Pony Trekking Aviemore
There are plenty of ways to explore the Cairngorms but we think seeing it from the back of a Highland pony has to be one of the loveliest.
Just outside Aviemore, pony trekking at Rothiemurchus takes you into a landscape of ancient Caledonian pine forest, open moorland and wonderful views towards the Cairngorm mountains.
It is a chance to slow down, enjoy the scenery and see this beautiful part of the National Park from a completely different perspective. And the good news is that you certainly do not need to be an experienced rider to give it a go.
Pony trekking at Rothiemurchus
Rothiemurchus offers a choice of pony rides and treks for different ages and levels of riding experience, from a gentle introduction for younger children to more adventurous rides for experienced riders.
Many of the horses you'll meet are Highland ponies, a hardy Scottish native breed perfectly suited to the landscape and terrain of the Cairngorms.
Wee Womble Ride
For little ones, the Wee Womble Ride is a lovely first introduction to ponies. These gentle rides take place around the fields beside the stables and are ideal for younger children who might be meeting a pony for the very first time.
It is a particularly lovely holiday experience for small children who are not quite ready to head out on a longer trek.
Beginners Pony Ride
If you have always fancied pony trekking but have little or no riding experience, the Beginners Pony Ride gives you the opportunity to get in the saddle and enjoy the Rothiemurchus surroundings at a gentle pace.
You do not have to be a regular rider to experience the Cairngorms on horseback, which is perhaps part of its appeal.
Rothiemurchus by Horseback
For those with some previous riding experience, Rothiemurchus by Horseback offers another way to discover the estate.
Taken at a gentle walking pace, the route heads across heather moorland with views towards the Cairngorms. It sounds rather wonderful to us and is exactly the sort of experience that makes a visit to this part of Scotland so memorable.
Intermediate and Experienced Hacks
Regular riders can venture a little further with the Intermediate Hack and Experienced Hack.
These rides explore more varied terrain around Rothiemurchus, with routes that can take in moorland, pine forest, farmland and some fantastic Highland scenery.
Which pony trek should you choose?
That really depends on who is riding and how much experience they have. Pony Trekking in Aviemore
There are plenty of ways to explore the Cairngorms, but we think seeing it from the back of a Highland pony has to be one of the loveliest.
Just outside Aviemore, pony trekking at Rothiemurchus takes you into a landscape of ancient Caledonian pine forest, open moorland and wonderful views towards the Cairngorm mountains.
It is a chance to slow down, enjoy the scenery and see this beautiful part of the National Park from a completely different perspective. And the good news is that you certainly do not need to be an experienced rider to give it a go.
Pony trekking at Rothiemurchus
Rothiemurchus offers a choice of pony rides and treks for different ages and levels of riding experience, from a gentle introduction for younger children to more adventurous rides for experienced riders.
Many of the horses you'll meet are Highland ponies, a hardy Scottish native breed perfectly suited to the landscape and terrain of the Cairngorms.
Wee Womble Ride
For little ones, the Wee Womble Ride is a lovely first introduction to ponies. These gentle rides take place around the fields beside the stables and are ideal for younger children who might be meeting a pony for the very first time.
It is a particularly lovely holiday experience for small children who are not quite ready to head out on a longer trek.
Beginners Pony Ride
If you have always fancied pony trekking but have little or no riding experience, the Beginners Pony Ride gives you the opportunity to get in the saddle and enjoy the Rothiemurchus surroundings at a gentle pace.
You do not have to be a regular rider to experience the Cairngorms on horseback, which is perhaps part of its appeal.
Rothiemurchus by Horseback
For those with some previous riding experience, Rothiemurchus by Horseback offers another way to discover the estate.
Taken at a gentle walking pace, the route heads across heather moorland with views towards the Cairngorms. It sounds rather wonderful to us and is exactly the sort of experience that makes a visit to this part of Scotland so memorable.
Intermediate and Experienced Hacks
Regular riders can venture a little further with the Intermediate Hack and Experienced Hack.
These rides explore more varied terrain around Rothiemurchus, with routes that can take in moorland, pine forest, farmland and some fantastic Highland scenery.
Which pony trek should you choose?
We recommend checking the individual experiences directly with Rothiemurchus. The estate has specific riding experience requirements for each of the options above so it is important to choose the ride that matches your ability. These options can change and their website will always have the most up to date information.
Booking pony trekking at Rothiemurchus
Pony trekking is operated by Rothiemurchus with bookings made directly through them.
The rides available, prices, dates and rider requirements can change, so we recommend checking their website for the latest information and availability before you visit.
Booking ahead is particularly worthwhile if pony trekking is one of the things you really want to do during your Cairngorms holiday.
Visithttps://rothiemurchus.net/outdoor-activities-at-aviemore/category/pony-trekking-aviemore/
Make a day of it
One of the things we love about Rothiemurchus is how easy it is to turn one activity into a whole day out.
After your ride, stop for coffee or lunch at The Barn, then have a browse around the Farm Shop before heading further into the estate.
Loch an Eilein is nearby and is one of our favourite gentle walks in the area. The path winds through beautiful woodland around the loch, with views across the water to its ruined island castle.
Or carry on towards Glenmore and Loch Morlich, where you can wander along the sandy beach with the Cairngorm mountains rising behind it.
Stay a little longer
If you'd like to spend a little longer exploring Rothiemurchus, The Hayloft couldn't be much better placed.
This cosy one-bedroom barn conversion sits within Rothiemurchus and makes a lovely hideaway for two, with woodland walks, outdoor activities and some of the best scenery around Aviemore right on the doorstep.
Take a look at The Hayloft →
For more ideas for your stay, have a browse through Discover Cairngorms, where you'll find more of our favourite places to walk, eat, explore and spend a day in the Cairngorms National Park