Intrepid Country file Journalist on Dartmoor

Intrepid Country file Journalist takes to the saddle on Dartmoor

Was there ever an area more suited to exploring on horseback than Dartmoor? Sian Lewis from BBC Country File Magazine took to the saddle for a 22-mile (35km) adventure with Liberty Trails. Here’s what she says Countryfile Magazine Editorial Feature Feb 2015

By Elaine Prior|2019-09-27T10:29:58+00:00January 29th, 2015|0 Comments

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Liberty Trails

3 weeks ago

Fun for everyone as we host the final guests of the season..
FOR the final ride of our season, we were thrilled to welcome Louisa, Simon, their children and parents for a half-term trip to Dartmoor. The family enjoyed our full concierge service with a bespoke itinerary which included three cracking guided rides, and fun for everyone. Staying at a beautiful Dartmoor private guest lodge, the family had pre-selected menus, so our “food fairy” could ensure delicious three-course suppers were ready waiting for when they returned from their day’s adventures.
For one child it was a brilliant opportunity to bond with a new pony, and for another we arranged some fun on a much-loved dirt bike thanks to a kind Dartmoor farmer happy to host some off-road biking around his farm. Finally, with a combination of E-bikes and ground crew lifts, we enabled non-riding members of the family to join the riding group at the lunch stops on the moors. We were even able to spring a surprise on the children when Dartmoor’s resident falconer joined the family at one lunch stop to let them meet and fly his birds… magic!
Thank you for joining us over half term, being intrepid adventurers and for your enthusiastic feedback. We look forward to showing you Dartmoor in another season.
If YOU have ever wanted to ride on Dartmoor NOW IS THE TIME TO PLAN! With overseas travel still very difficult, bookings for next year are very much more advanced than usual. PLEASE PLAN NOW if you would like to try one of our bespoke holidays or create your own itinerary. We have offerings to suit most budgets, but the loveliest guest cottages and lodges do book out fast.
Email us at enquiries@libertytrails.co.uk and visit www.liberty-trails.com for more details ... See MoreSee Less

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Liberty Trails

1 month ago

A fabulous weekend FINALLY for our 'ladies in waiting'
We have just waved goodbye to six fabulous guests having at last been able to run a much-delayed Horse & House party at the weekend. Our party of five lovely ladies and one gentleman stayed in a private guest lodge (with awesome catering) and bonded brilliantly as a group.
We were THRILLED to discover they are all fabulous riders, which meant that we were able to ride at pace to keep warm and adrenalin levels high on the first day’s ride in less than perfect weather.  Starting out from near the gorgeous hamlet of Ponsworthy, we rode through Postbridge and then up on to the wide open moors. We took in Grey Wethers, past sheep stalls and through a deep valley, and later through Fernworthy forest where we had lunch by the fisherman’s hut. 
We finished our ride for the day outside the Warren Inn, so our damp but ruddy-cheeked riders were able to retreat inside for something warming besides the fire which has famously burned continuously in the pub since 1845!! 
After hot baths, pre-dinner drinks and a cracking supper by the Aga in their lodge, everyone woke on day two to blue skies, enabling us to show off Dartmoor in its autumnal glory.  
Starting our ride today near Moretonhampstead, we took in the standing stones on Chagford Common and rode on at a good pace to Grimspound, a place with stunning views and very visible remnants of a famous bronze age settlement. 
Our route home took in Hameldown, plus a stop for hot soup, bread rolls and cheesecake in a very beautiful spot above Widecombe. 
Two of our guests brought their own horses — lovely, fit beasts — who simply grew a hand over the weekend. We all LOVED it, and cannot welcome you back to the moors in the future.
Next year’s Horse & House parties are already partly booked so PLEASE PLAN NOW if you would like to join us… Devon is booking up VERY quickly for 2021 as uncertainty continues about travelling overseas. We will be running Horse & House parties from 23 to 26th April and 25 to 28 June, but can also arrange one at different times for any group of 6 or more (Covid regulations permitting) who wish to come.
(Any bookings affected by Covid regulations can be rolled forward without rearrangement fees.)  FIND OUT MORE at liberty-trails.com/horse-and-house-party/ or email us at enquiries@liberty-trails.com ... See MoreSee Less

