• Ancient castles offer a glimpse into Scotland's past.historic scotland image by Louise McGilviray from Fotolia.com
  
  Known as the birthplace of whiskey, kilts and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Scotland is a country steeped in history and tradition. Centuries-old castles dot the scenic landscape, while distilleries churn out barrels of the local brew. The country's rugged coastlines and rolling hills make it a spectacular location to tour on horseback.
  
  

Hidden Trails

• The Cairngorm Mountains, the Glenlivet Estate and the River Avon are just a sampling of the areas traversed on Hidden Trails' Glenlivet Ride. This six-day trip offers intermediate riders a tour of the Scottish Highlands as they can only be seen on the back of a horse. Riders head out after breakfast and ride five to six hours per day. Lunch stops include a picnic on the river and a tour of the famous Glenlivet distillery. Single-person rates start at $1,475 as of 2010 and include accommodations at a local bed and breakfast, the use of a horse and all meals.
  
  Hidden Trails
  
  659A Moberly Road
  
  Vancouver, BC V5Z 4B3
  
  1-888-9-TRAILS
  
  hiddentrails.com
  
  

Highlands Unbridled

• Touring Scotland on horseback enables riders to traverse land not accessible by car.scottish reflections image by Susan Hurds from Fotolia.com
  
  From rides along the coast to treks on Bonnie Prince Charlie Trail, Highlands Unbridled offers 10 separate riding vacation options. Camping trips, evening barbecue rides and winter holidays are also available. Ride lengths range from day trips to 16-day excursions that cover the three coasts of Scotland. Riders are permitted to bring their own or rent a horse and should expect to ride 15 to 25 miles per day. Vacation prices vary from $108 to in excess of $3,300, as of 2010. Rates include accommodations for the duration of the trip.
  
  Highlands Unbridled
  
  Keepers Cottage
  
  The Doll, Brora
  
  Sutherland, Scotland
  
  KW9 6NL
  
  011-01408-622789
  
  highlandsunbridled.co.uk
  
  

Highland Horseback

• Highland Horseback offers two vacation options: a 200-mile, eight-day ride and a 100-mile, four-day ride. The long ride traverses the Eastern and Western Highlands, the mountains of Kintail, and either Glen Feshie or Speyside, while the short ride takes horseback riders along routes from Glass to Kingussie or Kingussie to Kintail. The trips are designed for riders who have experience covering natural obstacles including flooded rivers and steep passes. Rides run June through September and range in price as of 2010 from $1,348 to $2,464. Rates include accommodations, use of a horse, necessary equipment and all meals.
  
  Highland Horseback
  
  Easter Bodylair
  
  Glass, Huntly
  
  Aberdeenshire, Scotland
  
  AB54 4XR
  
  marsbrookholidayideas.com