Stonetrail Riding Centre Guided Trail Rides and Holiday Packages

Welcome to Stonetrail Riding Centre

The centre's reputation rests on delivering quality riding experiences that showcase northern England's most spectacular yet tranquil landscapes. From the moment guests arrive at Street Farm, they encounter a welcoming atmosphere that balances professionalism with genuine hospitality. The facility's comprehensive approach addresses every aspect of a riding holiday, from horse welfare and rider safety to comfortable accommodation and post-ride relaxation.

BHS Approved Facility in the Eden Valley

Stonetrail operates as a fully licensed establishment with British Horse Society approval and maintains a five-star grading from Eden District Council. This recognition reflects commitment to exceptional standards across all operations. The centre specializes in guided trail rides across Eden Valley terrain, where riders access extensive bridleway networks directly from the gate. Alison, who founded the facility in 2007, brings years of trail riding expertise and was honored to accompany Martin Clunes at the official Pennine Bridleway opening in 2012.

Our Location Between Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park

Positioned at Wild Boar Fell's foot, Stonetrail offers immediate access to bridleways, packhorse trails, and grassy fell tops. The location between two national parks provides spectacular views while maintaining peaceful atmosphere. Riders explore for hours across open common land without encountering crowds. Ravenstonedale village, two miles distant, features traditional stone buildings and welcoming pubs. The A683 positioning between Sedbergh and Kirkby Stephen ensures accessibility while preserving rural tranquility.

Meet the Team and Our Forward-Going Horses

The horse team comprises carefully selected individuals known for forward-going temperament and fell riding expertise. Many were homebred or acquired as youngsters, allowing thorough training. Each demonstrates friendly personality and adaptability across varied terrain. Ride leaders bring extensive experience and match riders to suitable horses based on capability. Safety remains paramount, with leaders carrying communication devices, first aid equipment, and comprehensive local knowledge.

Riding Holiday Packages and Day Rides

Stonetrail caters to different schedules through varied package options, from half-day excursions to week-long immersive holidays. Each offering showcases the region's finest riding terrain while ensuring appropriate challenge levels. The combination of quality horses, expert guidance, and stunning routes creates memorable experiences that encourage repeat visits.

Available Riding Options and Duration

Day rides depart at 10am, returning mid-afternoon, while full days extend into early evening during summer. Lunch occurs at village pubs or scenic picnic spots. Maximum group size remains six riders, ensuring quality attention and intimate atmosphere characteristic of Stone Trail Riding Centre experiences.

Accommodation at Street Farm Cottages

Five luxury self-catering cottages surround a charming courtyard with fell views. Each provides four-star accommodation with modern amenities while retaining character through exposed beams and stone features. Fully equipped kitchens, comfortable living spaces, and quality furnishings accommodate couples through larger groups. Bed linen and towels come included. Local inns within walking distance serve excellent Cumbrian cuisine, though self-catering flexibility appeals to many guests seeking stonetrail holidays.

Spa Facilities and Hot Tub Relaxation

An indoor spa room houses a six-seat jacuzzi available throughout guest stays. This facility proves particularly popular after long riding days, with warm water soothing tired muscles. Fluffy robes and slippers create spa atmosphere despite the rural setting. Many guests structure days around morning rides followed by afternoon relaxation sessions. Colleagues Matt Reiser and Amy Johnson, working alongside lead author Jim Cohen, recommend the hot tub for recovery between consecutive riding days.

Your Riding Experience at Stonetrail

Every ride follows thoughtful design balancing adventure with safety, scenic beauty with practical considerations. The centre's approach ensures riders maximize landscape enjoyment while feeling secure throughout. Understanding what each ride involves helps guests prepare mentally and physically. From initial mounting through final return to the yard, attention to detail characterizes every aspect of journeys across Cumbrian fells and valleys.

