecon Beacons. The natural Welsh landscape here is also perfect for cycling, climbing, rowing and wild swimming so there are lots of ways to get some fresh air and exercise in the great outdoors. 

Cycling

Long-distance cycle routes in the Brecon Beacons include the Taff Trail and the recently created Brecon Beacons touring route which runs the entire length of the national park from Llandeilo to Abergavenny. Popular mountain bike routes include the Talybont Forest Trail and road cycle options include climbing up Gospel Pass which is the highest road pass in Wales. Read more about cycling in the Brecon Beacons.

Wild swimming

Wild swimming has become an increasingly popular outdoor activity in recent years and you’ll find crystal-clear pools, gentle streams and tumbling waterfalls where you can plunge into some refreshing natural water. Popular wild swimming locations in the Brecon Beacons include Keeper’s Pond above Blaenavon and Llangynidr Falls near Crickhowell on the River Usk.  

Kayaking and canoeing

The lakes, rivers and reservoirs of the Brecon Beacons are perfect for canoeing and kayaking with the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal a good option for beginners and the Brecon Beacons Water Trail just right for a leisurely day of paddling on the water. More experienced kayakers should head to the River Tawe for a thrilling ride, and boat hire and lessons are available through the Wye Valley Canoe Centre and River Strokes.  

Find your perfect Brecon Beacons accommodation

Box Barn Cottage

If you have been inspired to go horse riding or pony trekking in the Brecon Beacons, you’ll find a range of characterful cottages for an idyllic getaway to this wonderful Welsh national park. 

Whether you fancy heading up into the Black Mountains or trotting along the banks of the River Usk, you’ll find perfect places to stay throughout the Brecon Beacons including glamping pods in remote locations and holiday homes in popular towns such as Abergavenny, Crickhowell and Hay-on-Wye.

Browse our full range of Brecon Beacons cottages to find the perfect base for your next UK getaway.