My name is Amaris, and one of the biggest draws of studying abroad in Scotland was the beautiful countryside. When I saw the Exmoor Pony Trekking advertisement in the Welcome Week catalog, I was so excited to book my trek. However, I (an unparalleled procrastinator), of course, waited until the last minute, and all the slots were taken. So, I checked the weather and booked myself a 1.5-2 hour intermediate/advanced trek for the week of (something). While the pricing might initially give pause to a uni student, I was surprised that it was only £37 for a non-member, which was comparatively low compared to many of the shorter, 1-hour treks I had been on, which usually ranged from £60-£80. The experience ended up being absolutely worth the price, and I am so grateful to have booked it!
However, the trip there was slightly hectic. After getting on the wrong bus, running back to the correct one, and just barely making it, I thought my navigation troubles were behind me. I was wrong. What was meant to be a 10-15 minute walk from the bus stop to the ranch ended up taking closer to 30 minutes due to my horrible sense of direction, a tragic Wi-Fi connection, and the unfortunately vague instructions on their website, which resembled something from Gandalf or Dumbledore. The map was much more helpful, but I didn’t have the foresight to screenshot it, so I was left with the directions. My only tip: follow the path on the street next to the golf course—not the path directly on the edge of the course, as the website seems to suggest. That path takes about 6 minutes, leads to a dead end, and you’ll absolutely WILL have to turn back. It may seem right at first- it is not.
Once I finally made sense of where I was, I realized (to my horror) that it would take me 13 minutes to walk there, and I had only 4 minutes until my appointment. Since the website emphasized the importance of punctuality to avoid holding up the group, I sprinted full-speed, passing a Highland cow, a new pony who I later learned was quarantining before its medical tests, and the beautiful views that I would appreciate much more on my significantly slower walk back down. When I did arrive at the ranch (only two minutes late but on the verge of collapsing), I realized I was the only trekker and met the kindest ride leaders. While I recuperated in the shed, they saddled up the pony and offered me the chance to brush and pet them a bit!
Although I had ridden before, the ride leaders were very helpful in reviewing how to mount, dismount, and the necessary arm positions while holding the reins. I ended up riding Izzy, and the following ride was the most amazing trek I have ever been on. The treks I have previously been on have been in large groups (10-15 people) and only last about an hour. However, the leaders made sure that the trek lasted the whole two hours, and I could not have been more grateful. I had not yet been in the countryside in Edinburgh and was awestruck by the beauty of the hills, flowers, and stunning views of the city and sea.
When I was already getting embarrassed by my inability to stop smiling, we were met by a small herd of deer and later the most beautiful groups of orange and black highland cows! I had never seen a highland cow that close and was amazed. They were so cute! I am not the greatest cow enthusiast, but these were definitely some of the cutest cows I had seen! As it was an intermediate to advanced trek, we trotted for most of the ride, occasionally breaking into a canter. The moments when we cantered were the peak of my romanticization of my trip, making me feel like I was in some Medieval fantasy.
I was surprised to find out that the treks carry on into the end of term, stopping for Christmas. I am definitely planning to go again towards the end of October to catch the beautiful autumn colors, and in December, to hopefully catch a winter snowfall. I would highly recommend that anyone studying abroad or full-time add at least one trek to their checklist to complete the Scottish experience!
Sidenote: While walking back, be sure to say hi to the highland cows that are to the left of the fork in the road at the end of the golf course. You’ll get the cutest photos! Here’s my proof:
The cutie Highland “coos” you get to see on the way.
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