What to Expect on a Guided Fell Ride

Rides begin with introductions at the yard where riders meet assigned horses. Leaders explain routes, expected conditions, and safety protocols before mounting. Initial sections move at walk, allowing horses and riders to settle while navigating gates near the farm. As routes reach open fell, pace increases with trots and canters across grassy expanses. Cantering uphill on forward-going horses across moorland provides authentic countryside experience.

Routes incorporate river crossings, woodland paths, and exposed ridgelines with panoramic views. Leaders adjust pace based on group dynamics, ensuring comfort while maintaining momentum. Regular pauses allow photographs and landscape appreciation. Weather adds character to each outing. Stonetrail provides high-visibility gear and saddlebags. The experience combines physical challenge with sensory immersion in landscape largely unchanged for centuries.

Popular Routes Including Ash Fell and Mallerstang Valley

Horse riding Cumbria offers extraordinary variety, with stone trail routes showcasing regional finest characteristics:

1. Ash Fell Circuit – Ascends to rounded summit offering 360-degree views encompassing Eden Valley, Lake District peaks, and Pennine moorland. Grassy top provides perfect cantering terrain. Duration approximately three hours with moderate difficulty.
2. Mallerstang Valley Trail – Following Pennine Bridleway eastward, tracing River Eden through upper valley. Riders pass ruined castles including Lammerside and Pendragon, with riverside lunch stops. Return crosses Wharton Fell across five to six hours.
3. Harter Fell and Ravenstonedale Loop – Half-day ride incorporating ancient packhorse trail through Howgill fells. Kings Head pub welcomes riders for refreshments. Varied terrain includes remote paths, quiet lanes, and village atmosphere.
4. Kirkby Stephen Common Exploration – Wide open common provides extensive cantering with valley views. Suits those seeking faster pace and open space, with flexible duration based on conditions and preference.
5. Cloud Ride Circuit – Named for elevated position with miles-wide Cumbrian views. Peaceful atmosphere and long canters make it a returning guest favorite. Breeding fell pony herd grazing freely adds authentic local character.

Rider Safety and Equipment Provided

Safety standards reflect British Horse Society guidelines and rigorous protocols. Riders must provide approved helmets and appropriate footwear. The centre supplies high-visibility vests and saddlebags. Leaders carry first aid kits, communication devices, and emergency procedure knowledge. Weight limits exist at thirteen stone maximum. Minimum age requirements specify twelve years for fell rides, with youth accompanied by adults. Pre-booking telephone assessments ensure appropriate experience matching to route difficulty.

Modern Leisure Trends for Active Holiday Makers

Contemporary travelers increasingly seek holidays blending multiple interests rather than single-activity focus. Spending days pursuing outdoor adventures while enjoying varied evening entertainment has gained traction across the UK. This approach recognizes active daytime pursuits create appetite for diverse evening options. Northern England surrounding locations like Stonetrail offers remarkable diversity, with countryside tranquility during daylight and accessible entertainment venues within reasonable distance.

Combining Outdoor Adventures with Evening Entertainment

This trend reflects changing vacation attitudes. Rather than week-long single-activity commitments, modern holiday makers appreciate flexibility and variety. Days spent horse riding across Cumbrian fells might conclude with country inn dinners, while following evenings feature entirely different entertainment. Geographic positioning allowing easy movement between contrasting experiences proves key. Areas with good transport links enable rural peace enjoyment without isolation from broader leisure opportunities. This balanced approach particularly appeals to groups with diverse interests or couples seeking shared adventures complemented by individual preferences.

