Devon offers horse riders almost 2000km of public rights of way including bridleways along which to explore the beautiful countryside. If you’ve ever dreamt of a quiet hack through the lanes, a moorland amble on horseback or an exhilarating beach gallop, you’ll find all this and more in Devon.

Horse riding is a great way to get naturally active. Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks both have established bridleway routes; you will also find a number of circular routes to enjoy in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Ruby Country. Why not try the new Pegasus Trail?  This newly created walking, mountain-biking and horse-riding trail will eventually link the Granite Way with the Ruby Way, so please note that sections of this route are still in development.

The Wray Valley Trail from Bovey Tracey to Moretonhampstead is now completed and is open to horses for the majority of its length. Horses are not permitted on the section across Mill Marsh Park at Bovey Tracey.

Many parishes in Devon have extensive rights of way and horses can use bridleways, byways and restricted byways. Please view the Public Rights of Way map to see all the opportunities in your area https://www.devon.gov.uk/prow/interactive-map/. In addition, the map shows which areas of registered common land on Dartmoor are available for horse riding.

Horse riders can extend their ride by using quieter lanes and the unsurfaced county road network. Unsurfaced roads are not usually suitable for motor vehicles. These may have black waymarks and are shown on Ordnance Survey maps and on the Public Rights of Way map with green or red dots.

The British Horse Society has a map of riding routes National Equestrian Route Network These are routes which have been put forward by BHS volunteers.

A Horse Code has been developed for horse riders using the Pebblebed Heaths in East Devon.

The National Trust website also includes details of its top trails and riding places.

Devon is home to a number of excellent riding schools, offering qualified riding instruction for all ages and abilities. You will need to book your riding lesson in advance and can normally choose to ride for just an hour through to a full day.

Some riding schools cater specifically for disabled riders. The Riding for the Disabled website provides details of groups across the country, including some in Devon.

Pleasure rides or fun rides are run by local equestrian groups for those who have their own horse. They offer the chance to explore a planned route alongside other riders and often follow a mix of quiet lanes and bridleways.

To explore more on horseback, download a copy of Horse Riding in Devon.