Peers Clough Packhorses:

Mary Towneley Loop

 The Mary Towneley Loop runs through hill farms and wooded valleys, along historic   packhorse trails and across wild open scenery, giving a glimpse of a rich agricultural and industrial heritage.

                         For more information  visit www.nationaltrail.co.uk

The 5 day ride travels clockwise and is taken at a leisurely pace, although there may be some opportunities for trot and canter. This means 2 /3hours in the saddle before lunch, and a similar time after, covering approximately 10  miles a day. 

The 4 day ride travels anti-clockwise and has three short days and one long day.

Please ring us for dates to suit you.

Itinerary: 5 day ride

Day 1:   Arrival p.m; settle in and meet the ponies.

Relax and enjoy a home-cooked evening meal in our cosy farmhouse.

Day 2:    

Breakfast; briefing meeting. Groom and tack up before departure. Ride northwards from Peers Clough through farms and moorland, stopping at the Lady Towneley memorial stone for photos .Lunch at the Ram Inn, Holme Chapel.  Leave ponies at livery stables and transfer for night’s accommodation  back at Peers Clough Farm.

Day 3:

Breakfast and transfer to livery stables.   Ride through the limestone hushings and past reservoirs to meet the ancient packhorse trail of Gorple Road. Picnic lunch. Continue to ride east into Yorkshire along scenic bridleways.

Arrive at Badger Fields in Blackshaw Head for wonderful welcome, plentiful evening meal and comfortable overnight accommodation.

Day 4:

Ride through woodland and stunning and dramatic scenery, past the Stoodley Pike monument to the villages of Lumbutts and Mankinholes.

Lunch at The Top Brink or picnic.

Ride on to Walsden for  evening meal and stay at “ Highlands ”

Outdoor swimming pool available! 

Day 5:

Ride a steep ascent for stunning views across Summit and then through undulating moorland for a picnic stop near Watergrove Reservoir.

After lunch you may see Fell ponies roaming wild across the moors and golf course! Leave ponies at livery and transfer for night’s accommodation  back at Peers Clough Farm.

Day 6:

Ride through Healey Dell nature reserve and up across the ancient route and cobbled stones of Rooley Moor Road to the highest point of the ride, with fabulous views of local towns. Descend into the village of Waterfoot and return to Peers Clough for late lunch.

Farewell and departure

To find out more about the Mary Towneley Loop and our accommodation providers, visit www.towneleytrailriding.co.uk

All accommodation and meals subject to availability.