Blackdown Hills AONB is a great place for horse riding. Meander through ancient woodland, river valleys, commons and pastures.

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5 - Horse riding routes found in the Blackdown HIlls AONB

Membury, Chardstock, Wambrook and All Saints

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Medium. Distance 14 miles (22.5 km)
This scenic 14-mile circular ride boasts wonderful views and glimpses of the sea. There is plenty of off-road riding through wooded valleys and along hill crests. This ride encounters mixed terrain, several gradients and various styles of gates. There are cantering opportunities at Coyle Acre Lane, Burridge Common and Brinscombe top. Watch out for roe deer. One of five horse-riding circuits in the Blackdown Hills AONB – route 1

This scenic 14-mile circular ride boasts wonderful views and glimpses of the sea. There is plenty of off-road riding through wooded valleys and along hill crests. This ride encounters mixed terrain, several gradients and various styles of gates. There are cantering opportunities at Coyle Acre Lane, Burridge Common and Brinscombe top. Watch out for roe deer. One of five horse-riding circuits in the Blackdown Hills AONB – route 1

Grid reference: ST303068

Nearest postcode: TA20 3EP

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Dalwood and Yarty Valley

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Medium. Distance 9 miles
With two-thirds 'off road' this nine-mile circular takes in miles of peaceful countryside, the picturesque village of Dalwood and various aspects of the River Yarty. There is an optional link at Horner Hill with steep gradients. Cantering opportunity through Yarty Copse. One of five horse-riding circuits in the Blackdown Hills AONB – route 2

With two-thirds ‘off road’ this nine-mile circular takes in miles of peaceful countryside, the picturesque village of Dalwood and various aspects of the River Yarty. There is an optional link at Horner Hill with steep gradients. Cantering opportunity through Yarty Copse. One of five horse-riding circuits in the Blackdown Hills AONB – route 2

Grid reference: ST265015

Nearest postcode: EX13 7HG

 

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Stockland

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Easy. Distance 12 miles
This 12-mile circular is a relatively easy ride with few gates, using mainly green lanes and quiet roads which link the hamlets and farmsteads of the Corry and Yarty valleys. This route links up with routes 1 and 2 (see route map) for greater route flexibility. This is one of five horse-riding circuits in the Blackdown Hills AONB – route 3

This 12-mile circular is a relatively easy ride with few gates, using mainly green lanes and quiet roads which link the hamlets and farmsteads of the Corry and Yarty valleys. This route links up with routes 1 and 2 (see route map) for greater route flexibility. This is one of five horse-riding circuits in the Blackdown Hills AONB – route 3

Grid reference: ST231039

Nearest postcode: EX14 9DD

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Luppitt and Upottery

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Easy. Distance 12 miles
Wild and remote in parts, this 12-mile ride links some of the most picturesque villages in the Blackdown Hills. Hartridge and Luppitt commons provide a sharp contrast to the valley pastures.  There are magnificent views across the Otter tributaries. This is one of five horse-riding circuits in the Blackdown Hills AONB – route 4

Wild and remote in parts, this 12-mile ride links some of the most picturesque villages in the
Blackdown Hills. Hartridge and Luppitt commons provide a sharp contrast to the valley pastures.  There are magnificent views across the Otter tributaries. Easy riding throughout but beware of traffic on the Upottery-Rawridge road. The ford across the River Otter may not be passable at all times. This is one of five horse-riding circuits in the Blackdown Hills AONB – route 4

Grid reference: ST182072

Nearest postcode: EX14 4SB

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Dunkeswell and Sheldon

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Easy. Distance 20 miles
At 20 miles this is by far the longest, and probably the most varied route taking in the valleys of the Otter tributaries and the wooded escarpments of the region. Relatively easy riding. Magnificent lengths of bridleways and cantering opportunities. This is one of five horse-riding circuits in the Blackdown Hills AONB – route 5

At 20 miles this is by far the longest, and probably the most varied route taking in the valleys of the Otter tributaries and the wooded escarpments of the region. Relatively easy riding, with some magnificent lengths of bridleways to the west. There are cantering opportunities especially between Knowles Wood and Blackbororough. Keep strictly to the field edge through the gliding club. There is an unavoidable three-mile road section to the south. Dunkeswell Abbey & The Old Inn at Ashill are worth a detour. This is one of five horse-riding circuits in the Blackdown Hills AONB – route 5

Grid reference: ST118054

Nearest postcode: EX14 3LX

 

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