• 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.

The best autumn horse riding routes in the Peak District

September 1, 2024
September 1, 2024 - The best autumn horse riding routes in the Peak District
-Older

Explore the magic of autumn in the Peak District on horseback

High Peak Trail in autumnThere's been a distinct chill in the air this week! As the cooler weather sets in and the colours of nature start to turn to the warm hues of autumn, there's no better place to experience the magic of the season than the Peak District. As a keen rider myself, lucky enough to live year-round in this stunning landscape, I wanted to share my favourite autumn horse riding routes so you too can discover the golds, reds and oranges of the Peak District on horseback.

Looking for somewhere special to experience the magic of autumn with your horse? Whether you're after a short loop or a longer adventure, or looking for a great spot for a canter, we've got you covered!

Read on to discover the best autumn horse riding routes in the Peak District, all starting right from your door at Hoe Grange Holidays.

Why is autumn horse riding the best?

A group of horses riding along a shaded country laneWith cooler weather, no flies, and stunning views over vibrant autumn landscapes, it’s the perfect time for a magical holiday at Hoe Grange Holidays with your horse. We're lucky to have lots of spectacular off-road riding that doesn't get too boggy, with plenty of firmer surfaces like the High Peak Trail.

My top three favourite autumn horse riding routes

1. Royston Grange loop

Distance: 4 miles

A view over a horse's ears on an autumn horse ride through Royston GrangeOne of my favourite short loops in all seasons, our Royston Grange loop is particularly beautiful in autumn. Enjoy the spectacular views from the top of the farm before you drop into the more sheltered valley and marvel at the autumn colours on the leaves along the High Peak Trail.

This one is ideal for your first day at Hoe Grange, with a couple of opportunities for a short canter to stretch out your horse's legs after their journey.

Starting off with an uphill section through the farm fields, the rest of this route makes the most of minor lanes and the surfaced High Peak Trail, so you won't get too muddy even if it's been wet recently.

View the route on OS maps or download a PDF.

2. Carsington Water and Bradbourne loop

Distance: 12.5 miles

A group of horses and riders standing around Carsington Reservoir on a sunny autumn day

Carsington Water is a fantastic destination to immerse yourself in the magic of autumn in the Peak District! This large reservoir is surrounded by a patchwork of woodland and grasslands, all of which burst into vivid shades of orange, red, and yellow.

This is a lovely route over to the reservoir on the High Peak Trail and back along some minor country lanes. There are quite a few hills providing some amazing views, and the reflections of the trees in the water of the reservoir in autumn is a sight to behold.

There are a couple of good canter opportunities, including around the reservoir and by Rainster rocks.

View the route on OS maps or download a PDF.

3. Parwich pub ride

Distance: 8 miles

A rider and horse standing in the sunshine outside The Sycamore Inn pub in Parwich

What guide to autumn horse riding would be complete without a ride to the pub? Enjoy stunning views over the valley, let off some steam with some longer canters, and warm up halfway through with a pint, a mulled wine or a coffee!

This fabulous route mixes up surfaced trails, minor lanes and grassy stretches that aren't usually too muddy, so it's perfect for all seasons. There are some brilliant sections for a good, long canter, including up between the two quarries and a nice uphill stretch towards the High Peak Trail.

*Please note this route involves private land and is only available to guests at Hoe Grange Holidays.

View the route on OS maps or download a PDF.

Feeling inspired? Don't miss out on your autumn horse riding holiday!

A horse grazing outside the window of a cosy wooden glamping pod

  • Wake up to the sight of your horse grazing outside your window
  • Stretch out your horse’s legs with a canter or gallop through rolling fields
  • Discover miles of off-road hacking, including direct access to the Pennine Bridleway, with gorgeous views full of autumn colours
  • Bed your horse down in our cosy and spacious stables (hay and straw included)
  • Relax in the knowledge that your tack is securely stored in our tack shed and there’s plenty of space to manoeuvre your horsebox or trailer!
  • Don't stress, we have contacts for emergency access to local vets and farriers if needed
  • Coming as a group? Let us know when you book and we can set up individual payments, so you don’t have to chase your friends for their share

Book your horse holiday online now (just make sure "First horse" is available in the booking extras) or get in touch if you'd like help finding some dates.

- Felicity

in the press

our farm

our environment

Contact us or book direct online to avoid disappointment

Hoe Grange Holidays Tripadvisor Comments...

  • 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  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  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 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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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 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  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  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  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

    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  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 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 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'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  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  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  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  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  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

    Join our mailing list