Highlands Unbridled Trail Riding & Trekking Centre

Highlands Unbridled Trail Riding & Trekking Centre

Highlands Unbridled Trail Riding & Trekking Centre
4.5
About
Here at Highlands Unbridled we have riding to suit everyone, from Pony Trekking for complete beginners and exhilerating beach gallops for experienced riders,long distance trail riding holidays including the longest trail ride in the UK visiting all 3 of Scotlands coasts. Specialising in coast to coast riding holidays across the wild and beautiful far North of Scotland, we offer a variety of holidays to suit all budgets Our Trail Riding holidays cover the Highlands of Scotland, with several different Coast to Coast options, rides along the Great Glen Way, rides through the Wild West Highlands and the Cairngorms too. From our new riding centre in Northwilds, just outside Tain, in Ross-shire we offer pony trekking, and we can offer rides tailored to your ability and requirements - a walk along the beach, a gentle loch-side hack, a trek through heather clad hills, beach gallop or tranquil forest ride, the choice is yours. Riding in small friendly groups and booking is essential We also offer riding lessons for all ages and abilities at Northwilds too. We're sure you'll find what you are looking for at Highlands Unbridled and pride ourself on trying to make peoples riding dreams come true....
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  • R M
    1 contribution
    Amazing riding across the highlands
    Rode the Coast to Coast in September - absolutely incredible. Both horses and guests excellently looked after. Incredible scenery, lovely people, and delicious food! Can't rate the riding highly enough, huge thanks to Dom and Jan for all their hard work (and excellent sense of humour!) Looking forward to going back as soon as I can.
    Visited September 2022
    Written 5 December 2022
  • Sarah
    6 contributions
    Wonderful working holiday
    I just returned from a working holiday. There were originally 3 people booked, but the others cancelled their plans last minute. So, I got to spend the week with Dom, Rua, the cats, chickens, donkeys and horses at the stead. It was a great balance of a few hours of work spread over the course of the day with riding either first thing or in the middle of chores to help break it up. Over the course of the week I was able to ride three different horses, Maverick, Henry and Malachi. They were all lovely and well behaved. We did a different ride each day varying from 90 min to over 3 hours. Could not have been more lucky to have such nice weather in January. It's obvious how much Dom cares for all the animals in her care and our rides included photos sent to the previous owners of the horses who loved receiving the updates. Dom is a wonderful cook and we had hearty big meals each night. We ran into town for delicious paninis one day for lunch. She provided great recommendations for a few things to check out in the surrounding areas at the end of my trip. She was also lovely company and despite it being just the two of us, around each other for most of our waking hours, it never felt boring or forced. Can't wait to return with my kiddo for a day ride
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 15 January 2023
  • Annemieke W
    3 contributions
    The best working holiday!
    I just returned from a working holiday with Highlands Unbridled and had the best week ever! I used to ride a lot when I was younger and was a bit nervous about my skills and new horses. Dominique though was very patient and trusting so I dared to push my own bounderies. She is an expert in riding and taking care of the horses and the riders along the ride, and showed us the amazingly beautiful surroundings. The work and riding was in balance although I think she could ask for more to get done. She is a fabulous cook and I think a week working holiday is the ideal way to get back into the horsylife again and to check if you are up for a longer trip on horseback. Lovely horses, donkeys, cats, chickens and the best dog ever. I miss all of them. They are all visibly happy with the care Dominique gives. I would sign up for another week anytime!
    Visited January 2023
    Written 30 January 2023
  • 356charlotte
    Charlotte, North Carolina12 contributions
    Best week ever
    I just returned from a working holiday with Highlands Unbridled and it was the best week of my life! The riding and the scenery were absolutely amazing. I was in the most beautiful place that I have ever been and the riding was so so good. The horses are happy and well cared for and so fun to ride. Dominique is the absolute greatest ever. She is welcoming, fun, inordinately capable and has a knack for encouraging people while keeping things safe. Dom works very very hard and is the absolute best at her job. I don't know how she puts in so much time and still is always fun, bright and energetic. I can't wait to return for a trekking adventure.
    Visited January 2023
    Written 7 February 2023
  • RZ2019
    20 contributions
    An absolutely wonderful experience!
    I've been wanting to do a day ride with Highlands Unbridled for some time and finally got round to doing it in March. It was simply wonderful. Rainy, cold, low visibility, but the ride was still amazing. Fantastic staff, Dom was a wonderful lead and knew the horses in and out. My pony was just gorgeous, couldn't have had a better experience. Will definitely be back again!
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 4 April 2023
  • Edinburgh2020
    4 contributions
    Inspiring, relaxing and fun
