• dew pond at Hoe Grange Farm
    hoe grange blog posts

Browse through our blog posts to find out what life is like at Hoe Grange Holidays along with some great ideas for days out in the Peak District.

Best pub horse rides in the Peak District

March 6, 2025
March 6, 2025 - Best pub horse rides in the Peak District
-Older

Best pub horse rides in the Peak District: Explore scenic bridleways and country inns

Here at Hoe Grange Holidays, we are lucky to have some fantastic pub horse rides for you to explore when you bring your horse on holiday. Riding through the stunning Peak District countryside and stopping off at a charming country pub for a well-earned drink is a perfect way to enjoy your horse holiday.

group of horses riding up Royston valley

A tradition of hospitality for horse riders

Historically, most pubs were originally inns, offering food and stabling, as horses were the primary mode of transport. Today, while horse riding is a leisure activity and no longer the main way to travel, many pubs in the Peak District remain horse-friendly and welcome riders looking for a pub stop.

As keen riders ourselves, we’ve personally tested all these pub horse rides to ensure they’re suitable. With varied terrain, bridleways, traffic free trails and spectacular scenery, you're sure to have a blast! Be aware that on some routes you may ride through fields with cattle or sheep and encounter tractors or lorries on the roads.

7 favourite pub horse rides from Hoe Grange Holidays:

1. The Old Gate Inn at Brassington – 5 miles

Distance: 5 miles | Time: 45 mins each way | Terrain: fields, bridleways & quiet B roads

two horses riding on a bridle path

The Old Gate Inn, is a historic 400-year-old pub, and an ideal introductory ride as it is the closet to Hoe Grange. A lovely route through farm fields, along a scenic bridle path with views of Rainster Rocks with a fun canter section, before following a quiet back road into the charming village of Brassington.

Route Options:

  • Return the same way (David had his first gallop here after a pint or two!)
  • OR make it a circular route by riding up a steep road towards Longcliffe, and accessing the High Peak Trail via a concessionary bridle path

Visit The Old Gate Inn
View Brassington Route

2. The Sycamore at Parwich – 6.75 miles

Distance: 6.75 miles | Time: 1 hr 20 mins each way | Terrain: fields, bridleways & country lanes

3 horses on a pub ride to The Sycamore Inn at Parwich village

A firm favourite with our horsey guests! This stunning ride takes you down to Royston valley, up a scenic track by Ballidon Quarry, with a fantastic uphill canter along the way.

You'll enter the picturesque village of Parwich via a quiet lane before stopping at The Sycamore, which even has a hitching rail for your horse. (It also doubles as the village shop!)

Take a different route out of the village, up a steep hill (good for fitness!) to enjoy panoramic views, before retracing your steps by Ballidon Quarry. Turn left up Royston valley for an uphill canter and cool your horse down on the High Peak Trail.

Visit The Sycamore
View Parwich Route

3. Aldwark Artisan Ales – 7 miles

Distance: 7 miles (or optional 9.5-mile loop) | Time: 1 hr 30 mins | Terrain: Bridleways & minor roads

two horses in the yard at Aldwark Artisan Ales brewery

A fantastic summer ride leading to Aldwark Artisan Ales, where beer is served in the farmyard on Saturdays and Sundays (12–6 pm, June–August).

Ride up through farm fields to the High Peak Trail, follow a BOAT (Byway Open to All Traffic) passing the distinctive Minninglow hill and riding along quiet lanes to Aldwark village.

Return via Longcliffe and a concessionary bridleway back to the High Peak Trail.

Route Options:

  • Return the same way
  • OR for fitter horses make it a longer circular route by riding to Grangemill

Visit Aldwark Ales Brewery
View Aldwark Route

4. The Miners Arms at Carsington – 12.25 miles

Distance: 12.25 miles |  Time: 3 and three quarter hrs |  Terrain: trails, lanes & bridleways

A longer ride offering a scenic route along the edge of Carsington Water, with stunning views across the reservoir.

horse on trail overlooking Carsington Water

  • Set off via the High Peak Trail before dropping down a quiet lane to Hopton and Carsington.
  • After your pub stop at the Miners Arms, take the road to Sheepwash car park and continue along the edge of Carsington Water to the Visitor Centre (where you can have an optional ice cream break!).
  • Return along country lanes via Bradbourne village, towards Brassington, before picking up the bridle path near Rainster Rocks which has several excellent canter spots.

Visit The Miners Arms 
View Carsington Route

5. The Knockerdown Inn near Carsington – 13 miles

Distance: 13 miles | Time: 4 hrs | Terrain: trails, lanes & bridleways

2 horses riding down the road at Hopton Wood

A great endurance-style ride, including a scenic section along the edge of Carsington Water. This route has a small section on a main road.

