Equestrian Venues in Northumberland

Northumberland is England's emptiest county, and for riding that's the whole appeal. This is huge, quiet country: the Cheviot hills along the Scottish border, the vast forest and reservoir at Kielder, Hadrian's Wall striding across the middle, and long, often deserted beaches on the coast. Saddl lists 16 venues, 6 BHS-approved. Trekking and trail riding suit the landscape, with miles of forestry, hill and moor to ride out across and very little traffic to worry about. You'll find riding schools near the larger towns and along the coast, but the draw here is space, the kind that's almost gone from most of England. The beaches in the north east are among the best in the country for a canter on firm sand. Distances are real, and the weather off the Cheviots can be raw, so go prepared. Costs for keeping a horse are among the lowest in England, with grazing and quiet to match. For visitors, the trekking centres are an easy way in. For riders based here, the appeal is simple: room to ride properly, and a peace that crowded counties lost long ago.