Hacks in Lake District?

[guyw1lson]

Hi, I am trying to organise a spring surprise for my two daughters to take them and their ponies (Angel, a lovely little grey Welsh B and Norman, a sturdy bay Exmore) for a week riding (and maybe walking) in the Lakes. I am trying to find some good circular hacks in and around the South Lakes as we will be staying in Blawith. I am happy to travel a bit too, if that will give us better routes. A trip to the beech at Silecroft is already on the list. I did notice that there is a bridleway up Helvellyn but I am not sure it would be suitable or if the ponies could cope! Ideally 2- 4 hour hacks would be best suited with a nice picnic stop half way. Thank you for any suggestions you can make! Guy

 

[PapaverFollis]

Have a look at the bridleways the other side of Ullswater from Helvellyn, they are more grassy and less precipitous than most Lakeland bridleways.

Having said that once you're up on the Helvellyn one it is also flat and grassy... you'd just have to pick your way up. I'm sure there is one though because I believe there used to be a racetrack up there! Unless I'm getting mixed up.

Also have a look around Troutbeck (near Ambleside) I'm sure theres some potential good routes round there and around Cartmel. And Grisedale Forest of course.

But overall make sure you look carefully at the contours and potential rockiness because many of the marked bridleways are difficult to walk on, never mind ride.

 

[Squeak]

I've taken the horses up to the lake district for a week or so of hacking a couple of times and it was wonderful. I rent a house from someone who had horses themselves and so they were able to give me directions and even take us out for longer rides. Would it be possible to maybe get someone from a trekking centre to go out with you on some of the longer rides?

PF There is an old Roman racetrack by Ullswater and even now the turf is amazing. Galloping up that track on the top of the fells was amazing.