Horseriding in – Sample Itinerary 2017 Introduction

Dartmoor National Park: Dartmoor is an ancient, compelling landscape, so different from the rest of that a visit feels like falling straight into Tolkien’s Return of the King. Exposed granite hills (called tors) crest on the horizon, linked by swathes of honey-tinged moors. Streams tumble over moss-smothered boulders in woods of twisted trees. The centre of this 368-sq-mile national park is the higher moor; a vast, treeless expanse.

Sample Itinerary –Horse Riding in Dartmoor 1 2017

Day by Day Itinerary

We have highlighted the main points of your journey on the map below:

Sample Itinerary –Horse Riding in Dartmoor 2 2017

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

8.10am Welcome to England! Your private driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall at London Heathrow to transfer you to Hotel Endsleigh – The Hunting Lodge

Your journey is approximately 4 hours to Hotel Endsleigh – on your arrival we would recommend enjoy at the hotel (to be paid for locally) before checking in Hotel Endsleigh is a Grade I historic house set in 100 acres of fairytale woodland, follies and grottos created by Humphry Repton. The Duke of Bedford, who owned a third of Devon, chose this spot for his fishing and hunting lodge. Hidden on the edge of the Dartmoor, many of the 18 bedrooms have magnificent views of the gardens, the river Tamar and beyond into Cornwall.

Afternoon at leisure to relax and unpack

5.00pm Your riding guide will meet you in the lobby of Hotel Endsleigh this evening to discuss your riding preferences with you

8.00pm reservation at Hotel Endsleigh (a three dinner is included in your hotel package) At the heart of all is the spirit of conviviality, the pleasure that comes from sharing a with others. At Endsleigh the result is an intricate combination of the freshest Devon produce with that Italian philosophy. The cooking takes its inspiration from the surrounding countryside, and includes rabbit, venison and beef, and even fish from the Tamar O/N: Hotel Endsleigh A: Milton Abbot, PL19 0PQ T:+351 (0)1822 870 000 Day 2

9.30am After your riding guide and your local driver will meet you outside the lobby of Hotel Endsleigh to transfer you to the start of your first ride!

Each day involves an exclusive ride for you over stunning Dartmoor on forward going horses with English saddles. The ride will be tailored to your experience and stamina levels and will be with Elaine and another knowledgeable guide. Spend your day exploring Dartmoor with an experienced guide, whose intimate knowledge of the ancient moorland and its ever-changing moods make the entire experience very special. You choose the ride length, whether you prefer to ride hard all day or take things a little easier. You can either start and finish the ride from the private stable yard in the heart of Dartmoor or opt for a longer, more challenging day riding as much as 25 miles on a linear route where the horses will stay overnight whilst you are transferred back to your hotel.

Lunches will either be a , or packed lunch in a remote beauty spot.

After your ride your local driver will transfer you back to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

8.00pm Dinner reservation at Hotel Endsleigh Restaurant O/N: Hotel Endsleigh

Sample Itinerary –Horse Riding in Dartmoor 3 2017

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 3

9.30am After breakfast your local riding guide and your local driver are on hand to transfer you to a different part of the moor for your second day of riding Enjoy a day ride of between 12-25 miles per day taking in the landscapes on Dartmoor featured in Steven Spielberg’s War Horse film. You’ll cover varying terrain including open grasslands, granite tors, rocky outcrops, stone circles and standing stones.

Lunches will either be a barbecue, picnic or packed lunch in a remote beauty spot.

After your ride your local driver will transfer you back to Hotel Endsleigh for an evening at leisure.

8.00pm Dinner at Hotel Endsleigh Restaurant (a three course dinner menu is included in your hotel package)

O/N: Hotel Endsleigh

Day 4

9.30am After breakfast, check out of Hotel Endsleigh prior to collection by your local riding guide and your driver. Your luggage will be transferred to Bovey Castle ahead of your arrival on Thursday evening.

A day’s riding on Dartmoor with your local riding guide

Lunches will either be a barbecue, picnic or packed lunch in a remote beauty spot.

After your days ride you will be transferred to Bovey Castle Bovey Castle rests in 275 acres of glorious surroundings and has stunning views over Dartmoor National Park. : Located within the main building, our beautiful Castle rooms offer views of the courtyard and the woodlands beyond. Fabulous and fine dining await you; a table has been reserved for you for dinner each evening of your stay.

8.00pm Dinner reservation at Smith’s Brasserie Imagine the best pubs in the land. You’ll be thinking countryside views, roaring fires, welcoming atmosphere, cosy seating and delicious aromas drifting from the . Got an image in your head? Well, Smith’s Brasserie is that, but better. Relaxed and inviting, bang on trend yet unpretentious and most certainly classic British dining at its best.

O/N: Bovey Castle A:North Bovey, Newton Abbot TQ13 8RE T: +351 (0)1647 44500

Sample Itinerary –Horse Riding in Dartmoor 4 2017

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 5

9.30am Depart with your local riding guide and your local driver for your final ride in Dartmoor National Park

Lunches will either be a barbecue, picnic or packed lunch in a remote beauty spot.

After your ride your local driver will transfer you back to Bovey Castle for an evening at leisure

8.00pm Dinner reservation at The Great Western The Great Western Restaurant is relaxed and comfortable, yet upscale and classy. The restaurant’s roots are firmly planted in classical cookery, recalling the glamour of the restaurant’s Art Deco origins and echoes of a bygone era. They say the first bite is with the eye, so from the very start you are in for a treat as beautifully presented dishes, using locally sourced ingredients, are placed at your fingertips.

O/N: Bovey Castle

Day 6

7.00am Your private driver will pick up you up from the lobby at Bovey Castle to transfer you to London Heathrow in good time for your onwards flight. (journey is approx. 3 hours 15 minutes)

10.15am Estimated arrival to London Heathrow for your flight

Farewell!

Sample Itinerary –Horse Riding in Dartmoor 5 2017

Day by Day Itinerary

Safety Equipment and Clothing You will be riding over open moorland with uneven surfaces, crossing streams, rivers, soft ground, rocky outcrops and undulating surfaces. You are responsible for your own personal safety equipment. Please come equipped with appropriate riding kit including suitable riding hat, two pairs of jodhpurs, plenty of warm socks, riding gloves, neck scarf and riding boots. Body protectors are advisable but optional.

Weather We firmly believe that there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing! Dartmoor is high up on a granite dome exposed to winds off the South West peninsular and so it is advisable to bring plenty of warm layers and a waterproof jacket and trousers along with plenty of sunscreen. Prepare for four seasons in one day!

Optional Extras After a long day in the saddle there is nothing more rejuvenating than having a therapeutic massage. Bovey Castle has a flagship spa with a dedicated team of therapists. A 55 minute relaxing massage or sports therapy treatment can be booked for you for an additional £75 per person. Please let us know if you would like us to arrange this on your behalf.

Sample Itinerary –Horse Riding in Dartmoor 6 2017