Riding in the Peak District
What better way to explore this lesser known area of the Peak District National Park than from the back of a horse?
We offer a variety of rides so can usually accommodate riders of all abilities.
1 hour ride is the shortest circular ride and is a quiet amble along the local lanes, we walk and trot but there is little opportunity to canter. An ideal ride for young children or very nervous riders.
Three Shires 2 hour ride which is quite definitely the most popular follows the old pack horse trails to the local beauty spot of Three Shires Head, where the 3 county boundaries meet, (Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire). The route is very scenic and mostly on the lanes and pack horse trails, some of which are rough and rocky in places so this is not a fast ride although we do trot and the more experienced riders can divide off for a good canter whilst the less experienced riders follow another track from which they can see there friends enjoying some faster riding. The two groups then rejoin and continue back to the farm. This ride is suitable for all abilities and is great for clients who prefer to stay with less experienced friends or relatives as they can still enjoy a good ‘blast’ up the canter track.
Booth Top or Back Forest are both half day rides suitable for riders only who are capable of controlling their horse at all paces in open country, the canters are in relatively open spaces over some undulating ground. The ride is mornings only starting at 10.00am.
The Back Forest ride is a full day in length and again is suitable for riders only. The rides heads out towards Three Shires Head and then through Back Forest and over towards the beautiful Swythamley estate before circling round to Roach End and back home via a series of bridleways and lanes. Unfortunately due to a bridleway issue we cannot offer this ride at the moment.
The Day Ride crosses the A53 and follows the tracks and lanes over Booth Top and down towards Earl Sterndale where we stop on the village green for a picnic lunch whilst the horses take a rest. The ride is approximately 4 hours in the saddle plus a break at lunch. Clients need to be comfortable at all paces for this day ride as there are some longer stretches of canter/gallop.
A packed lunch and drink should be brought. We have saddle bags to carry lunch items but please be economical with packaging!
Normally starting at 10.30am or 2.00pm, depending on the length, all rides are accompanied by our own very competent / qualified staff who are only too willing to help the client regardless of ability. We have a wide variety (over 20) of mostly home bred horses and ponies, which will suit all ages and standards, from the first timer to the more experienced rider.
Individuals, large and small groups are all very welcome. Our minimum age is 8 years (unless they have had previous riding lessons). Our upper weight limit is approx. 16 stone, dressed to ride, please don’t be offended if you are asked to stand on the scales as the welfare of our horses is paramount. We can also cater for disabled riders but please contact us with individual requirements, subject to our own assessment.
We provide hats up to current BSI standard which are provided free of charge, all riders must wear a hat correctly secured. Suitable footwear should be worn – ideally with a smooth sole and small heel, (heavy hiking boots are not suitable). All stirrups are fitted with toe cages which allows for trainers to be worn safely – although we do not recommend them.
There is a selection of boots available which clients are welcome to borrow but we cannot guarantee that we will have your size!
Children’s body protectors are available to hire at £1
All riders are asked to complete a declaration form before they ride giving contact details, medical conditions, level of ability also height and weight.
We can organise corporate days, group outings and also cater for school groups, clubs and associations such as the Scouts and Guides.
As a BHS approved centre we also meet the criteria for Local Educational Authority activities.
Liz Andrews holds the internationally recognised British Equestrian Tourism Centre Manager qualification as well as the BHSAI and holds a current 1st Aid at work Certificate.
Lauren Preskey our Yard manager has a Bsc in Equine Management, UKCC level 3, First Aid at work as well as attending safeguarding courses.
All the staff are first aid trained and most have the BET qualification or have been trained to the equivalent level.
Riding School Licence No: RE0004
5* Rating
Issued by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to;
Margaret Elizabeth Andrews of Northfield Farm, Flash, Buxton. SK17 0SW
2026 Prices;
1hr £50.00
2hr £80.00
Half Day £110.00
Full Day £170.00
01298 22543 (short number) Please leave a message as we can’t always reach the phone in time!
E-mail; info@northfieldfarm.co.uk
