Derbyshire Equestrian

Derbyshire Equestrian - Horse Riding in England

Your online reference to horse riding and equestrian activities in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

The County of Derbyshire is situated in the very heart of England.

Derbyshire Equestrian - Derbyshire Map The Peak District, Englands first National Park spans over 500 square miles of it and is one of the most popular and stunning areas of natural beauty in Derbyshire.

Derby is the main town in the shire with Derby Cathedral dominating the town.

Three heritage trails surround the city centre and another six the suburbs of Allestree, Chellaston, Darley Abbey, Markeaton, Mickleover and Spondon. Six popular country walks enable you to enjoy the beautiful countryside around Derby itself.

Derbyshire is also home to many wonderful Stately Homes such as Hardwick Hall and the Medieval Manor House, Haddon Hall. The county has rich varied landscapes, and a wide variety of equestrian centres and riding schools. Any competition rider or leisure horse owner will find a wealth of equestrian facilities in Derbyshire.

With such a varied landscape, such a richness of wildlife and such a wealth of cultural heritage no equestrian could possibly be disappointed.

As well as horse riding Derbyshire is a paradise for walking and family cycling holidays, mountain biking and adventure sports such as caving, rock climbing, hang gliding and paragliding. And there's plenty to do if you have a more relaxed approach to nature and the great outdoors, whether you're following in the footsteps of the stars on the film tourism trail or sampling the areas renowned food, drink and local produce.

Horse Riding In Derbyshires Equestrian County

Derbyshires 3,000 miles of countryside walks, bridleways and trails lead you through some of Englands most beautiful hills and dales. You're never far away from picturesque rural towns and villages where there is always lots to see and do.

Derbyshire Equestrian - Edensor Many old packhorse routes are now used as bridleways and the hills have opened up for those in the saddle. The Pennine cycleway passes through some magnificent landscapes, but for something a little less arduous and away from the roads, try the perimeter tracks around the reservoirs at Derwent and Carsington, which have magnificent waterside scenery.

There are a number of good pony trekking and riding centres through the area, and riders can also enjoy a long-distance trek on the Pennine Bridleway, which starts in the Peak District and uses former packhorse routes and disused railway tracks.

The Pennine Bridleway is a new purpose built trail for horse riders, mountain bikers and walkers. The trail is 73 miles between Middleton Top and Summit (on the Mary Townley Loop) and takes 2-4 days by bike and 4-5 days on horse or foot. The 47 mile Mary Towneley Loop takes 2 days by bike and 3-4 days on horse or foot. Further information can be obtained by calling the Countryside Agency who have produced an Accommodation and Services Guide for the trail. There are also good horsecare facilities at the old Hartington Station.

Shipley Country Park the miles of relaxing footpaths and bridleways that weave through the Amber Valley, used by author DH Lawrence as the setting for his controversial Lady Chatterley's Lover are also extremely popular with riders. A bridleway runs alongside the lakes and nature reserves and is surrounded by attractive woodland.

The Five Pits Trail provides an off-road surfaced route for walkers, cyclists and horseriders. It is a 5½ mile linear route from Grassmoor Country Park to Tibshelf Ponds, passing through a mainly agricultural and woodland landscape. The Trail can be extended to 7½ miles by following the route through Williamthorpe Ponds and Holmewood Woodlands.

The High Peak Trail runs for 17.5 miles from High Peak junction, near Cromford, to Dowlow, 6 miles south of Buxton.

Derbyshie - Views across the Peak District At Parsley Hay it is joined from the south by the Tissington Trail, which runs from 13 miles from Ashbourne.

The High Peak and Tissington Trails were formerly the Cromford and High Peak and the Ashbourne to Buxton railway lines. You can walk, cycle or ride a horse on the trails all year round.

The Manifold Track, a favourite for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, follows the route of the disused Leek and Manifold Light Railway, through the Manifold and Hamps Valleys from Waterhouses to Hulme End. The track is surfaced and fairly level throughout its length. Watch out for the rivers of the Manifold and Hamps as they disappear beneath the porous limestone and reappear in Ilam Country Park. Climb the steps to Thor's Cave (250 ft above the track) for magnificent views across the valley.