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Best pub horse rides in the Peak District
March 6, 2025Archives
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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.

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

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

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

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.

- 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

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

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

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 visible – wear 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.

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.

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








