The scottish equestrian counties from Berwickshire in the south to Sutherland in the north.

Horse riding opportunities and Scottish equestrian facilities - Scotland’s spectacular scenery and superb network of waymarked multi-use paths and rural trails seem tailor-made for horse riders of all abilities. The south eastern Borders area, in particular, is known as Scotland’s horse country, although centres of excellence exist throughout this rugged and beautiful country.

Use this page for a quick review of the various scottish counties and to link directly to image galleries, equestrian events diaries, equestrian centres and riding holidays in that area.

	Aberdeenshire Aberdeenshire has 208 kilometres of unspoilt coastline offering stunning, often deserted, beaches ranging from long stretches of clean golden sand to dramatic rock and shingle beaches, all a haven for wildlife, horse riding enthusiasts, photographers, kite flyers and visitors wishing to experience an unspoilt natural coastline and all that has to offer.
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Angus The wide open spaces of Angus make it an ideal destination for horse riding. In the heart of farming country there are miles of unspoilt countryside, sandy beaches, beautiful coastline, and spectacular scenery to enjoy on horseback. Stroll along country lanes, canter along a beautiful beach or gallop through the countryside. Access to the countryside is being constantly improved by the local people to ensure you can enjoy the Angus countryside.

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Argyll The Highlands of Scotland begin in Argyll, a land fought over for centuries between clansmen and the invading English and nowhere is this more evident than the evocative Glen Coe, site of the famous massacre in the 1690's. Beautiful lochs and hills make this a place stunning place to ride and it is guaranteed to enrich the soul. Inverarary Castle, home of the Duke of Argyll, is one of Scotland's best castles, The Mount Stuart House and Gardens on the Isle of Bute is a magnificent architectural fantasy and well worth exploring.

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Ayrshire Ayrshire, the Poetic Heart of Scotland and the home of Open Golf, is a land of green rolling farmland and miles of sandy beaches. Ayrshire offers unique visitor attractions, including Culzean Castle, the jewel in the crown of the National Trust for Scotland; and Ayrshire is the home of Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns. Horse riding facilities are many and varied with beach rides and Ayr racecourse, home of the Scottish Grand National, just a few of the excellent attractions. Golf widows would do well to encourage their partners to visit Ayrshire and allow themselves the opportunity to ride in the beautiful countryside while partners are otherwise engaged.

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Banffshire Banff is one of the forgotten gems along the Moray coast, with around 5,000 residents it is a small but vibrant town. Formally a major fishing port Banff was one of the dominant Scottish towns. Today it is used as a commuting place for Aberdeen oil workers and The local Employment is heavily reliant on the factories in both Banff and Macduff. As the fishing industry has gone into serious decline steps are now being taken to diversify and move into the tourism market as much as possible. The new marina is part of this plan.

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Berwickshire Berwickshire is bordered to the north by East-Lothian; to the south by the river Tweed, and the English border; and to the west by the counties of Roxburgh, Peebles and Mid-Lothian. The county is divided into 3 districts, Lauderdale, Lammermuir and Merse or March. Berwickshire contains one royal borough, Lauder; and several large towns and villages, being Dunse, Coldstream, Coldingham, Ayton, Eyemouth.

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	Bute Shire Trail riding over open moorland, through mature forests and hacking along deserted beaches. Discover the magic of the western sea lochs and mossy, lush woodlands. Ride through long views to a horizon where the sun sinks behind the islands. This is a beguiling and romantic place with its special heritage as the first Kingdom of the Scots.
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Caithness Caithness is a mixture of ancient and modern: in its vast unspoilt countryside, time seems to have stood still, but its towns and villages are home to all the services expected of modern life. The most northerly county in mainland Britain, Caithness is famous for its natural beauty from the long rugged coastline with its beaches and small fishing harbours to its sweeping sandstone hills.

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Clackmannanshire Clackmannanshire is the smallest County in Scotland, extending 10 miles N. and S. between the main body of Perthshire and the river Forth, and 11 miles E. and W. between the counties of Stirling and Fife. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and historic buildings with the Ochil Hills to the North and the Central Belt to the South. Horse riding, fishing, shooting, hillwalking, golf and tennis can all be found.

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Dunbartonshire Visit Dunbartonshire home of Loch Lomond and Scotland's first National Park with horse riding, pony trekking and equine sports. For some the most enjoyable way to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Scotland’s first National Park and Loch Lomond in particular is on horseback. There are many riding stables and trekking centres within the area suitable for all levels of rider. Be it forest treks, hacking or loch rides, capture the idyllic surroundings on horseback.

