Glenlivet Ride

Introduction
Highlands Scotland

Come horse riding across the Scottish Highlands and enjoy the wide open spaces and spectacular scenery of the Cairngorm Mountains and Glenlivet Estate.

In this country of myths, tales and ballads you ride along old, grass overgrown trails and cross country over high bogs and sheep grazing fields, partially belonging to the immense properties of the Scottish Clans.
This equestrian holiday is about exploring the wide open spaces and relaxing in the peace and tranquility of the highland landscape. A landscape which is steeped in history - not least the base at St Bridget Farm, site of a medieval chapel and from 1738-1745 home of the famous Gordon of Glenbucket, who was deeply involved in the Jacobite Risings of 1715 and 1745.
During your weeks holiday, we will be riding for on average 5-6 hours per day. With minimal riding on public roads the trails cover varied and occasionally demanding terrain at a medium pace with plenty of opportunities to canter.

Accomodation

You will be staying either at the The Guest House in Tomintoul.
The Guest House is a traditional stone building which dates back to 1891 when it was built as a "Temperance Hotel". It has 6 large bedrooms of various configurations, with all the charms of an older building but all the conveniences of a modern building. All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities as well as televisions. Wif-Fi is available for those who just need to be in-touch. There is a small honesty fridge in the house with chocolates and snacks for those that get back late and cannot get to the shops, as well as a library of books to choose from should you wish to read. The Guest House has become known for their home made breads and the variety of delicious breakfast choices such as the famous local Smoked Salmon with scrambled eggs and roasted vine tomatoes. Steven and Dianne are the hosts, together they create a harmonious stay. whilst the house is not licensed to sell alcohol, they do have an arrangement with the Whisky Castle next door whereby you could buy and bring your on to have on the table.
All rooms are non-smoking, with 24 hour access.
Check in is from 4pm, however earlier times can be arranged by special request. Check out is 10.30am. Breakfast is served from 07.30am to 09.00am

Meals:
The Breakfast Buffet Includes :
3 types of cereals, Yoghurt, Summer Berries, Home baked Breads and Fruit juices.
You can choose one of the following hot options
- Scottish Slow Cooked Oats
Traditionally cooked oats the Scottish way with cream – well worth a try.
- Full Scottish Breakfast
2 eggs (of your choice) 2 Sausages, 2 slices of back bacon, black and white pudding,
grilled tomatoes and mushrooms
Vegetarian option available
- Eggs Benedict
2 Poached eggs on a breakfast muffin topped with Parma Ham
and smothered in Hollandaise sauce
- Fisherman's Breakfast
Scottish Smoked Salmon and scrambled eggs and home made soda bread.

Lunch will typically be a picnic from the saddle bag.

Dinner:  We will serve a three course dinner each day. The premises are not licensed for alcoholic beverages, but you are welcome to bring your own (there are small shops that sell wine, beer, etc.)

The Village:
The village of Tomintoul is charmingly situated in the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains, within the National Park and a stones throw from the famous Glenlivet Estate and home of the Glenlivet distillery. It lies on the main route between Deeside and Speyside near the Lecht Pass. Tomintoul was founded in the Eighteenth Century by the Duke of Gordon to provide homes and employment for the local people who were mostly weavers.
The Guest House is based on the Main Street of the village of Tomintoul, and a few minutes walk away from the riding centre. The main street is the home of several shops and housed in the Clockhouse Resaurant, on the square is "the world's largest bottle of scotch whisky". a local post office and general store will allow you to send postcards to your loved ones while away.

Moray
Stretching from the Cairngorm Mountains northwards to a coastal lowland plain known as the Laigh of Moray, Moray is bisected by the River Spey which flows northwards to empty into the North Sea. The region is renowned for its many whisky distilleries and its chief towns are Elgin, Forres, Buckie, Fochabers, Keith, Dufftown and Tomintoul.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

“A selection of well mannered horses to suit everyone, some requiring more sensitive, confident riding, others of a more calm and relaxed approach to life. They include Thoroughbred crosses and Highland ponies.
During your week’s holiday, we will be riding for on average 5-6 hours per day. With minimal riding on public roads the trails cover varied and occasionally demanding terrain at a medium pace with plenty of opportunities to canter.
Our trail riding holidays are specifically for experienced riders only and an ability to canter confidently is essential. It is physically demanding to ride all day, and for your enjoyment and the horses well being, it is expected that you are reasonably fit.

Itinerary

Day 1 Saturday: Arrival, dinner, overnight stay.  During the week you will be staying at a cozy guesthouse in the lovely village of Tomintoul. Tomintoul is the highest village in the Scottish Highlands (1,165 feet) situated in the south of Moray on the edge of the Cairngorm Mountains. The town was originally founded during the "Age of New Towns" in the latter part of the 18th century.

Day 2 Sunday: After meeting at the farm, you will be introduced to our horses and there will be an opportunity to discuss the week’s program. Riders may be assessed in the outdoor riding arena and matched to the most suitable horse. Leaving Tomintoul along the old military road we ride to Glenmulliach Forest. After a picnic lunch we follow forestry tracks and start climbing before opening out onto moorland towards the summit of Breac Leathad. Here the panorama shows most of the area covered during the rest of the week and dramatic views of the Cairngorm Mountains enjoyed.  We descend through the forest back to Tomintoul.

