The Scottish Highlands are the most ambitious riding country in the British Isles. Multi-day trails run between glens, over open moorland and along the western seaboard, often crossing terrain that is otherwise the preserve of stalkers and hillwalkers. The Highland pony, native to this country, is the breed that makes long-distance riding here practical for ordinary riders.
Where to ride
The classic Highland trails fall into three groups. The east-to-west coast-to-coast routes start in Sutherland and cross the Northern Highlands to the Atlantic, taking five days to two weeks. The Cairngorms area around Aviemore, Newtonmore and Speyside is the heartland of pony trekking and gives you a working balance of forests, moorland and river valleys. The western seaboard, including Knoydart, Kintyre and the Mull of Kintyre, combines hill country with sea lochs and beach work.
Who it suits
Multi-day Highland trails suit fit, intermediate-to-advanced riders. You should be comfortable in walk, trot and canter in open country, secure on steep descents, and able to lead a horse over difficult ground. The riding day is typically four to seven hours, sometimes more on bigger crossings. Day-ride and weekend formats also exist for less ambitious riders.
The horses
The Highland pony is purpose-built for this country. Sure-footed, hardy, native to Scotland, and able to carry a substantial adult rider over rough ground for hours. Most operators run pure Highlands or Highland-cross strings, sometimes supplemented by Eriskay ponies or native crosses.
Operators worth booking
Highlands Unbridled (Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire) runs the most ambitious offer in Scotland, including The Longest Ride, a 15-day east-to-west crossing from Brora to Loch Inver, plus the Outlander Trail through Outlander filming country. Trips for confident intermediate-and-up riders.
Wilder Ways (Kintyre, Argyll) combines multi-day trail with horseback archery training in the ancient kingdom of Dalriada. HITA award-winner.
Highland Trekking and Trail Riding (Cougie) runs trekking through Glen Affric, partnered with Eagle Brae luxury cabins for accommodation. Long-distance options on request.
Glenshiel Highland Pony Trekking at Shiel Bridge offers shorter day rides in spectacular country at the foot of the Five Sisters of Kintail, using ponies bred on site for over 100 years.
Borlum Horse Riding at Drumnadrochit and Highland Horse Fun at Newtonmore (the original UK pony trekking centre, founded 1952) round out the Cairngorms options.
When to go
May to September is the practical window. June and September are usually the best balance of weather, ground and midges. July and August are warmest but midges can be punishing in still conditions on the west; head nets and repellent are essential. May has the best light and fewest midges but ground can still be wet.
Practicalities
Coast-to-coast trails are physically demanding. Expect to camp or use bothies and small inns, with luggage moved separately. Costs run GBP 1,500 to GBP 4,000 for week-plus trails. Travel by train to Inverness, Aberdeen, Aviemore or Fort William; operators provide transfers. Most accept up to 95 kg / 15 stone rider weight. Riders must bring waterproofs, layered clothing, riding boots with a half-chap, and a hard hat.