Traffic-free trails, bridleways and byways connect beautiful countryside and quiet villages through green hills and rugged open moorland.
Whether starting out on a new hobby, searching for new riding routes or looking for a riding adventure, you'll find the right path in Derbyshire.
Horse riding is a great activity to improve your fitness, get active and enjoy the countryside.
People of all abilities can have a go, just book a lesson at one of Derbyshire's many riding schools, or why not book a guided ride for a holiday activity or a birthday treat.
The British Horse Society or the Association of British Riding Schools have lists of approved riding schools in Derbyshire.
Derbyshire also has 3 Riding for the Disabled groups.
National network - Pennine Bridleway
The Pennine Bridleway is a 205 mile (330 km) long National Trail running through the Pennine hills from Derbyshire to Cumbria. It has been specially designed for horse riders and it's also a fantastic trail for mountain bikers and walkers.
Start from Hartington Station on the Tissington Trail - this is the promoted start point for horse riders. There is dedicated horsebox parking with a turning area, shelter, muck heap and picnic area. A small kiosk is available for refreshments during busy periods.
The route heads north from here along the Tissington and High Peak trails, and further north on bridleways and quiet roads over the high moors of the Dark Peak to Hayfield and Glossop.
The route takes in spectacular views over 48 miles through Derbyshire before heading into the northern counties.
The National Trail website has detailed route mapping, accommodation and a holiday guide.
Regional network - Greenways
More than 200km of off-road greenways now weave across Derbyshire for you to enjoy quiet traffic-free countryside on horse back.
Many of these routes follow old railway lines, some line Derbyshire's reservoirs and waterways, and others meander through the rich tapestry of stunning landscapes along upgraded bridleways and byways.
New routes are being developed all the time.
Community circuits
Riding circuits between 5 and 15 miles in length are available across Derbyshire.
Some suggestions are shown in the Horse Ride Derbyshire leaflet attached to this page.
Horse Ride Derbyshire
Our Horse Ride Derbyshire leaflet attached to this page gives tips on how to get started and where to get advice.
The map shows the best of the county's riding routes, locations of approved riding schools, horse box or trailer parking, and the leaflet information provides lots of contacts for different routes and organisations and tips for safe riding.
If you want a copy of the Horse Ride Derbyshire leaflet, call Gill Millward telephone: 01629 539656.
To request further information or to send us your comments, email countrysideservice@derbyshire.gov.uk
Horse riding in countryside sites and trails
We politely ask that riders refrain from cantering and galloping in our sites, except at the canter track at Tibshelf. Only walking and trotting is permitted on the trails and our countryside sites.