What are the UKs Top Epic Hacks

To combine two top suggestion above, start with the Quantock Hills (nr bridgwater, somerset) and carry on through to Exmoor. Best riding in the whole world in those two places, and you get to see two different types of wild pony!
 
hobo said:
Another with Foxhunter North Dorset is fantastic, views, hills, grass gallops, wildlife/flowers.
I had some interesting rides in Windsor Park many years ago involoving a long walk up the avenue when horse spun me off!!
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Funny you should say that!
I well remember my first ride in the park, on a very nappy TB. I had him cantering up a track rounded a corner and met the big bronze horse! He shoved the brakes on and I shot up his neck and straight over his head landing on my feet with the reins and bridle between my legs, only attached to him by his martingale.

Luckily he stood still staring at the horse and his heart thumping so hard I could hear it.

That was over 40 years ago.
 
funny - I took a tumble near there too a few years ago - just past the statue it bears left - and he took the corner a bit sharp and we two wheeled and fell over! no harm done luckily ... yours much more spectacular!
 
thanks for this - forgot to put beaches in the list - this certainly sounds epic! will keep in touch and come over sometime in the summer ... thanks
 
you should speak to RideYorkshire on here - they've put together a multi-day ride where you stay at horsey b&Bs and ride round our beautiful moors.... perfect!

ETA - I'd join you if you did this one!

looks like this!
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Prahaps Windsor park should come with a health warning LOL. mine was a about 26 years ago and the bugger ran off and ended up where the retirement homes were a lorry driver caught him and the old ladys brought out a blanket for him as he was steaming. When i was chaseing after him a man tried to grab me and get me to sit in his car he could of being helpful but i was not sure! Great memories LOL.
Hope you get to try some of the ideas you have been given.
 
Spot_the_Risk said:
Well I'm on the edge of Dartmoor, and the hacking is fab, but not particularly historical. Have a look at the Long Riders Guild for inspiration, personally, I've always fancied either riding or walking Offa's Dyke...http://www.offas-dyke.co.uk/
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I went pony trekking there recently. It's spectacular. The horses were more like mountain goats though and there were some hairy sheer drops to navigate.
 
what an epic push and some great ideas - any one have any great hacks in Wales .... ? cotswolds, and I am sure there are some great hacks in the Malverns through idyllic villages etc .... maybe I shouldnt have asked for epic hacks and just went for great hacks - loving the ideas and great to see there's a veritable army of Top Bay Chaps and Chapess' cat wait till summer!
 
I used to ride in Windsor Great Park...had some fabulous times in there...even at full blown gallop down Queen Annes didn't put me off - it was fab (it wasn't intended by the way!)!
also used to ride in there in the snow which was brilliant...
My old horse used to have to stand up at the Copper Horse and look down at Windsor Castle - her fav place!!! she thought it should have been her home I think!
Devils Punchbowl would be quite good - Hampshire. I rode somewhere roundthere when i was a kid and it was a beech tree forest with bluebells all over the ground and some brilliant old trees to jump too...
South Downs has got to be on the list...I rode it and loved it!
What a brilliant thing to do...I hope you enjoy every moment...I am green!!
You must include some beach rides too...
 
I have done the 20 mile newmarket ride a few times and I have to say that is by far the best ride I have ever done.

When you get a group of horses together flat out on those tracks and you cant even see the end.....absolute magic!
 
Another vote for Exmoor. Wooded combes with dramatic white water. Open moorland with sea views. Ancient settlements. The bleak drama of the Doone valley. Open grassy moorland with scope for a good gallop. Stunning wildlife with Red deer,skylarks and of course the Exmoor ponies.
There are many livery yards in the area that offer horse boarding and several schools and cross country courses for hire.
Only things to watch out for are vertical drops down to the river,very steep terrain,red deer jumping out in front of you, shaggy highland cattle, territorial wild stallions,killer bogs and walkers wearing squeaky waterproofs lurking in the bushes.
All in all exciting riding!
 
Epping Forest - one of my friends has challenged my Windsor Great Park with a trip to Epping Forest .... methinks this challenge is on especially if we have a guide!
 
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