Where to go horse riding in Devon

Devon is a renowned destination for travellers wanting a taste of the great outdoors. Hikers, surfers, and cyclists all flock here as part of the country’s seasonal migration south each summer. Horse riding in Devon is equally popular and there are some fantastic trails to be found throughout the county.

Exmoor National Park

Rugged moors and glimmering river valleys make Exmoor one of Britain’s most beautiful national parks. The park ensures the 400 miles of bridleways are well maintained and signposted, with the most popular trails marked in blue. Exmoor is packed full of scenic landscapes with views of Dartmoor and Wales as well as varied wildlife, including red deer and Exmoor ponies. There are plenty of good camping and caravan sites to choose from, with a handful in the centre of the park and even more on the coast. There are many farms that can provide stables and other facilities if you bring your own horse with you. Please note that the visitor centres are closed during the colder months.

Dartmoor National Park

Whether you are a beginner or experienced, there is something for every rider and horse at Dartmoor National Park. There is a huge variety of land to clip clop over, from open moorland to wooded trails. There are Dartmoor ponies, black faced sheep, and maybe even the Hound of the Baskervilles to keep an eye out for! Many farmsteads provide horse accommodation and offer tuition. Dartmoor is a great place to bring kids if you stick to the easier paths. For more information, check out Princetown visitor centre which is open all year, or one of the park’s other visitor centres which are open from Easter to October.

Taw Valley

If you want to see the famous Devon countryside, there is a circular route around the village of Ashreigney through Taw Valley that shows off the county in all its picturesque glory. The loop is approximately 20 miles along scenic lanes, mill side streams, farmland and hilltops. The route is adjustable to different experience levels. Ashreigney is halfway between Exmoor National Park and Dartmoor National Park. The nearest town is Chulmleigh and there is a selection of camping options within approximately a 10 mile radius of the ride. The RHS gardens at Great Torrington are a nearby tourist attraction sure to keep all the family entertained.

Cookworthy Forest

This beautiful conifer plantation can be found nestled between Okehampton and Bude. The evergreens provide an inviting canopy for a whole range of birds to nest in, from barn owls to woodpeckers. Keep an eye out for red deer too! Cookworthy Forest is a popular cycling and hiking location so bear in mind other trail users during your ride. There is a small car park as well as toilet facilities too.

For nearby camp locations, travellers can choose between a base on Dartmoor National Park or a coastal location to the west. Bude, just inside Cornwall, has some fantastic (unfortunately, non-horse friendly) beaches which are perfect for those who want to learn how to surf, and kids will love the Milky Way Adventure Park too!

Haldon Forest Park

Haldon Forest Park is on the edge of Dartmoor and is one of the best places to take the kids horse riding. The rides are varied and there is even a quarter mile long area where you can gallop. The forest trails link up with other routes so if you can easily branch out and see more of the countryside outside the woods. There are toilets, a ranger’s office and a first aid point. For entertainment, there are picnic tables, a barbeque area and refreshments served on the weekends. Once the kids have had enough of horse riding, there is a Go Ape! facility to keep them active! Camping is not permitted in the forest but plenty of sites are available in Dartmoor National Park.

For horse lovers, Devon’s moors, parks and trails can provide hour upon hour of unbridled fun! As the area is so popular for horse riding with both visitors and locals, there are ample facilities to accommodate your horse or provide riding equipment and treks. There are just a few things to bear in mind. Make sure you are on common land, don’t disturb livestock and wildlife, pick up your litter and always wear your safety gear. Other than that, happy trotting!