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Dumfries & Galloway Horse riding or Pony Trekking Southern Scotland is a great way to experience the Scottish countryside and there are many riding schools and stables with horses for hire, catering for trekking, hacking and trail riding. The varied and rugged scenery, open moorlands and sheltered forest bridle paths are familiar to riders from all over Great Britain and Europe . Old drove roads and paths lead along the steep sided valleys, whilst flat topped ridges provide for those who enjoy the occasional canter or gallop.

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Fife The Ancient Kingdom of Fife, just north of the Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth, is perhaps most famous because of St Andrews, the undisputed home of golf. But it's not just St Andrews! There's a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere throughout Fife, from the delightful fishing villages of the East Neuk to the rolling hills of the Howe. It's not just golf either! From horse riding, cycling to fishing, there is a whole lot on offer.

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Inverness-shire Inverness is the capital city of the Scottish highlands and on horseback in Inverness-shire you can discover Culloden, Loch Ness and the monster Nessie, fantastic scenery and Highland glens, lochs and mountains. Enjoy Loch Ness cruises and tours, dolphin spotting trips, the beautiful west coast, the Cairngorm National Park, the Isle of Skye, Orkney and Royal Deeside. Explore castles, Stone Age ruins, Pictish and Whisky trails, standing stones and circles, distilleries, wild life, gardens, forests and quiet beaches.

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Kincardineshire The County of Kincardine, also known as Kincardineshire or The Mearns (from A' Mhaoirne meaning 'The Stewartry') sits on the east coast of scotland between Aberdeenshire and Angus. Known as Scotland's Castle and Whisky Country, this region of Scotland is truly blessed with outstanding scenery. You can sample the "water of life" and visit the distilleries and cooperage on the world's only Malt Whisky trail or follow the Castle Trail taking in the finest gems the region has to offer. Or head to the coast where vast empty beaches, interspersed with picturesque fishing villages and dramatic cliff top scenery are waiting to be explored.

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Kinross-shire Kinrosshire falls within the Perthshire, Kingdom of Fife, Angus and Dundee region of central Scotland. This is a beautiful county bordered by Perthshire, Fife and Clackmannanshire. Set amidst gently rolling hills it is the ideal location for horse riding. Known as the gateway to the Highlands, Kinrosshire nestles around Loch Leven where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned in 1567 on Castle Island. Kinross-shire is rich in history and natural beauty.

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	Kircudbright-shire Kirkcudbrightshire is located in the South/West of Scotland. Marked by rugged coasts and wild, untamed scenery as well as welcoming villages and locals. Scotland stamps its own personality the moment you cross the border, with accents and names unique to the area. There are forests and wild moors and the vivid greens of rich pastures.
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Lanarkshire Lanarkshire is situated in the heart of Scotland’s central belt, the area offers an ideal combination of tranquil parks and market towns within a stone’s throw of the city lights of Glasgow and Edinburgh. For the visitor to Lanarkshire, the surrounding areas of Glasgow offer some of the best of Scotland's scenery, from the rolling hills of the Clyde Valley to the beautiful walking country of East Dunbartonshire that borders the south-west Highlands. There are so many attractions here, including the Falls of Clyde, Strathclyde Park, Scottish Wildlife Reserves on the shores of the River Clyde and numerous country parks, and heritage centres.

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Lothian From sea cliffs and sandy beaches, backed by famous golf courses, to the rounded hills and stately homes of the Southern Uplands, the Lothians and Borders has much to offer the equestrian. From hacking and trekking on the east coast to beach rides and the magnificent tourist sites of Edinburgh. Both Beecraigs and Almondell & Calderwood Country Parks have horse riding routes. East Lothian offers treasure after treasure. From castles, including Edinburgh Castle, to whisky and horse racing. The nature trails and parkland and miles of glorious coastline in the Lothians open up the countryside for everyone from horse riders to picnickers on the fine golden beaches, to walkers and riders high in the Pentland Hills.

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Morayshire Moray is in the North/East of Scotland bordered by Nairnshire, Banffshire and Inverness-shire. Being in the Highlands region of Scotland brings with it wild, untamed scenery, rugged coastlines, character villages and a wealth of historic sites. Moray is in the land of whisky and the Glen Moray Distillery is a warm, friendly and informal working distillery in Elgin. Horse riding is plentiful with many riding schools and equestrian centres catering for the novice or experienced rider.

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Nairnshire Nairnshire is in the North East of Scotland bordered by Moray on the East and Inverness-shire to the West and South. This area is in the Highlands of Scotland and offers all the wonderful beauty, history and individuality of the region. For the visitor who can pull himself away from the delights of nature at its wild, untamed best, there are always castle waiting to be explored. Cawdor Castle is a fairytale castle that has been the home of the Thanes of Cawdor since its construction in 1370.