    My daughter (age 11) and I booked a two day riding holiday staying on the farm with Dominique and could not have had a better time! The setting, stables and animals are beautiful and Dominique is a wonderful host, cook and guide. The riding was spectacular with plenty of variety, stunning scenery and beautiful lunch spots. Helping tack and brush the horses in the mornings and evenings was a great added experience. Take lots of layers and lots of photos! Highly recommended.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 5 April 2023
  • Fi P
    1 contribution
    Great way to experience the beauty of the Highlands
    Such a great day ride with Highlands Unbridled. Stunning scenery, responsive horses and Dominique is a very good guide - she ensured that we were all well looked after throughout. Would highly recommend and would very happily ride with Dominique again.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 8 April 2023
  • GlobeTrotting778119
    1 contribution
    Day trek is a day to remember.
    We booked a day's trek during the April Easter weekend. Dominique is a great host. She was very friendly and made us all feel very welcome. Before lunch our views on the trek were limited due to the weather, but it was still really enjoyable. After lunch the clouds cleared and the views were stunning. Definitely be prepared for the weather. The whole day was great fun. The horses were in their element too. We would definitely come back and would love to do the longer treks to see parts of the country that you just don't see in a car.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 10 April 2023
  • Faith N
    15 contributions
    Perfect Trekking experience
    I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience on the Extended Outlander ride this month. The horse were wonderful and Dom did an excellent job pairing them with the people in the group. She was a fantastic guide for our trip and we all had a wonderful time. The accommodations were perfect letting us see the quaint villages but still being very comfortable - not to mention the food was outstanding. For the tour the last three days, Jan was the perfect tour guide and could not have been more accommodating. She led us through the sites at the perfect times, always missing the big crowds. We were originally planning on taking a different trip in the years to come, but Highlands set the bar so high, we will most likely be back here again. Thank you for everything!
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 23 May 2023
  • Jane S
    Middlesbrough, United Kingdom8 contributions
    Unforgettable experience
    l was lucky enough to spend 2 days riding with highlands unbridled recently. It was everything l expected/hoped for and more. I was really nervous only having ridden a few times lately (having not done for years) but Dominique totally understood and the ponies were all so amazing. It was an unforgettable experience which l am hoping to do again as soon as l get the opportunity. Thankyou for a wonderful time!
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 28 June 2023
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4.5
238 reviews
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cheryl j
Helena, MT7 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
If ONLY there were more than 5 stars to award! Dominique and the horses at Highlands Unbridled are terrific ambassadors for Scotland! As so many other reviews have confirmed, Dom and her incredible horses provide an unforgettable riding experience! We were all experienced equestrians and Dom gave us the perfect mounts before taking us on 2 full-day rides that highlighted the majestic beauty of the Scottish wilderness. She created a perfect trip that provided some excitement (with varying terrains and speeds), but which also always emphasized the safety of the horses and their riders. We had a truly EPIC time on this holiday!! But beyond the riding (which was GLORIOUS!), I want to thank Dom for her absolutely over the top effort to support our successful holiday. A named storm (the evil storm "Babet") ravaged the UK on the very day we were to begin our 3 day ride holiday. Eastern Scotland was flooded and only emergency travel was allowed. Dom could easily have cancelled our entire ride holiday due to the weather disaster. But she knew we had dreamt about this trip for years and had already arrived in country. She put aside her own stressors and discomforts (due to loss of power, empty store shelves, and pasture flooding) to find a way to allow us to ride for those 2 precious remaining days. But, the MOST amazing part, is that two of our party became stranded in the middle of the night due train cancellations from the weather. Dom left her bed and drove from the farm to rescue our distressed friends at 2 o clock in the morning! She provided them with emergency shelter in her own home, and somehow was still cheerful and enthusiastic early the next morning to take us on our fantastic ride. Truly, truly remarkable customer service, and something we would only have expected of a dear friend. Which is what Dom is to us now!! If you have a chance to work with this outstanding establishment DO NOT HESITATE. I cannot imagine how ANYONE could be disappointed in such a quality company, staffed by such a generous and talented guide! Thank you Dom, from the bottom of our hearts for giving us some of the best memories of our lives! We will never forget you, our horses, or the breathtaking Scottish vistas. . .
Written 3 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Leslie G
Saint Louis, MO26 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
We did a 6 day riding trek with the Outlander sightseeing extension. The horses were great. Dominique was our guide for the horses and she was so helpful and so much fun. The views were amazing, the horses were great and we all had a great time. The food at the various Inns was amazing. A truly great Scottish experience.
Written 9 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