  • Follow the High Peak Trail before dropping down to Hopton and onto the Carsington Water trail.
  • At The Visitor Centre take the road to The Knockerdown Inn, be aware of the traffic at the T junction with the main road.
  • Return via country roads to Brassington, then up towards Longcliffe to join the concessionary bridle path on to the High Peak Trail.

Visit The Knockerdown Inn 
View Carsington/Brassington Route

6. The Red Lion Inn at Hognaston – 6.5 miles

Distance: 6.5 miles (or optional 3.5-mile version) | Time: 2 hrs |  Terrain: trails & quiet roads

group of horses riding through Hognaston ford

For a shorter ride, you can box up and park at Sheepwash car park at Carsington Water (just a 10 minute journey from Hoe Grange).

  • Follow the trail to the Visitor Centre, then pass through a woodland path before reaching Hognaston village to stop at the pub.
  • Return via a country road, have fun splashing in the ford crossing and enjoy a long canter section by the dam wall.
  • OR make it a shorter distance of 3.5 miles by parking at the main Visitor Centre.

Visit The Red Lion  
View Hognaston Route

7. The Rising Sun at Middleton – 10 miles

Distance: 10 miles | Time: 3 hrs | Terrain: easy navigation – mostly along the High Peak Trail

riders view of horses head on the High Peak Trail

A fantastic linear route along the High Peak Trail, perfect for riders who prefer minimal map reading and fewer gates!

  • Ride through open countryside, past the majestic wind turbines at Carsington Pastures, and through the old railway tunnel.
  • Stop for a coffee at Middleton Top Café where there is also a water trough for your horse or continue a little further to The Rising Sun pub, before retracing your steps back to Hoe Grange.

Visit The Rising Sun  
View Middleton Route

Top Tips for Enjoying Your Pub Ride

  • Plan your route in advance – use our OS map routes or GPX files to ensure you stay on bridleways and safe routes. Allow plenty of time so you arrive back before dark.
  • Check pub opening times – some rural pubs have limited opening hours, so check before setting off.
  • Stay visiblewear hi-vis clothing for your safety on the roads (we have some you can borrow!). Did you know other road users will see you 3 or 4 seconds earlier if you are wearing high viz?
  • Carry essentials – a charged phone, lead rope, hoof pick, and baler twine can be handy in an emergency.
  • Respect other users – stick to bridleways and trails where possible and be mindful of walkers, cyclists, and livestock.
  • Secure your horse at pubs – use a hitching rail if available, and never leave your horse unattended for longer than necessary.

group of horses riding on Gallalow Lane

Your Ultimate Horse Holiday in the Peak District

At Hoe Grange Holidays, we offer the perfect getaway for both you and your horse. Your horse will love our spacious stables, and large turnout paddocks where he can kick up his heels. We provide secure tack storage, mucking out equipment and ample parking for trailers and lorries, ensuring a stress-free stay.

rider and horse in stable

After a long day exploring the stunning Peak District trails, you can unwind in style. Stay in our cosy log cabins or gorgeous glamping pods, and for the ultimate relaxation, soak in the hot tub under the stars.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, we have everything in place to make your riding holiday relaxing, fun, and truly unforgettable. With direct access to miles of scenic bridleways, breath taking countryside, and welcoming country pubs, there’s no better place for an equestrian escape.

Ready to saddle up for an unforgettable adventure? Book your stay or get in touch on 01629 540262 – we’re happy to help you plan your perfect horse holiday!

Felicity 

3 people riding horses and holding hands

in the press

our farm

our environment

View our accommodation...

Contact us or book direct online to avoid disappointment

Hoe Grange Holidays Tripadvisor Comments...

  • star rating  On arriving at Hoe Grange in a downpour, we doubted if we’d made the right decision to go glamping, but after the warm welcome from David and a quick tour,... read more

    karenmD4738KD
    June 25, 2019

    star rating  Stayed last week, from 6th to 13th September in the log cabin called Hipley. This was amazing, it was our first visit but certainly not our last. Gold standard disability... read more

    548julie
    September 14, 2019

    star rating  We've just returned from our second visit to Hoe Grange. The suggested riding routes with stunning scenery were enjoyed by my daughter and I while the menfolk were delighted with... read more

    Jdrichie12
    July 11, 2019
  • star rating  Myself and my sister travelled to Costa Rica and Panama via Viva Holidays Ltd. The holiday was exceptional and one to be treasured forever. Andrew at Viva Holidays... read more

    Paula C
    July 4, 2019

    star rating  Second visit to the accessible holiday cabins at Hoe Grange. David and Felicity were as helpful and friendly as ever. We had a welcome pack of freshly baked bread, butter,... read more

    Charlotte M
    August 7, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in the Skylark pod last October (2018) and had a lovely time. There was homemade, rustic goods (bread, biscuits etc) when we arrived. Felicity and David who run... read more

    KBarry
    September 15, 2019
  • star rating  We stayed in Skylark, one of the two glamping pods available at Hoe Grange in February 2020.

