Trip Overview
Departures
Trip Dates + Prices
Duration
10 Days
Activities
Boating/Rafting
Cultural
Horseback Riding
Physical Rating
Riding Ability: Intermediate
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Horse Around the Highlands
Ride the rolling hills to the coast and gallop along a deserted beach, taking in the turbulent seas and mist-shrouded lochs. On this trip, we let out our inner warrior by learning the fine art of archery on horseback. We also learn how to distill a bespoke gin, while hearing some of the tall tales rooted deep in the castles, abbeys and fishing boats of Kintyre. The Kintyre Peninsula is the ancient home of the Kings of Dalriada, and the area is steeped in Scottish history. We also visit the famous beach where Paul McCartney filmed the video for “Mull of Kintyre.” The landscape is hilly with wide open beaches, rocky crags and unmatched views out the Inner Hebrides islands.
Scenery Steeped in History
Peaceful Pastoral Setting
This partial point-to-point ride moves through the most south westerly point of Scotland’s ancient forests, winding rivers, time-sculpted cliffs and impossibly purple hillsides. Climb the ridges of mountain ranges and absorb the expansive views (all the way to Ireland) over the steely Atlantic. Expect hillside picnics with the horses, divine three-course dinners and a farmhouse stay made even cozier with new friends.
Cara & Nikki and their team are absolutely amazing. The farmhouse was comfortable, we were taken care of, and Christina kept us well fed. I would go back in a heartbeat. Their horses (and all the animals) are so well cared for, which is always a worry when you interact with animals on ‘tour.’ Safety was a very clear priority for them.”
Kristin S.
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Itinerary
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Day 1
Campbeltown
Arrival
Upon arrival at the Campbeltown airport or bus depot, a shuttle is available (based on late afternoon/early evening arrivals) to Glen Kerran Farm, where we meet our hosts Cara and Nikki (and the herd). We gather for an authentic farmhouse dinner, overlooking the horses grazing in the fields below from our glassed-in common area. We share our horse history after dinner, so our guides can match us with the right horse for the days ahead, then they’ll walk us through the itinerary and discuss general housekeeping, so we can kick-off smoothly in the morning.
Included Meals
Dinner
Accommodations
Glen Kerran Farm
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Day 2
Glen Kerran Farm
Horsemanship
After breakfast, we start the day with some basic horsemanship training in the arena. We play a game to explore the concept of communication without words before heading out and putting this into practice with our horses. This groundwork allows us to better understand our own energy presence, precision and ability to bond with the horses via simple tricks and games. Building this relationship with our steeds will establish a solid foundation for the adventure ahead.
After lunch in the farmhouse, we test and strengthen our newly minted friendships by spending the rest of the afternoon enjoying a hack around the farm. This ride will help acquaint us with our horses over differing terrain and paces through the forests and rivers of Scotland’s big backyard.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Glen Kerran Farm
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Day 3
A River Runs Through It
Over the Hills
Today we leave the familiarity of the farm and journey into the wilderness en route to the horses’ first night away from home. We have the opportunity to test our horses over a range of terrain and paces as we navigate river crossings and encounter some hill work. We picnic with our horses on the trail in the calming hill lochs that are deep with history and looming legends.
This is a demanding and rewarding day for both horse and rider. In the evening, we return to the farmhouse for a satisfying home-cooked meal and cozy sleep.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Glen Kerran Farm
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Day 4
Call of the Wild
Rugged Beauty
We hit the hills again with a big, full-day trail ride across the countryside. Today is a beautiful opportunity to bond with our horses, take in the expansive views and the unforgettable heather in bloom. We learn how to navigate the challenging wild terrain and unexpected natural obstacles as we traverse the peninsula east to west along one of its highest ridges.
This is a long day in the saddle, but we’ll stop for a leisurely picnic lunch in the company of our stoic horses out in the wilds along the way. Back at the farm, we enjoy some well-deserved chill out time. Kick back, relax, sink into a hot bath and then we feast!
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Glen Kerran Farm
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Day 5
West Kintyre
Boating Around
Today we will explore Kintyre’s west coast on our own private chartered boat. Sgarbh started her life in 1947 as a local herring boat and was converted and restored to a 20-tonne, 40-foot classic teak motor yacht.
After a relaxed breakfast, we make the 90-minute drive up the west coast to the historic village of Crinan, overlooking the Sound of Jura. All aboard, we navigate the local islands on high alert for wildlife, with our boat trip drawing to a close in the historic Crinan Canal. We return to Campbeltown for a superb dining experience with local seafood offerings and a taste of Scotland’s finest grass-fed beef. Satiated, we return to our farmhouse for a sound night’s sleep.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Glen Kerran Farm
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Day 6
Beach Ride
Feel the Wind on Your Face
Rested and recharged, we pick up our steeds (who also had a day off!) to enjoy a full day on the beach, feeling the wind in our hair and inhaling the brine of the ocean. There is pure freedom in galloping across the sand with pounding hearts and thundering hooves.