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Liberty Trails

1 month ago

One week to go until our Horse & House party
GOODNESS it has taken some careful planning (and capping of numbers) in order to meet all safety regulations but, all being well, we will welcome our Horse & House party guests to Dartmoor in just a week now.
Some of them have been waiting for months to join us, our initial date in April having of course been postponed. We SO look forwards to showing them the moors, and giving them a much needed dose of fun and fresh air to help sustain them through the coming months.
NEXT year's Horse & House Party dates are set (23 to 26 April and 25 to 28 June — liberty-trails.com/horse-and-house-party-3/) and we are booking now. We have NEVER seen so many forward bookings in Devon as overseas travel continues to remain so uncertain so please PLAN NOW if you'd like to ride with us next year.
Here, to whet the appetite, is a short film we made at last year's Horse & House parties... we promise you will love it! ... See MoreSee Less

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Liberty Trails

1 month ago

THAT'S HOW TO SPRING A SURPRISE...
How lovely a husband does our recent guest Debs have? Since he's usually the action man on their away breaks, this time he secretly set something up for his horse-loving lady..
On a weekend break at Bovey Castle, the unsuspecting Debs was introduced to Liberty Trails's Elaine who was able to reveal that she'd be taking Debs on a full day's ride across the moors.
Furtively organised riding kit was then produced and the day's ride went with aplomb, with a fabulous day in the saddle and picnic lunch served by Fernworthy reservoir.
What a cracking idea, and fabulous memory... (Feel free to share with any husbands in need of gift inspiration...)
www.liberty-trails.com ... See MoreSee Less

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Liberty Trails

2 months ago

Tor to Tor — it was magic!
Today our two small teams departed from their respective lodges (one after sensible stretching exercises, the other just after a full English) for the final day of the Tor to tor. EPIC barely sums it up — superb weather, indescribable views, some brilliant canters and a perfect picnic lunch. From Princetown we rode east above Wistman's wood crossing miles of moor until we reached Chagford Common, over Hameldown, Jay's Grave and eventually Hound tor, our end point, completing this brilliant two day crossing of the moors.
These photos convey a little of the magic we all enjoyed but thank you most of all to our strong and gutsy horses - Bounce, Inky, Try, Rex, Lulu, Zulu, Dylan, Zorro and the others. They were superb...
Isn't it time a LIberty Trails trip to Dartmoor came off your bucket list? Visit www.liberty-trails.com
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Fantastic couple of days. Far exceeded our expectations. We can't thank you enough Elaine. Next time can't come quickly enough:)

Val, Maizie, Emma & David, Herefordshire

Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to experience the magic of Dartmoor; you've created memories that we will keep forever. You have shared Dartmoor's unique beauty and your knowledge and kindness have exposed us to a fantastic riding experience. The horses you provided were absolutely beautiful and were a pleasure to ride. You have enabled us to enjoy a breathtaking experience that we can only hope to revisit in the future.

Chrissy, Lin, Jane and Glen, Gloucestershire

Thanks to all for a great couple of days riding, great horses, people and organisation and of course the weather was perfect. Not sitting on a horse until Friday so hopefully the bits that matter will have recovered by then. I fancy some cattle mustering next year and will definitely be back.

Clive Edwards, Leicestershire

Thank you all for a fantastic weekend. Not only did we enjoy our riding adventure but the horses seemed to thoroughly enjoy the peace and quiet of your yards. The dawn- break ride was inspired and one we always remember. Special thanks to Bob for the hearty breakfasts.

Anne & Lesley, Cirencester

Mary King blog: Reflections in uncertain times

Telegraph Travel Feature – Riding Holiday with Special Needs

Noelle Floyd – Magic on the Moor

Intrepid Country file Journalist takes to the saddle on Dartmoor

Intrepid Country file Journalist takes to the saddle on Dartmoor

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