Things to Do Near The Forest Side Hands on Heavy Horses

Explore the beauty of Cumbria from a different perspective with Clydesdale horse riding experiences in the Lake District.
Hands On Heavy Horses can be found at Whasdyke Farm, a traditional Lakeland hill farm, nestling a mile from Windermere as the crow flies, but you wouldn’t know it! Just a short distance from The Forest Side, the farm is separated from the multitudinous throng by a little bit of a hill… so tranquillity reigns.
The farm has a long history with Clydesdales, indeed it was the last in the area to work these magnificent beasts, before the then owners turned to the tractor. Happily, however, the farm once more resounds with the sounds made by these amazing animals, alongside the mooing of the farm’s Luing beef cattle and bleating of their rough fell sheep.
Horse riding in the Lake District from Whasdyke Farm offers the opportunity to explore open fell and a network of single-track lanes. There are a number of package options including half-day and full-day rides during your time with Hands On Heavy Horses you’ll get to share the day with your horse, care for them, get to know them and allow them in return to show you the beauty and serenity of the Lakeland fells. They will look after you, challenge you and leave you with a day full of laughs and lasting memories.

Horse Riding Experiences in the Lake District

Half Day Riding Experience: start at 10am and run until 2.30pm
Best suited for riders who might find a full day just too exhausting or for rides during off season when there’s less daylight. £160 per rider
Full Day Riding Experience: start at 9.30am and run until 4.30pm
The closest you’ll get to owning your own horse for the day. Best suited if you have riding ability and are confident around horses. £250 per rider

To make sure you get the most out of your day, owner Debbie will be with you through every stage, to offer guidance and advice and a great riding experience. Debbie is a BHSAI instructor awarded by the British Horse Society. The BHSAI is an internationally recognised coaching qualification and acknowledging that the holder has the required level of knowledge, skill and coaching ability to provide tuition to riders.
If you are thinking of treating a younger person to a day at Hands On Heavy Horses, please contact the team to discuss the child’s previous experience with horses and also their size to ensure suitability. Minimum age is 13.

A Great Day Out about Grasmere

Key Information

  • A 39-minute, 14-mile drive from the Forest Side
  • British Horse Society Accredited Instructors (BHSAI) Accredited
  • Half day and full day packages available
  • Riding tuition on a one to one’ basis, but we can accommodate up to riders at a time if they have riding experience.
  • Minimum rider age is 13

Prices and Booking

Hands on Heavy Horses

Prices

Half Day Riding Experience: start at 10am and run until 2.30pm
£160 per rider
Full Day Riding Experience: start at 9.30am and run until 4.30pm
£250 per rider

Location

Blackmoss Lane
Windermere
LA23 1JN

Contact

Hands on Heavy Horses

Windermere

Explore the beauty of Cumbria from a different perspective with Clydesdale horse riding experiences.

39 mins
14 miles
4 hrs
11.7 miles
More Details
Hands on Heavy Horses

Rydal Mount

Rydal Mount, can be found in the heart of the Lake District, between Ambleside and Grasmere.

8 mins
3.1 miles
54 mins
2.5 miles
More Details
Rydal Mount

Dove Cottage

Grasmere

Visit the charming Dove Cottage in Grasmere, one of William Wordsworth’s former homes.

3 mins
0.8 miles
16 mins
0.8 miles
More Details
Dove Cottage

Allan Bank

Grasmere

Allan Bank is a magical Georgian mansion, and yet another place directly inspired some of Wordsworth’s poetry.

5 mins
1 mile
0.9 miles
18 mins
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Allan Bank

St. Oswald's Church

Grasmere

St Oswald’s Church is brim full of history, with links to poetry in the form of William Wordsworth...

4 mins
1.1 miles
0.8 miles
15 mins
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St. Oswald's Church

Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

Grasmere

Visit the Grasmere Gingerbread shop, a short walk from The Forest Side...

4 mins
1.1 miles
15 mins
0.8 miles
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Grasmere Gingerbread Shop