For those not comfortable with a full gallop, don’t worry, speed is optional! At a slower pace, embrace the tranquility and true sparkle of this stunning coastline and uninterrupted views. The teal waters are ideal for spotting seals and seabirds along the way. We can even take our horses for a swim if the weather and tides allow. We have lunch with our horses on the beach before returning to the farm for the evening.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Glen Kerran Farm
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Day 7
Horseback Archery
Wild Warrior Women
It’s time to channel our inner warriors! Nothing can prepare you for the thrill and satisfaction of shooting arrows from a running horse. It’s an instant connection to our warrior past: feral and exhilarating! We spend the morning practicing ground archery skills before mounting our trusted steeds in the afternoon. In between, we have a farmhouse lunch before carrying on, empowered, ready for battle!
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Glen Kerran Farm
Photo Credit: Alicia Ragni
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Day 8
Saddell Estate and Torrisdale Castle Estate
Castles, Gin and Rock ‘n Roll
After breakfast, we are picked up by our gracious host, Emma Macalister Hall, the chatelaine of Torrisdale Castle Estate. Emma accompanies us on a magical minibus ride up the east coast of the Kintyre peninsula to Saddell Estate, where we learn the intriguing history of the castle and abbey.
Next, we head to Emma’s home, Torrisdale Castle Estate, and sit down for a hot coffee or tea before a tour around the castle’s impeccable grounds. We have a light lunch at the estate’s distillery cafe before another unique experience: gin school! We spend the afternoon learning about the history of gin in Scotland, tasting and blending our own original gin, and touring the Beinn an Tuirc distillery. Dinner is in Campbeltown before heading back to the farm for a good night’s rest.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Glen Kerran Farm
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Day 9
Glen Kerran Farm
Behind the Scenes
On our last full day together, our hosts, Nikki and Cara, take us behind the scenes for a leisurely walk around the farm. We learn how the women use the land for growing food, foraging, feeding the herd and supporting the natural environment in a sustainable way. Nikki is a botanist who has surveyed most of the Scottish uplands and coastline over her 25 years in the field.
We also have some intimate time with the horses out at pasture before returning to the farmhouse for a hyper local lunch, enjoying the natural ingredients we’ve foraged. After lunch, we can relax by the open fire, listen to Celtic music and swap stories as we play with “home-grown wool” to make a wee keepsake from our truly wild Scottish adventure.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Glen Kerran Farm
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Day 10
Campbeltown
Departure
After our last breakfast together, we say goodbye to our beloved steeds, guides, hosts and fellow Wild Women warriors. We are dropped off in Campbeltown around 7:30–8 a.m. at the local bus station or airport.
Where will the herd gather next?
Included Meals
Breakfast
Take a Deeper Dive
Want all the details in one handy package? Download the full itinerary here.
What’s Included
- All decadent meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on day 10: breakfasts will be at the farmhouse, some lunches will be packed when riding and dinners will be a mix of two- and three-course meals and non-set menus
- Three full days of trail riding (English-style)
- One day of horsemanship, arena lessons and short hack day
- Gin distilling lesson and (optional) tasting
- Private chartered west coast boat tour
- Nine sweet nights in a traditional 150-year-old stone farmhouse
- One day of horseback archery (with on-ground lesson)
- Maximum group size: six Wild Women
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Please Note:
All applicable taxes are included in the trip price.
You must weigh no more than 182 pounds to participate in this riding trip.
Itineraries may be subject to change without notice due to weather and other environmental conditions. Please review our Booking Terms.
Trip Details
Know Before You Go
Click HERE for all of the logistical details you’ll need to know prior to departure—including the packing list, arrival and departure details and suggested tipping information.
This trip starts in Campbeltown, Scotland and finishes in Campbeltown, Scotland. Please refer to the ‘Know Before You Go’ link above for suggestions on how to arrive to Campbeltown.
How We Support You
Ready for a big adventure? We’re in it together. On this trip, we’ll be spending many hours each day in a saddle, riding English-style. Riders must be fit, adventurous, and competent riders, at least to rising trot; galloping is optional.
Still have questions or concerns? Let’s talk about it.
What the Trip Entails
This is a multi-day tour on horseback for intermediate to advanced riders. We would like you to be comfortable with the following:
- Ability to comfortably trot (rising trot) is essential
- Ability to canter in the open
- The fitness and confidence to ride for 5–6 hours per day for three days on rugged terrain, which can be demanding on the body
- The maximum rider weight for this trip is 182 pounds (13 stone), but a very experienced or tall rider will sit “lighter,” so this isn’t an exact limit. Please contact us to discuss your individual situation.
- Riding Ability Rating: Intermediate (Confident at walk, trot and canter on a forward horse, on open ground.)