Event 53, in co-operation
with Tove Gray-Stephens and David Hay-Thorburn.
Wild Boar Trail / Rob Roy Trail
/ Loch & Forest Trail
TREC training
The stables and land of Tove (chef d’equipe
British eventing team) and son David (World Champion Trec 2000)
are situated on the banks of beautiful Loch Fyne, near Ardrishaig.
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| Wild Boar Trail |
The Wild Boar Trail is a six day, seven night
trail that takes you in a sweeping arc from the shores of Loch
Fyne, over incomparable countryside to the west coast and views
of the Inner Hebrides, then inland, past Loch Awe and over the
mountains, back to Loch Fyne and Inveraray, seat of the Duke
and Duchess of Argyll. The ride is about 150 km in length and
is mostly over private lands.
The first day is spent getting to know our horses, and riding
around Brenfield’s extensive hillside and forestry tracks.
The second day, Wild Boar Trail takes you through the hills
and forests, along the picturesque Crinan Canal to the estuary
of the River Add. The trail continues west through the beautiful
Poltalloch Estate to Ardifuir, with its ancient Broch, and proceeds
over the Poltalloch hills, overlooking Corrievrechan (the second
largest whirlpool in the world). From Slockavullin the trail
passes the mysterious stone circle of `Temple Wood' and a number
of Burial Chambers in Kilmartin Glen, and then to 16th century
Carnasserie Castle.
The trail follows an old drove road, and after some steep bracken-clad
slopes, follows open countryside with the opportunity to jump
natural ditches. The trail ends after a ride through the magnificent
parkland of the Inveraray Castle Estate, ancestral home of the
Dukes of Argyll. |
| Rob Roy Trail |
The Rob Roy trail is a six day ride from Inveraray
to Fort William through some of the most spectacular and remote
Highland scenery in Scotland. The ride is about 200 km in length
and is ideal for a fit experienced rider.
The first day begins with a leisurely breakfast, followed by
a short walk from the hotel to Inveraray Castle. Time is allowed
for a tour around the castle, and then you are introduced to
the horses. You ride out exploring the extensive castle estates,
with a steep climb to a spectacular viewpoint at Dunaquaich
Tower. The next day, the trail continues north, up the picturesque
Glen Shira. Here you pass close to the hideout of Rob Roy and
his clansmen, while they were in hiding from the Earl of Montrose
and the English army. One night the horses are very close by
in a field in front of the hotel, where they can be observed
grazing in the company of red deer, which are abundant in this
part of Scotland. The next day, you ride to Loch Etive, by way
of Glen Kinglass, famous deer stalking country. We are now deep
in remote wild country, sanctuary to much rare wild life including
the magnificent Golden Eagle. Later, the trail takes you through
Lairig Gartain, the deep ravine separating the soaring peaks
of Buachille Etive Moor, and Buachille Etive Beag. You are now
at the head of historic Glen Coe (which you climb out by way
of the “Devil’s Staircase”) site of the infamous
McDonald Massacre in 1692. You pass Ben Nevis, the highest mountain
in the United Kingdom. The countryside here is wild and remote,
populated by deer, eagles, buzzards, and a host of wildlife.
The horse being the most versatile of cross country transport
grants you the privilege of first hand experience of this country.
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| Loch & Forest Trail |
This is a five day six night ride starting and
finishing at Ardrishaig. The trail takes you on a hundred mile
circular route through the beautiful lochs and forests of Mid-Argyll.
The route incorporates some of the history of the famous Kilmartin
Glen as well as the excitement of a beach gallop.
Allt-Na-Craig, the elegant Victorian Mansion with breath-taking
views over Loch Fyne will be your home for the week. The journey
takes you deep into the western highlands of Argyll along the
picturesque banks of Loch Lomond, over the remote "Rest
and be Thankful", the high mountain pass into Argyll, and
then along the shores of the beautiful sea loch of Loch Fyne.
At Loch Crinan, riders have the opportunity to gallop on the
beach and swim with the horses. The trail takes you up on Kilmartin
Glen - the Valley of the Ghosts-, passing the mysterious stone
circle of 'Temple Wood' and a number of ancient Celtic burial
chambers.
You will also visit Tayvallich, a beautiful natural fishing
harbour, and the site of one of the best seafood restaurants
in Scotland (or the world?) |
| TREC |
TREC is a relatively new sport, which originally
started as a test for equestrian tourism guides, but quickly
appealed to the tourists themselves, because overall it's good
fun! And almost any rider and horse can enjoy it.
TREC is a range of activities designed to test a horse and rider's
ability to find their way across country using map reading skills,
to keep safely in control and to cope with the sort of obstacles
and problems that could be encountered riding alone in the countryside:
An orienteering course where you have to maintain a certain
speed to arrive at each checkpoint on the right time, finding
your way by map and compass; controlling paces in slow gallops
and fast walks; the skills trials, a timed course of up to 16
obstacles ranging from the ordinary to the apparently absurd.
These might include a small jump walking through water, mounting
from the wrong side, and negotiating a gate without letting
go of it, to name but a few.
We can offer you the chance to learn more about TREC under the
expert instruction of International Trainer and Judge, Tove
Gray-Stephens, and her son David Hay-Thorburn TREC world champion
2000 winner. Courses are offered to learn and improve all aspects
of TREC riding. |
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