One of the world’s top 100 holidays
A new horse riding trail launched in 2016 has been awarded the accolade as being one of the top 100 holidays in the world according to a list published by the Sunday Times.
Known as the Orton Fells, the 60-mile trail has been created by Alison Sixsmith who runs Stonetrail, a holiday centre with four luxury self-catering cottages created from an ancient barn, in Ravenstonedale between Sedbergh and Kirkby Stephen which offers horse riding and mountain bike hire. Alison leads guests, riding their own horses, on the trail over four days with overnight stays in handpicked inns or hotels.
It builds on the success of another four-day, 60 mile trail which follows the Pennine Bridleway from Kirkby Stephen to Settle and back. England’s first national trail created specifically for horses, riders and cyclists, it runs for 130 miles from the Peak district tom Cumbria. Alison was invited to open the bridleway with Martin Clunes, President of the British Horse Society (BHS), in recognition of her involvement with the bridleway.
Visitors can also go on shorter trails, some of them in little-visited, secret valleys, others which are up to 1,500 ft in height offering spectacular views, returning to base the same day.
In addition to running a BHS approved horse holiday centre which offers grazing and stabling for guests wishing to bring their own horses, Alison provides route maps suitable for different levels of experience for mountain bikers and walkers.
The ultimate in green holidays
Stonetrail also offers the ultimate in green holidays. “We can pick up people arriving by train at Kirkby Stephen Station and bring them here where they can go riding, biking or walking each day with no engines involved throughout the holiday. We can then take them back to the station at the end of their stay,” added Alison.
Guests also benefit from other green features including a renewable heating system, solar panels and even water from a borehole on the premises.
Alison, who has been running Stonetrail for ten years, today helped by her partner Colin and two sons, often attracts large groups for celebratory weekends, leaving the weekdays free for individual riders, cyclists and walkers.
For further information, call Alison on 015396 23444 or visit www.stonetrailholidays.com
