Cumbrian Heavy Horses: The Ultimate Lake District Riding Guide

When you imagine horse riding through the dramatic landscapes of the Lake District National Park, your mind likely pictures small, nimble mountain ponies navigating the rocky crags.

But tucked away in the spectacular southwestern corner of Cumbria, there is an opportunity to experience the fells from an entirely different perspective: on the back of a towering, magnificent heavy horse.

Cumbrian Heavy Horses holds a truly elite title as the world’s only British Horse Society (BHS) approved riding establishment dedicated entirely to heavy breeds.

Here, the gentle giants of the equine world—Shires, Clydesdales, Ardennes, and rare Suffolk Punches—are the undisputed stars of the show.

Whether you are an experienced equestrian looking to canter a massive 18-hand Clydesdale through the shallow surf of an Atlantic beach, or a complete novice looking for a gentle trek through a quiet valley, riding these historic animals is a profound, bucket-list experience.

Here is everything you need to know to plan your own heavy horse adventure in Cumbria.

The Breeds: Meeting the Gentle Giants

Heavy horses were the undisputed engines of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Shires and Clydesdales were originally bred for intense weight-pulling power, put to work by agricultural farmers to harvest fields, clear heavy timber from forestry tracks, and tow commercial cargo barges along Britain’s expanding canal networks.

By the mid-20th century, the rise of industrial tractors and combustion engines pushed these magnificent breeds to the brink of extinction.

Today, breeds like the Clydesdale and the Suffolk Punch remain on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s ‘at risk’ register.

The core mission at Cumbrian Heavy Horses is to prove that these animals aren’t just historical relics—they are exceptionally versatile, elegant, and rewarding saddle horses.

Unlike generic trail-riding horses that simply plod blindly behind the guide in a single-file line, these heavy horses are highly trained, highly responsive animals that actively love to be ridden, responding beautifully to traditional leg and rein commands.

Choosing Your Adventure: The Three Trail Variations

The yard offers distinct trail packages tailored carefully to a rider’s verified comfort level and physical endurance:

1. The Beginner’s Farm Trek

Perfect for nervous riders, families, or complete novices.

This gentle, lead-rein trek walks quietly around the private farm tracks of the Whicham Valley, offering a secure, low-stress introduction to the immense height and armchair-like comfort of a heavy horse saddle.

2. The Black Combe Fell Ride (Intermediate to Advanced)

This is the spectacular mountain route. The trail rises steeply out of the valley, climbing straight up into the high Cumbrian fells beneath the shadows of Black Combe.

On a clear day, the summit views from horseback are breathtaking—stretching across the Irish Sea all the way to the Isle of Man and the distant outline of the Blackpool Tower.

The terrain features open mountain tracks that allow for thrilling, powerful canters where the ground literally shakes beneath the thud of massive hooves.

3. The Roanhead Beach Ride (Advanced Only)

The absolute holy grail for experienced riders. This intensive, 3-hour experience carries you down to the wide, expansive sands of Roanhead Beach.

Here, advanced riders can experience the unmatched adrenaline rush of galloping these massive beasts right through the shallow salt waters of the coastal surf.

Real-World Field Review: A Scorching Day on the Fells

On our recent trip to Cumbria, we booked a week-long family getaway, hiring a country house in the lakes for a group of 14. For the riders in our group, a trip to the Whicham Valley yard was the absolute centerpiece of the itinerary.

I was paired with William, a jaw-droppingly handsome, 18-hand Clydesdale who proved to be an absolute gentleman from the moment I was helped into the saddle.

Sitting on a heavy horse is an incredible perspective shift—you are positioned so high up that reaching down to adjust your own stirrup leathers or tighten a girth is physically impossible, requiring the attentive yard staff to assist from the ground.

Our ride up into the fells was led by Simone, a brilliant guide who had famously traded her career as a school headteacher in Surrey to dedicate her life to these animals.

Because we were riding during a rare British summer heatwave, the yard’s deep commitment to animal welfare was front and centre.

The horses were thoroughly hosed down with cool water before tacking up, and hosed down again once we were mounted to prevent overheating.

Trotting and cantering William through the high open meadows was a revelation.

Despite his muscular power, his movement was incredibly elegant and dainty under saddle.

The sheer width of the heavy horse tack makes the saddle feel as wide and stable as a luxury armchair, removing any sense of instability as we navigated the rolling ridge lines.

By the time we returned to the yard over two hours later, my thighs were certainly feeling the burn of riding such a wide animal.

Dismounting required a classic, less-than-graceful slide sideways across the saddle before dropping down to the grass—a hilarious reminder of their immense scale.

Supporting Cumbrian Heavy Horses isn’t just about enjoying an incredible holiday activity; it is an active contribution to preserving a vulnerable, majestic piece of British heritage.

Pack your riding boots, book your trail well in advance, and prepare for an outdoor adventure that will completely redefine how you view the Lake District fells.