Horse riding

A fantastic way to enjoy some of the coastline and countryside of Wales is on horseback. A steady ride over bridleways, or an exhilarating canter along a tide-lapped beach – the many riding and pony trekking centres on or near the coast cater for riders of all ages and abilities. 

To ensure it’s a safe and enjoyable experience, the British Horse Society has published a document called Advice on Riding on Beaches and Estuaries on their website.

North Wales Coast & Dee Estuary

Talacre Beach provides nearly 5 miles of safe riding along the sands. Penmaenmawr in the Conwy area has an excellent horse riding beach, while at Morfa Conwy Beach there is riding and parking for horseboxes.

Isle of Anglesey

Try a beach ride with Tan y Foel Riding Centre at the south west tip of Anglesey near Newborough Forest.
Menai, Llŷn and Meirionnydd

Gwynedd provides many opportunities for exhilarating rides against the stunning backdrop of Snowdonia. Cilan Headland on the Llŷn Peninsula, provides panoramic views of Hell’s Mouth Bay, Bardsey Island and Cardigan Bay.

Ceredigion

The Urdd Camp at Llangrannog has its very own equine centre with an indoor silicon sand riding school with viewing gallery and a two mile outdoor track. Or you can explore the area on horseback on one of the centre’s pony trekking holidays.

Carmarthenshire

The Forestry Commission has designated riding areas in Pembrey Forest, close to, and accessed from, the Wales Coast Path. Ragwen Point, west of Pendine, is another popular spot.

Gower & Swansea Bay

On the beautiful Gower Peninsula, beyond Swansea, nearly all beaches are accessible by bridleway, including those at Caswell Bay and Swansea Bay. Pennard and Cefn Bryn are among popular destinations.

South Wales Coast & Severn Estuary

Riding a horse on a wide open beach is a dream for many people. Ogmore Farm, on the Heritage Coast, makes this dream come true every day. At Bridgend, Kenfig bridleways are very popular. The Haul road, along the front of the dunes, is part bridleway with a link inland to the Kenfig National Nature Reserve visitor centre to form a circular route.

Blackrock to Sudbrook, and byways near Undy in Monmouthshire, allow riders to use part of the coastal path. Severnvale Equestrian Centre at Tidenham, Chepstow, and David Broome Event Centre at Crick, Chepstow, are well-established riding centres.