Day 3 Monday: Heading out to the north-west today, our route takes us through farm and woodland before descending to cross the river Avon (pronounced A’an).
Our route takes us through forestry, past Kilnadrochit Lodge before opening out into Glen Brown. This valley was in the past well populated, despite its isolation, but now all that remains of this community are the deserted ruins of once thriving crofts. Leaving Glen Brown, we cross the main Tomintoul-Grantown road and stop for lunch at the Bridge of Brown Tearoom. After lunch we enter Glen Lochy- riding along the waterside in this extremely peaceful valley birdsong and the river flow are the only sounds. Leaving Glen Lochy we follow the Avon valley before returning to Tomintoul via hill and forest tracks.

Day 4 Tuesday: We set out to the north of Tomintoul following the Speyside Way, riding through upland farmland and over open moor. Our descent takes us into Glenlivet, home of the world famous “The Glenlivet” malt  whiskey. We arrive at the distillery for lunch and time is available for a guided tour and sampling of the product (in moderation please!). Suitably refreshed, our return takes us over the shoulder of Carn Liath and through forestry plantations to return to Tomintoul along the Conglass valley. Today we may include a whiskey tasting at the local whiskey shop  - not everyone likes whiskey but everybody seems to enjoy Mike's stories, information, and background on the different whiskies.

Day 5 Wednesday: We leave the village heading north through farmland and pine forest, with the opportunity to see Fallow Deer, Soay Sheep (a rare semi-wild Scottish breed) and sometimes Reindeer which are farmed in this deserted glen.
We descend through birch woods to the River Avon where we stop for a picnic lunch by the waters edge. After lunch we climb a secluded heather covered valley. Here there are remnants of ancient Caledonian pine forest and to the north the spectacular views over lower Avonside open to the less rugged farmland of the Spey valley. We descend through pine woods and return to Tomintoul along the Conglass valley.

Day 6 Thursday: This route takes us east out of the village with long canters through pine forests emerging into the Braes of Glenlivet. We ride on through farmland to a secluded valley where many of the farms and crofts are now deserted, over moorland and descend through  birch woods towards Tomnavoulin. After a picnic lunch we ride through farmland and  pine woods to the shoulder of Cairn Ellick where a spectacular view of Tomintoul and the Cairngorm Mountains unfolds. Our descent is over moorland and farmland and follow the Conglass valley back to Tomintoul.

Day 7 Friday: Heading south-west out of Tomintoul our route takes us past Glenmulliach forest before climbing over open moorland and descending into the hill-farming area of the Braes of Glenlivet. We stop for a picnic lunch at the Scalan- from 1717 -1799 this was a college for training Roman Catholic priests and played a vital role in keeping the traditional Catholic faith alive in northern Scotland. The present house dates back to 1767. Our  return route takes us past the Braes of Glenlivet distillery, through farmland and forest tracks with fine views over Tomintoul with the backdrop of the Cairngorms on our descent to the village.

Day 8  Saturday: Departure after breakfast.

    Subject to change

Rates and Dates for Glenlivet Ride

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Tomintoul
Airport: Aberdeen, Inverness
Transfer: Aberdeen by taxi, minimum 2 people

Climate:

May and early June : Spring comes late to Tomintoul and this can be a magic time here. The bright fresh green of the birch trees bursting into life and the skies are filled with birdsong - Lapwings, Oyster Catchers, Curlew, Redshank and Snipe are all nesting and the fields are full of fluffy chicks!

July and August : “Long summer days often bring good weather but even on the sunniest day it can be cooler and breezy on the high moorlands so an extra layer may be required.
The fields and hills are full of wildflowers and all the animals and birds are busy feeding young. If you are lucky you may spot a young Roe Deer hidden in the forest.”

Special Dates in area :  
Saturday July 17 - Tomintoul Highland Games
Saturday July 24 - Dufftown Highland Games
Saturday August 7 - Aboyne Highland Games and Aberlour Highland Games
Saturday August 14 - Abernethy Highland Games
Saturday August 29 - Lonach Gathering
Saturday September 4 - The Braemar Gathering, always attended by the Queen and other members of the Royal family.
Attending any of the games is not included in our package price so there would be extra costs involved - accommodation, taxis, tickets etc..

Mid August, Early September : The heather is usually in full bloom at this time turning the hills "picture postcard" purple.

Late September, Early October : This can be a lovely time of year too although the weather is turning colder. Crisp days, autumn colors appearing and Red Deer stags roaring in the hills.

In addition to your usual riding clothing we suggest that you should bring (just in case!) gloves, a warm jumper, waterproofs and definitely a camera is recommended. All riders must wear a riding hat and these can be provided here if you are unable to bring your own. Attire is casual.  Don’t forget – throughout the UK, including Scotland, riding helmets are MANDATORY. Some are available – please let us know if you wish to reserve.