Wildcatter Ranch, Graham

Location

Seven miles southeast of the city of Graham and within striking distance of Fort Worth and Dallas, the ranch is an excellent introduction to the beauty of the North Texas Hill Country. This is not Texas as you know it, as hiking trails weave between the verdant fields and wildflower pockets of this undulating landscape. Enjoy a private ride with one of Wildcatter’s cowboys along the 25 miles of horseback trails.

Accommodation

The ranch features 41 guest rooms located throughout its 1,500-acre ranch, perfect for a romantic getaway. Gabled Cabin Suites with handcrafted beds, stone fireplaces and beamed ceilings are a particular highlight while the wrought iron beds of the Hotel Rooms are equally evocative. There are also the rocking chairs, plush leather sofas and porch of OT’s Cabin & Homestead. Groups will prefer Herron Bend. This sprawling property features a courtyard pool and hot tub, patio barbecue, a country range kitchen, cinema and even a games room complete with poker and pool table.

Dining

The ranch’s restaurant serves gourmet takes on traditional, Texan favourites. Tuck into bacon wrapped, stuffed jalapenos and barbecue dip to start before moving on to mains of pulled pork, hand-cut, Mesquite grilled steaks and chicken fried steaks. This can all be washed down with a choice of wine from Napa Valley, California’s infamous wine country. For breakfast, enjoy fluffy eggs, sausages, Texan biscuits and orange juice or ‘O.J.’, as our trans-Atlantic cousins prefer.

Facilities

After taking to the ranch’s trails, hop onto a wagon ride to feed the resident cattle or a Jeep tour, where a knowledgeable local guide will educate you on the area’s civil war and Native American history. To get into the spirit of things, book into an archery course or try your hand at clay shooting. However, if that’s all too much, there’s always the infinity pool, hot tub and a full range of massage services if you’re aching after your horse ride.