Five of the best beaches to ride a horse on in Scotland

Scotland has wonderful beaches and there are many great riding stables.
West Sands, St Andrews. Picture:  Joan MurfittWest Sands, St Andrews. Picture:  Joan Murfitt
West Sands, St Andrews. Picture: Joan Murfitt

But where can you find both in close proximity? We hunt down the best places for a ride beside the waves.

Edenside Stables, St AndrewsBe a chariot of fire on horseback and gallop along the famous West Sands or through Tentsmuir Forest. Edenside Riding Stables is close by and they also run Own a Pony Days where children can see what it's like to have a pony in a working yard.

Shared rides from £30.

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Seacliff Stables, North BerwickJust a short journey from Edinburgh are the Seacliff Stables where depending on the time of tides, you can gallop along the beach. 'The horses are really chilled about the beach,' says the owner, Carol.

Shared rides £35 and private rides £45.

Gairloch Trekking Centre, GairlochThere are no roads involved in this route and they take trekkers through fields and onto Redpoint Beach. “A lot of people say they can ride but when you put them on a horse they're not very good. I have to think of the horse first. We take riders at a slow, steady and safe pace, a nice leisurely stroll,” said Danielle Warren, owner.

Group rides are priced at £23 for one hour and Gairloch Trekking Centre will reopen in June.

Halymyres Stables, StonehavenIt's not possible to ride on the beach at Stonehaven as the town lives up to its name. However the Halymyres Stables offer a trip to the beautiful St Cyrus beach which is five miles long. “It's a beautiful hack behind the dunes and then down on to this often photographed beach,” said Lorna, the owner.

£80 for a four hour hack including a packed lunch.

Equus Riding, BurgheadEquus Riding take riders onto the beautiful Roseisle Beach, with a hack through the forest and onto the beach.

A two hour trek is priced at £45 per person.