Icelandic adventures by horseback

Join Equine Adventures on a 6-day riding adventure, rounding-up horses in the north of Iceland. Riders participate in the old tradition of driving the free running herd down from highland summer pastures, through spectacular untouched wilderness, across a varied terrain of highland moors and green valleys, passing blue lakes and crossing wide salmon rivers, before returning to cosy farmhouse accommodation.

As the pound is currently looking good against the Icelandic Krona the time to book this popular tour is now – the tour departs Reykjavík 10th and 30th September 2009.

From Reykjavik, transfer to a guesthouse in time for a welcome dinner before driving north to Bjargsholl Farm next day. Here, get acquainted with the Icelandic horses and their special gaits, and meet the guides before the adventure begins. Extra horses are taken along to enable guests and staff to change mounts at least once a day. Ride through the beautiful Fitjardalur and Vioidalur valleys, cross the Vioidalsa River and continue to Daeli Holiday Farm, base for the next 3-nights.

Next, ascend Vioidalstunguheioi plateau to meet the horses coming down from their pastures in the highlands. Stop for a warming lunch at a mountain shelter, then join the farmers to continue the drive. Back at base, enjoy an evening of celebrating this great autumn event. After breakfast, participate in sorting horses into pens before the auction then ride back to Bjargsholl Farm, turning out equine companions in the meadows, and transferring to Daeli for a hearty dinner.

Return to Reykjavik in time to take in the city’s sights or enjoy an optional tour to the Blue Lagoon before homeward flights next day.

Riders need to be reasonably fit as days can be long and the pace includes the ‘tolt’ (a 5th gait, unique to Icelandic horses and comparable to a running walk).

The tour costs £680 p/p (land only) including airport transfers, guesthouse accommodation, most meals and all riding.

For more information and bookings, log on to Equineadventures.co.uk.