Description: Looking for somewhere to ride in the Peak District? Then come and ride with us at Northfield Farm.
The successful riding centre was opened in 1976 by David and Liz Andrews. It is situated on the edge of Flash, England's highest village, which is just 5 miles south of Buxton.
The rides, mostly 2 hours in length follow the old pack horse trails to such beauty spots as Three Shires Head, where the 3 county boundaries meet, (Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire). Whilst the longer rides will take you to the old market village of Longnor, now perhaps better known as Cardale from TV's Peak Practice or up over the moors for lunch at the Cat and Fiddle Inn.
Normally starting at 10.30am or 2.00pm, depending on the length, all rides are accompanied by our own very competent / qualified staff who are only too willing to help the client regardless of ability. We have a wide variety (over 30) of mostly home bred horses and ponies, which will suit all ages and standards, from the first timer to the more experienced rider.
Separate rides are available for the more competent riders, however some clients prefer to stay with less experienced friends or relatives, this is not a problem as we can split the ride half way in order to let them go for a good canter, whilst the others can watch them as they amble up a slightly shorter route.
Individuals, large and small groups are all very welcome. Our minimum age is 8 years (unless they have had previous riding lessons). Our upper weight limit is approx 18 stone. We can also cater for disabled riders but please contact us with individual requirements, subject to our own assessment.
We can provide hats up to current BSI standard which are provided free of charge, all riders must wear a hat correctly secured. Suitable footwear should be worn - ideally with a smooth sole and small heel, ( hiking boots are not suitable).
We can organise corporate days, group outings and also cater for school groups, clubs and associations such as the Scouts and Guides.
As a BHS approved centre we also meet the criteria for local Educational Authority activities. Liz Andrews holds the internationally recognised British Equestrian Tourism Certificate for holiday centre management. She is also a BHSAI and holds a current 1st Aid Certificate.
The Stables are licensed by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.
Two-day trail ride
All trail rides are accompanied with either one or two guides, numbers on the rides vary, usually between 4 and 8
.
The two-day trail ride comprises two days of riding through the beautiful Derbyshire dales, taking in the Chatsworth and Haddon Hall estates and High Peak trails. There is overnight accommodation at a guest-house in Bakewell, with breakfast included.
On arrival at Northfield (Approx 9.30am) clients are allocated their horses before horses and riders are transported to Priestcliffe, nr Taddington, where the ride starts at around 10.30am.
The route follows the old drovers' tracks down into the dramatic Monsal Dale and up the other side to Monsal Head, then through the picturesque village of Longstone and onto the old Bakewell railway line. From Bakewell station the bridleway takes us up through the woods, over the hill and into Chatsworth estate.
The lunch stop is in Endsor village - a unique hamlet!
After a good gallop through the park - which soon settles the lunch - the ride finishes in Youlgreave where the horses stay at a farm and the riders are taken for a well earned soak at their accommodation in Bakewell.
Bakewell itself has some lovely shops and a variety of bistros worth invertigating - but don't leave town without sampling the traditional Bakewell pudding!
The ride sets off on Sunday to the sound of church bells and heads up to the limestone plateau and onto the High Peak Trail. The day finishes at the farm around 4.30pm.
We have a variety of horses and usually manage to fit every one with their "type". The pace of riding is mainly walk and canter/gallop with some trotting. Riders must be capable of staying out of the saddle at canter and generally helping not hindering the horse! As the ride covers in the region of 40 miles, a reasonable degree of fitness is recommended.
2010 Trail Ride Dates
7th - 8th May Friday & Saturday
22nd - 23rd May -- 2 places left
12th - 13th June
26th - 27th June -- 4 places left
10th - 11th July
24th - 25th July
11th - 12th September
The two day trail rides are available between June to September.
Suitable for both novice and experienced riders, the weekend break includes two nights self catering based at Northfield farm, with six hours riding. There is a full day ride on the Saturday with a shorter two hour ride on the Sunday. And if you don't fancy cooking, there are plenty of good pubs serving food near by!
Short breaks are available September through to May. Summer dates may be available, please contact us.
For a detailed map of this business with aerial views please SK170SW
When contacting this business please mention you found them on Peak District Online
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