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Peebles-shire Peeblesshire is found in the once feuding lands of the South of Scotland. The landscape is a succession of hills, which are highest in the South, broken by the vale of the Tweed and the glens formed by its numerous tributaries.As with many counties in this beautiful country of Scotland, Peeblesshire is a delight for nature lovers and horse riders. Outriding is superb and the many and varied equestrian centres cater for riders of all levels.

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	Perthshire Located in central Scotland Perth and Perthshire are Scotlands ancient capitals and have a rich history. Gleneagles Equestrian Centre is only 4 miles from the city of Perth and offers riding lessons in its well equipped Equestrian Centre. Or enjoy trail riding, with the may spcialist riding centres, into the foothills of the Ochils where the scenery is truly outstanding.
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Renfrewshire Renfrewshire is in West/Central Scotland. The area combines high quality residential areas with high-tech manufacturing, innovative e-businesses and, of course, wonderful untamed countryside areas and coastal beauty. Equestrian facilities are plentiful and offer horse riders the full range of equestrian facilities. From trekking through beautiful countryside to major equestrian competitions.

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Ross and Cromarty A large part of the Scottish Highlands which offers easy driving on uncongested roads. The West coast can be reached easily and offers many small villages and sights that can be covered on day trips. On the Dornoch Firth, the town of Dornoch greets you with its particularly tidy and inviting appearance. This is the home of the Royal Dornoch Golf Club - a spectacular 18 hole course, world renowned and visited by many of the world's golfing elite including names such as Tom Watson and Ben Crenshaw . The area boasts no fewer than 12 quality golf courses, all within an easy reach.

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Roxburghshire Roxburghshire lies in the South of Scotland where rich, rolling farmland, rugged sea coasts and unique wildlife. This is a land of ancient abbeys, castles and historic houses and also boasts strong literary connections, with both Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott. Don’t leave the county without first taking in Hermitage Castle. This vast and eerie ruin, dating from 14th and 15th centuries, is associated with the de Soulis, the Douglases and Mary Queen of Scots

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Selkirkshire Selkirkshire is located in the fertile lands in the South of Scotland. Numerous battles have been fought on these lands and thousands of its people slain in battle; be they fighting for Sir William Wallace at Stirling Bridge or at Flodden. Horse riding and equestrian pursuits are a fundamental part of Selkirk life and the county is rich in stable yards, riding schools and riding holiday centres.

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Stirlingshire Stirlingshire is in the centre of Scotland and forms a part of the Argyll, Isles, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs region. This is considered to be the birthplace of Scotland, the cradle of its Christianity and nationhood and the focal point of much of its dramatic history. Pony trekking and horse riding centres can be found throughout the nearby Trossachs & Breadalbane, catering for riders at all levels. The terrain in this part of Scotland offers everything from the easiest of gentle rides for the complete novice to the more demanding treks over some of the moors and mountain slopes. It is often said that the best way to enjoy the scenery is on foot but many who have tried pony trekking in Scotland would disagree.

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Sutherland Sutherland is in the North of Scotland, bordered to the South by Ross and Cromarty and the North by Caithness. This area is Scotland’s Northern Wilderness with scenery varying from wild cliffs and tiny islands to vast expanses of moorland and remote sandy beaches with superb panoramic mountain views. Dunrobin Castle, home of the Clan Sutherland, is the largest house in the North of Scotland and dates from around 1400. At Loch Na Naire you can immerse yourself in mystery and magic. This loch has long been seen as a healing loch; according to legend, the loch received its powers from a magical healing stone belonging to a wise woman

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Wigtownshire Wigtownshire lies in the extreme South/West of Scotland and forms the Western part of the ancient district of Galloway. It is bounded on the East by the stewartry of Kirkcudbright and Wigtown bay and on the North by the county of Ayrshire. This county is one of the most level in Scotland, with easy rolling hills, generally free of rocks. Ideal equestrian pursuits, for cross country rides and trekking.

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Select a Sottish county to begin exploring equestrian Scotland ....

Aberdeenshire - Angus - Argyll - Ayrshire - Banffshire - Berwickshire - Bute - Caithness - Clackmannanshire - Dunbartonshire - Dumfriesshire - Fife - Inverness-shire - Kincardineshire - Kircudbrightshire - Kinross-shire - Lanarkshire - Lothian - Morayshire - Nairnshire - Perthshire - Peebles-shire - Renfrewshire - Ross and Cromarty - Roxburghshire - Selkirk - Stirlingshire - Sutherland - Wigtownshire

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