    Felicity & David welcomed us when we arrived to show us around... read more

    HelenLCarter
    February 6, 2020

    star rating  It's been three years since we last visited but once we arrived it certainly didn't feel like it!
    We stayed in Hipley again which had had a refurbished wet... read more

    ElizabethA717
    September 21, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in Pinder cabin and had a lovely stay, the cabin was spacious and comfortable, nice and warm after cold days out. The children loved meeting the animals and... read more

    Tiggywinkle15
    November 5, 2019
  • star rating  Felicity and David made us feel very welcome right from our booking. The pods are well equipped and spotlessly clean. The area is very peaceful with great views and we... read more

    Adventurer_12121
    January 30, 2020

    star rating  What can I say?
    Absolutely superb!
    We have just returned from a family weekend staying in Daisybank cabin and the Skylark pod.
    It was our first trip away with my... read more

    Wheelieuser
    June 13, 2019

    star rating  We wanted a complete break and some peace and quiet and this was perfect. The caravan was secluded with beautiful views over the countryside. Everything was spotlessly clean and well... read more

    joanne B
    June 4, 2019
  • star rating  Loved every minute of our stay, and so did the family and friends that came to stay. Excellent facilities in our cosy Hipley log cabin. By far the best... read more

    krimpenijssel
    October 25, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in Rainster cabin for a long weekend 6 th to 9 th September. This was my 5 th visit to the amazing Hoe Grange. I had visited before... read more

    Jan Horsman J
    September 17, 2019

    star rating  We love this place. Very wheelchair friendly, really well equipped and comfortable, with easy access by car to lots of places of interest particularly Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth, Bakewell and... read more

    David H
    October 25, 2019
  • star rating  For the second year running, we have had a great family holiday at Hoe Grange. We had one cabin for the week, for two sisters and our elderly wheelchair-using... read more

    EJYork2013
    June 25, 2019

    star rating  A beautiful place to stay! Amazingly run family business! Everyone were very welcoming, friendly and cozy! The skylark pod we stayed in was very clean, cozy and well equipped! The... read more

    sophiee249
    January 2, 2020

    star rating  What a wonderful find. As our first experience of needing accessible accommodation we could not have wished for better. Beautiful well equipped lodges in lovely surroundings. We stayed in both... read more

    L9943KBlesleym
    April 3, 2020
  • star rating  Another great holiday at Hoe Grange - such a great place for us all to holiday as a family - this time with a baby, a 3 yr old, a... read more

    Thesamps
    October 4, 2019

    star rating  We love this place. Very wheelchair friendly, really well equipped and comfortable, with easy access by car to lots of places of interest particularly Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth, Bakewell and... read more

    dghiggs61
    October 25, 2019

    star rating  We have just returned from a short stay in one of the pods on site at Hoe Grange Holidays. We couldn’t recommend them enough. The pod has everything you could... read more

    Catboy86
    August 17, 2019
  • star rating  We stayed for a night in one of the cabins . The cabin was spotless and very well equipped , lots of extra touches were added like fresh eggs and... read more

    Ajtravels14
    February 3, 2020

    star rating  We spent four nights at Hoe Grange and had a lovely time. The location is fantastic and right next to the High Peak Trail. The cabin was very clean and... read more

    Big_Al_0000
    July 16, 2019

    star rating  We had a lovely time staying in one of the incredibly well equipped pods. I bought my pony along and we had some great rides on the high peak trail.... read more

    plopster1
    June 7, 2019
  • star rating  Arrived and was shown to our pod, fantastic location and the pod was very good indeed plus we had home made bread and milk and tea and coffee. A... read more

    mickvfr
    July 28, 2019

    star rating  What a lovely weekend away! We stayed in the lovely gypsy caravan, which was a wonderful and really unique experience. We took along our two horses, who also had a... read more

    rachelthomas2015
    June 18, 2019

    star rating  lovely surroundings real farm country with chickens paying you a visit nice decking area to chill at the end of the day accommodation very good plenty to do nearby... read more

    vincent s
    July 28, 2019
  • star rating  Lovely place to holiday near to interesting locations and easy access to the High Peak trail and Carsington Water. Part of a working farm with fresh produce to enjoy during... read more

    Angie B
    August 3, 2019

    star rating  Recently spent a week in "Pinder" and had a lovely time. The location is stunning - the site is nestled in a beautiful valley on the edge of the Peaks... read more

    Peachey167
    July 16, 2019

    Join our mailing list