rjgm2015
Oxshott, UK3 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Wonderful experience riding into the wilderness of Sutherland on amazing Highland ponies. Incredible scenery and awesome guiding by Dominique across some challenging terrain. North Coast ride is a chance to experience the UK last true wilderness Sutherland first hand. Amazingly fit sturdy Highland ponies, long days when only the trail matters. Cosy hotels and good company and it didn’t even rain that much! Thank you for making this experience so special.
Written 16 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David B
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Trip of a lifetime. We spent 3 days riding through the highlands on horseback with a small group. Our tour guides, Jan and Dominique provide a remarkable experience. Wonderful horses, food and accommodations, and even better camaraderie.
Written 24 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Borngrace
South Salem, NY3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
What a fantastic outfit! Jan and Dominique are amazing. We had the most wonderful week trekking through the glorious Scottish Highlands. Long days in the saddle on lovely horses, across glens, up and down mountains, canters along lochs, and great company over group dinners. Couldn't recommend more highly.
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kate S
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Friends
I just wrapped up (today!) a 7 day (6 riding days) holiday through the western Highlands (Wild West Highlands route). My friend and I came together and had an absolutely awesome time, and recommend it highly!

Horses: very well cared for, fit, and so kind that I wanted to take mine home with me! They were all fantastic, and kept us all safe and calm even in some pretty scary places. It's a very hard job for a horse to do such tough rides and with different people all the time, and they all manage it so well. Horses are horses, so have various issues occasionally, but Dom and Jan keep a close eye on them and take care of them well. This was my number one concern booking a riding holiday, and I felt good about the ponies welfare on this trip.

Accomodations: comfortable, with good food! Very scenic locations.

Views/scenery: out of this world beautiful. In one day you may ride on a road, then around a loch, then through a bog, then up a mountain pass to a lake and then down to a small town. This ride is very remote at times, and the mountains and lochs are just breathtaking.

Guide: Dom does the guiding and does about 15 jobs at once somehow. She does a fantastic job at keeping everyone safe but also happy and enjoying the ride. There are many places that are dangerous on a route like this, and she knows when to push or direct, and when to let you sort it out yourself. Jan does a lot of the coordinating between spots and I imagine a lot of the "behind the scenes" stuff. Both were so kind and welcoming, as well as helpful and efficient.

Riding: I found the riding to be challenging, as I normally ride dressage, but also extremely exciting, fun, and confidence building. I do not think I'll be the same rider when I go home; I'll be a better one!

You should be very prepared for a ride like this if you want to enjoy it and keep yourself (and everyone else) safe. Challenging means very challenging, unless you literally ride up and down real mountains and do endurance rides regularly. You walk, trot, canter, gallop, do small jumps, all on "natural" footing, which may be new to people. But more importantly, you also go through water, bogs (sinking is very possible!), and up and down very steep, slick, rocky trails. You should be a confident enough rider to occasionally push your horse to keep it safe. You should also be able to let go and not micromanage at other times (maybe hard for ring riders). Fitness is important for the riding, but also to get off and hike alongside your pony over serious terrain. Bring ibuprofen, even if you think you don't need it ;)

Thank you to Dom and Jan for an unforgettable experience! I hope to be back for another ride!
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JMCQ123
Atlanta, GA29 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Just completed the 3 day Awesome Assynt and cannot believe it is over or that I really just experienced it. Scotland Days 3-5 was absolutely epic. It was 3 days of stunning scenery and adventure. We rode sturdy Highland ponies and went up to 22 miles one day. We saw lochs, farms, mountains, glens, peat bogs, rivers, and forests from a viewpoint I never imagined. We had an amazing guide with Dominique, and were cared for by Jan on logistics. We met other riders from Scotland and further afield, and got to know them through shared family meals at the inn each night. The horses loved their jobs and were eager to get started each day, and they were well cared for and loved by the owners. I am as sore as I’ve ever been after 3 days in the saddle, but so glad we did this! Advice for those considering it; age isn’t the issue (I am 50+), but you must be a confident and balanced rider at the walk, Trot, and canter. This is not a ride for the faint of heart or those challenged by an endurance ride. I ride my own horse weekly and this was beyond my muscle memory, so ibuprofen and I became very good friends. Pay attention to the FAQs and invest in good riding gear and rain gear (you will ride rain or shine). Be patient with communications from the company: they are first and foremost focused on horse care and rides, and communications come after all of that is done, so be flexible and patient, trust me it is worth it. Bring a sense of humor and a curiosity about the land, the guides, and the other people on your tour. And, take lots of pictures.
Written 23 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JILL Bohnet
Benicia, CA1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Friends
We give our experience a 5 star ride. It was great and would definitely go again. Dominque was so fun and entertaining and she gave us information about the highlands as we rode. All the horses were good, no problems at all. We stayed on the farm for two nights. Beds were comfortable and Dominques cooking was wonderful. Definitely a must do.
Written 30 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jane S
Middlesbrough, UK8 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
l was lucky enough to spend 2 days riding with highlands unbridled recently. It was everything l expected/hoped for and more. I was really nervous only having ridden a few times lately (having not done for years) but Dominique totally understood and the ponies were all so amazing. It was an unforgettable experience which l am hoping to do again as soon as l get the opportunity. Thankyou for a wonderful time!
Written 28 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Peter D
24 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
If you want to be looked after before, after and during a trek? Then look no further. OK communication can be a little bit slow, but only when you get there, you can fully understand that you are in a connection blackspot.. so hats off for trying to run a ongoing business while taking people out and looking after them after.
In my personal circumstance, I had train problems on my way to the stables and through the help of Dom and my night in shining armor Jan, they made every effort to get me there for my holiday..Thank you!!!
Dom your such a great person, thank you for my farm stay experience! The farm stay holiday is a trek and not a race, especially in the heat for the horses. So I enjoyed the peaceful setting and I was lucky to nice company from fellow riders. I hope you all have a great summer!
Written 23 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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HIGHLANDS UNBRIDLED TRAIL RIDING & TREKKING CENTRE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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