Red Point – Pony Trekking by the Sea Near Gairloch
A few hours.
The route
Gairloch Trekking Centre keeps its well-mannered native ponies and horses on a croft by the sea at Red Point, south-west of Gairloch.
Treks run from a quarter of an hour to an hour or more, with lead-rein walk-outs for little ones and longer rides for anyone who wants more time in the saddle. It's a gentle, lovely way to see this end of Wester Ross.
Before you go
Book accommodation nearby
If you are staying over: here are ours nearest where the day starts and ends.
Book Trek at Gairloch Trekking Centre
Book a trek at Gairloch Trekking Centre on 01445 741743 before you go, as treks run at set times: from £17.75 for a quarter of an hour at the time of writing, a weight limit of 87 kg, no credit cards, and ring before setting out in winter, as it does not publish its season.
The day
Red Point
A hat fitted, a pony matched to you, and time in the saddle on a quiet croft by the sea.
About two hours
Gairloch Trekking Centre
Gairloch Trekking Centre is at Croft 3, Red Point (IV21 2AX), south-west of Gairloch. Treks run at set times, so book ahead on 01445 741743. Arrive 20 minutes early to have a hat fitted, fill in the rider form and be weighed for the horses' sake: the limit is 87 kg (about 13 stone 10 pounds) including boots and jacket. A trek costs £17.75 for a quarter of an hour, £25.50 for half an hour, £33.50 for three-quarters and £38.75 for an hour, at the time of writing. For young or nervous riders there are lead-rein walk-outs, accompanied where needed. Waterproofs, riding boots and body protectors can be hired. Bring cash or another way to pay, as the centre takes no credit cards. It doesn't post its season online, so ring before setting out in winter.
If it rains
Waterproofs can be hired at the centre; in heavy rain or wind, ring before setting out.
Photograph by Sue Carroll via Google