Spain - Andorra Trail
This adventurous trail ride covers the Mediterranean coast into the Pyrenees Mountains, riding in Spain and Andorra along the way. During the route you will climb a total of 11,000ft. You need to be physically fit to enjoy the challenges this journey brings along the way.
The Pyrenees are older than the Alps and this trail ride takes you into some remote areas only accessible on foot or by horseback. Starting from the horses base you make your way towards the main crest of the Pyrenees which is the massive divider between France and Spain. You finally end in the tiny country of Andorra which is sandwiched in between. This is an expedition for those with a great spirit of adventure and love of nature and the wilderness.
Please note that you are often required to get off and lead your horse on all days of this trail. Sometimes the ground can be rocky and uneven and you will be required to hike both up and downhill over difficult terrain. It is essential that you ride in hiking boots that provide ankle support and have non-slip soles that you can safely and comfortably walk long distances in.
Please note that air jacket style body protectors are not permitted on this trip. Normal body protectors are welcome.
The horses are mainly Spanish horses ridden in English tack. They are fit and forward going.
To join this challenging trail you should be an experienced rider fit enough for between 4 to 8 hours (and more if there are problems) in the saddle each day. You should be confident at all paces riding a forward going and responsive horse outdoors. The trail goes at a fast pace and there are plenty of trots and canters where the terrain permits. You are guided by an experienced mountain guide but there is no back-up rider to assist and so each rider must be capable of looking after themselves independently and keeping up both on foot and on horseback.
Please note that you are required to get off and lead your horse on all days of this trail. Sometimes the ground can be rocky and uneven and you will be required to hike both up and downhill at times. It is essential that you ride in hiking boots which provide ankle support and have non-slip soles that you can safely and comfortably walk long distances in.
You are expected to groom, tack up and untack your horse each day and you must be able to mount unaided from the ground. Rider weight limit is 85kg.
Please note that air jacket style body protectors are not permitted on this trip. Normal body protectors are welcome.
Accommodation is very basic and you stay in a combination of guesthouses, shepherd refuges and wilderness outdoor camps made up of simple dome tents with a backup crew transporting the camp luggage by vehicle.
Shower facilities are only available on 5 of the 12 nights and 1 night is spent dormitory style alongside your fellow riders.
Each day you will be fully involved with your fellow guests and helping with the horses. You will also need to pitch and take down your own tent and participate in general camp chores such as preparing and clearing away the meals, as there is a small back-up crew.
| Holiday | Experience LevelExp Lvl | Arrive - DepartArr - Dep | Price | Itinerary | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andorra Trail | 12 Jun 2023 - 24 Jun 2023 | 12 nights 12 ngts | $4,167.26 |
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Full | |
| Andorra Trail | 24 Jul 2023 - 5 Aug 2023 | 12 nights 12 ngts | $4,167.26 |
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Book | |
| Andorra Trail | 28 Aug 2023 - 9 Sep 2023 | 12 nights 12 ngts | $4,167.26 |
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Book |
INCLUDES 5 nights in hotel/guesthouse accommodation; 7 nights in tents or mountain refuges; horse and guide; 11 days half board (picnic lunches including water and wine); dinner on arrival and breakfast on departure.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT The supplement for a single tent for the duration of the trip is $84.70 and 8 nights in accommodation is $361.39. Please note in addition to the accommodation above, 1 night is spent in a multi-person tent and 3 nights are in shared room in mountain refuges.
Single rooms cannot always be guaranteed though booked. If a previously confirmed single room is not available, the guest is entitled to a refund of the price paid for those nights surcharge.
PAYABLE LOCALLY Lunches or dinners €320 payable locally.
NEAREST AIRPORT Barcelona.
TRANSFERS Shared transfers (set time only). Transfers are payable locally at €75 per person each way from or to Barcelona.
NOT INCLUDED Flights to Barcelona.
There are organised transfers from Barcelona Airport.
The standard collection time from Barcelona Airport is 17:30 (so flights should be scheduled to arrive before 16:30). Return flights at the end of the ride should depart Barcelona after 14:30.
This ride starts and ends in Catalonia. The trail continues into the Pyrenees Mountains and Andorra.
This is a mountain ride and so the weather is changeable; you need to be prepared for all weathers and we provide a detailed equipment list.
Really well trained horses. It was a really hard ride - but one could feel that the horses were fit for the trail. The level of information before the holiday was really on a high level Fantastic Riding Holiday. Superbly organised, really challenging terrain, incredible horses - stunningly beautiful nature! YOU do not sit so much in the saddle (as you climb up and down all the time), so don't be afraid of a sore bottom.
Tora ,
Conditions can change in these mountains so a flexible and open approach to the trip is essential. Really comfortable footwear is a must have too and don't forget your swimsuit for those mountain lake swims.
In The Saddle says
This is an amazing expedition for those with a great spirit of adventure and a love of being outside alongside the nature and the wilderness that these mountains offer.