PACK PONY WALKS
GUIDED WALKS WITH PACK PONIES
SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2026 | MONACHYLE MHOR HOTEL
PACK PONY ADVENTURES
Hosted by RVIVAL at Monachyle Mhor.
"Once you have gained their trust a Fell will do almost anything you ask. They are hardy and courageous."
Tom Lloyd, owner of the Hades Hill Herd.
Join us for a series of walks and talks with pack ponies, and discover the disappearing tradition of travelling on foot with ponies who once carried goods and supplies across mountain passes.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the heritage of this remarkable breed, the historic herd they descend from, and the vital role pack ponies played in connecting remote communities.
Monachyle Glen | Pack Pony Short Walk | Gentle Walk
Explore the Monachyle Glen with the RVIVAL team and their pack ponies, along the way discovering their traditional working heritage.
Monachyle Glen | Pack Pony Long Walk | Moderate - Hard
Walk the surrounding the hills with the RVIVAL team and pack ponies, along the way discovering their traditional working heritage.
Monachyle Glen | Pack Pony Short Walk | Gentle Walk
Explore the Monachyle Glen with the RVIVAL team and their pack ponies, along the way discovering their traditional working heritage.
Monachyle Glen | Pack Pony Long Walk | Moderate - Hard
Walk the surrounding the hills with the RVIVAL team and pack ponies, along the way discovering their traditional working heritage.
Request a date.
If none of the above dates work for you, just get in touch with the team and we’ll do our best to add dates that suit you.
SHORT WALKS
These short walks are designed to give you the opportunity to explore the stunning Monachyle Glen.
This is a gentle walk, staying on paved and obvious tracks for the entire route. At the halfway point, there will be a warming fire, hot drinks, and sweet snacks for you to enjoy while taking in the views of the impressive glen. For those feeling adventurous, there will also be the opportunity for a guided wild swim in the loch.
These short walks are suitable for all ages and abilities, with a slow and steady pace throughout.
LONG WALK
The longer walk is a more moderate to challenging route, taking you up into the surrounding hills of Monachyle Braes.
At the halfway point, you’ll enjoy a seasonal soup with Monachyle sourdough, along with sweet treats and hot drinks, served picnic-style. There will also be an opportunity for a refreshing swim in the burn.
This walk is open to all ages, but please note that some sections can be steep. The ponies will carry packs and can take any extra layers or belongings for you.
ABOUT TRADITIONAL PACK PONIES
The ponies joining us are from Tom Lloyds herd of Hades Hill Fell Ponies are known for their resilience, strength, and calm temperament. Bred and worked by the Lloyd family since 1957, when Walter Lloyd first established the herd, these ponies have long been used for traditional tasks such as driving, pack carrying, timber hauling, and conservation grazing. They’ve travelled extensively, pulling bow-top wagons to Appleby Fair, transporting loads through the Howgill and Cumbrian Fells, and supporting multi-day expeditions across remote hill country. Living year-round on open fell land, they are hardy, sure-footed, and perfectly adapted to upland terrain.
Tom Lloyd, who now leads the herd from his base above Morecambe Bay, continues a proud family tradition with a small team of working ponies. As your guide on the pack pony trek, he offers a hands-on experience, sharing the heritage and skills that have been passed down through generations.
In 2022, Eliza took Pansy (pictured) on a journey across the length of the Scottish Highlands—a trek that deeply inspired the founding of RVIVAL. The experience shaped her vision to equip people with the skills and tools needed to slow down and reconnect with nature.
FAQs
All walks will start and end at Monachyle Mhor Hotel.
Everyone is welcome for either of the walks, we have an option of shorter or longer walks you can choose from.
We would categorised the short walks as 'easy' and the long walk as 'moderate - hard'.
Yes, dogs are welcome, our ponies are used to being around dogs - but all dogs must be well-behaved, under control and on leads at all times.
Yes, accommodation is available at both Monachyle Mhor Hotel and Mhor 84 Motel. To book, please contact the hotel or motel directly.
Monachyle Mhor Hotel: monachylemhor.net
Mhor 84 Motel: mhor84.net/
We believe the weather should never limit your time in nature. Instead, we adapt the experience or add shelter as needed to ensure you remain comfortable and can fully enjoy your time with us.
Experiences will go ahead as planned unless weather conditions become unsafe, such as during lightning or extreme flooding, in which case we’ll make alternative arrangements.
Please check the weather ahead of time and pack appropriate clothing.
Yes, all ages are welcome.
Upon booking on of the walks, you will receive a confirmation email outlining everything you need to know.