Regional Casino Venues and Resort Options

Northern England hosts several established casino venues complementing countryside holidays with sophisticated evening entertainment:

1. Genting Casino Resorts World Birmingham – Located approximately two hours from Cumbria, representing UK's first integrated leisure destination. Features extensive gaming floors with over 100 machines, multiple restaurants, and luxury hotel accommodation. Modern facility provides Las Vegas-style entertainment within British context.
2. Victoria Gate Casino Leeds – Yorkshire's premier gaming venue sits roughly ninety minutes from Eden Valley. Combines casino facilities with multiple dining venues, sports bars, and boutique hotel rooms. Victorian architecture integration with modern gaming creates distinctive atmosphere.
3. Aspers Casino Newcastle – Found within The Gate leisure complex, offering comprehensive gaming alongside broader entertainment. Coastal city location approximately two hours from Stonetrail provides different scenery and urban atmosphere. Live sports coverage attracts mixed crowds.
4. Manchester Area Establishments – Several venues operate across Greater Manchester, typically two to three hours from Cumbria. City accessibility via motorway networks makes evening visits feasible during extended holidays. Broader cultural offerings complement casino facilities.
5. Blackpool Traditional Casinos – Seaside resort maintains entertainment heritage with multiple promenade gaming establishments. Atmosphere differs from modern resort casinos, offering nostalgic British holiday charm. Accessibility from Cumbria via straightforward routes enables day or evening excursions.

Planning Multi-Activity Breaks in Northern England

Successful multi-activity holidays require thoughtful planning around geographic logistics and energy management. Stonetrail holidays naturally occupy daytime hours with physically demanding riding, suggesting evening activities provide relaxation or moderate entertainment. Casino venue spacing around northern England allows strategic planning based on accommodation location and travel tolerance. Some guests designate one evening during week-long stays for casino visits, treating it as special occasion. Self-drive holidays offer maximum flexibility, while public transport users need advance planning. The contrast between daytime countryside immersion and evening urban entertainment provides refreshing variety.

Practical Information for Guests

Planning successful riding holidays requires attention to several practical elements beyond simply booking dates. Understanding seasonal variations, transport logistics, and booking procedures ensures smooth arrangements and realistic expectations. The information below addresses common questions arising when organizing Stonetrail visits. Reviewing these details before contacting the centre streamlines booking conversations and helps identify ideal timing.

Seasonal Riding Conditions and Best Times to Visit

The centre operates primarily spring through autumn when conditions favor comfortable riding. Summer provides longest daylight for full-day exploration. British weather remains unpredictable regardless of season, requiring appropriate clothing always. Layering proves more effective than heavy single garments, with waterproof layers essential. Fells experience sudden temperature drops and wind increases, particularly on exposed ridgelines.

Transport Links and Directions to Ravenstonedale

Stonetrail occupies Street Farm on A683, midway between Sedbergh and Kirkby Stephen. Address: Ravenstonedale, Cumbria, CA17 4LL. Motorway access via M6 Junction 38, following A685 then A683. Manchester requires approximately two hours, Newcastle similar duration, Leeds about ninety minutes. Rail travelers reach Kirkby Stephen station on scenic Settle-Carlisle line, approximately ten miles from centre with taxi services available. Oxenholme station on West Coast Main Line provides faster connections from London, situated about thirty miles from Ravenstonedale.

Booking Process and Contact Details

Prospective guests should telephone 015396 23448 to discuss available dates and suitable riding options. Initial conversations assess experience levels and match appropriate packages. This personal approach ensures realistic expectations and proper preparation. Booking deposits secure reservations, with final payments due weeks before arrival. For riding holidays including accommodation, early booking proves advisable given limited cottage availability. Staff pride themselves on responsive communication and helpful guidance throughout booking processes.

FAQ

Conclusion

Stonetrail Riding Centre delivers authentic countryside riding in one of England's most beautiful yet peaceful regions. Professional guidance, forward-going horses, and immediate bridleway access create memorable holidays for capable riders. Facilities including luxury cottages and spa amenities complement active days with comfortable relaxation. Location between Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park provides remarkable scenery while maintaining tranquility. Whether seeking day rides or week-long immersion, guests find carefully managed experiences prioritizing safety, enjoyment, and landscape connection. The broader northern England region offers additional entertainment options for those desiring varied evening activities during extended stays. Contact Stonetrail directly to plan your Eden Valley riding adventure.