Guided Horse Ride on the Chatsworth Estate Bridleways & Monsal Trail

Guided Horse Ride on the Chatsworth Estate Bridleways & Monsal Trail

£50 per rider

This ride really is one of those bucket list experiences for horse and rider — iconic scenery, varied terrain and the chance to ride through some of the most beautiful countryside the Peak District has to offer. 🐴🌿

Jenny & Breeze or Katy will guide you on a circular ride on the public bridleways of the Chatsworth Estate, taking in open fields, woodland tracks, sections of the stunning Monsal Trail and the picturesque village of Edensor. A truly spectacular route through some of the most iconic landscapes in the Peak District.

Solo riders are always very welcome — this is a brilliant way to explore somewhere new with great company and make new horsey friends along the way! 🌿

⭐ Key Ride Information

• Price: £50 per rider
• Distance: Approx. 9 miles
• Duration: 3–3.5 hours (depending on pace & conditions)
• Pace: Walk, trot & canter
• Group size: Small group of 4 riders
• Guides: Jenny & Breeze or Katy
• Terrain: Varied — grass, tracks, woodland, bridleways (stony in places)
• Age: Riders must be aged 16 years and over
• Solo riders very welcome 🐴
• All guides working with riders aged 16-17 are DBS checked for your peace of mind 🌿

🐴 About the Ride

This is a varied, rewarding ride over mixed terrain on the public bridleways of the Chatsworth Estate and sections of the Monsal Trail, with opportunities for longer trots and canters where ground and conditions allow.

The route takes in open fields, woodland tracks, sections of the Monsal Trail and the beautiful village of Edensor — giving you an incredible mix of terrain and scenery in one unforgettable morning on horseback.

Some sections of the route can be stony or rocky, and speed will always be adjusted to suit the conditions on the day. Riders should be comfortable riding in large open spaces and maintaining control at all three gaits.

⚠️ Rider & Horse Requirements

This ride is suitable for confident, competent riders and horses.

✔ Riders must be confident at walk, trot & canter
✔ Horses must be happy in open spaces and mixed environments
✔ Riders must be aged 16 years and over
✔ Solo riders are very welcome — a brilliant way to explore somewhere new with great company!
❌ Not suitable for nervous or inexperienced horses or riders

Along the route you will likely encounter:

• Livestock
• Walkers
• Cyclists
• Gates (assistance provided where needed)

Some bridleways are stony — hoof boots are recommended for barefoot horses.

🧭 Meeting Point & Parking

• Meet time: 10:00am
• Onboard for: 10:30am
• Meeting point: Bakewell Agricultural Centre
• what3words: ///mandolin.dizziness.anchovies
• Parking fee: £6.20
• Payment: Cash (coins) or PayByPhone app — location code 806387

Parking is located behind Bakewell Agricultural Centre and is suitable for trailers and lorries.

⚠️ Please note:

• The car park can get busy, especially on warmer days
• Please allow plenty of time to unload and get ready
• No mounting block available — please bring your own steps

🌦 Weather & Refund Policy

All rides will go ahead unless weather or ground conditions are deemed unsafe. If we decide conditions are unfit, a full refund will be issued. Your safety and your horse's welfare always come first.

🎒 What to Bring

• Riding hat (to current safety standards)
• Suitable riding footwear
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Hoof boots if your horse is barefoot
• Mounting steps (no block at parking area)
• Water / snacks if needed
• Tools to pick up after your horse

Please ensure your horse is fit enough for a 3–3.5 hour ride over mixed terrain.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own horse?
Yes — all guided rides are for riders attending with their own horses.

Can I come on my own?
Absolutely — solo riders are very welcome and it's a brilliant way to meet like-minded riders and explore somewhere new!

What age do riders need to be?
Riders must be aged 16 years and over.

Will there be cantering?
Yes, where ground conditions allow. Pace is always dependent on safety and conditions on the day.

Is the ride suitable for barefoot horses?
Yes, but hoof boots are recommended due to stony sections.

What happens if the weather is poor?
If conditions are unsafe, the ride will be cancelled and fully refunded.

Is there help with gates?
Yes — assistance will be given where needed.

✨ Why Ride with Unthank Equestrian?

• Experienced, knowledgeable guides
• Carefully planned, well-used routes on the Chatsworth Estate public bridleways and Monsal Trail
• Small, supportive group sizes
• Solo riders always welcome
• Clear communication and rider welfare first
• A truly memorable guided horse riding experience in one of the UK's most iconic Peak District landscapes

✔ Aged 16 and over
✔ Confident at walk, trot and canter
✔ Solo riders very welcome
✔ Horses happy in open spaces and mixed terrain

Spaces are strictly limited to 4 riders per ride. Book early to avoid disappointment.