We climb through high forests, traverse swaying lowland hay fields and wade through slow-flowing streams, stopping to take the picnic lunches from our saddlebags to eat in pretty, flower-strewn meadows; wild strawberries ripen in the sun and the scent of wild mint hangs heavy in the air. At the end of each long day in the saddle, we return to base for dinner - meals are composed of largely home-grown, local produce - and well-earned rest in comfortable, spacious en suite bedrooms.