Horse riding

The North Pennines offers a range of opportunities for horse riding, from leisurely guided pony rides for beginners, to technical upland hacks across historic packhorse trails for the more experienced.   

Bridleways and quiet lanes

You can discover networks of bridleways and quiet lanes, allowing you to see the splendour of the North Pennines from the saddle. One of the best ways to enjoy horse riding in the North Pennines is through one of the area's riding centres.

Packhorse trail routes

Our five 'do in a day' packhorse trail routes are ideal if you want to ride with confidence in the exhilarating landscapes of the North Pennines. The routes have been developed to allow you to explore the area on horseback along some of our oldest networks, including improvements in surfacing, water crossings and gates, with horseriders in mind.