Spain - Pyrenean Adventures
The Herdsman’s Trail is a six night trial which follows old herding routes to the high summer pastures. Along the way the scenery changes from soft rolling hills, through beech forests, canyons and past extinct volcanoes to flat topped mountains.
The Bandit Trail is a seven night mountainous trail, based on the stories of the famous “bandolero” Joan Sala Serrallonga, the Catalonian Robin Hood. The landscape here is more dramatic; eagles soar as they search for prey and waterfalls cascade off the edge of sheer canyon walls.
The Fresh & Saltwater Trail is a sporty six night trail alongside the crystal clear streams and lakes of the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean Sea. A highlight of the trail is that there is usually an opportunity to swim every day and on one day with your horse (weather permitting). There is some camping on this trail.
The Outlaw Trail is the most challenging of all these itineraries and follows a circular route into France and back through the Pyrenees mountains.
The horses are mainly Andalusian horses ridden in simple English bridles and locally designed trail saddles. They are forward going, responsive, and know their job.
These mountain trails are for fit and experienced riders only. There are long hours in the saddle each day, and you should be confident at all paces riding a forward going horse.
The pace is varied and there are opportunities for trots, canters and gallops.
Please note that it is necessary to lead your horse on foot on some sections of the trails. We recommend you ride in boots that provide ankle support, and have non-slip soles that you can comfortably walk in.
The Outlaw Trail has five to eight hours of riding each day. You will be required to lead your horse on foot both up and down hill each day and it can be for long periods at a time.
The Herdsman's Trail has four to seven hours of riding each day. You will be required to lead your horse on foot for around 50 minutes on five days.
The Fresh & Saltwater Trail again has four to seven hours of riding. You will be required to lead your horse on foot for up to 45 minutes on three days.
The Bandit Trail has four to seven hours of riding. You will be required to lead your horse on foot for up to 40 minutes on three days.
Weight limit is 90kg.
These are participatory riding holidays and you are expected to groom and tack up your horse in the morning and at lunchtime, as well as making sure they are settled into their corral at the end of the day.
Please note that the Ride Operator does not permit any rider to wear an air jacket. Normal body protectors are welcome.
The accommodation includes rural guesthouses and small hotels. On most rides the horses are corralled in nearby paddocks and you walk a short distance to your accommodation for the night.
Twin and double rooms are available and in most cases these have private bathrooms, although the bathroom is not always adjoining. Occasionally two bedrooms may share a bathroom.
One of the places you might stay in is a renovated old mill which has small apartments. These have a double bed on a balcony and two beds downstairs with one bathroom. This may be booked as two single rooms.
If you request a single room or end up in a single room by default, then a single supplement applies and is payable locally.
The Fresh & Saltwater Trail has three nights of camping.
| Holiday | Experience LevelExp Lvl | Arrive - DepartArr - Dep | Price | Itinerary | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outlaw Trail (7 nights) | 15 Oct 2023 - 22 Oct 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $2,209.05 |
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Full | |
| Bandit Trail | 22 Oct 2023 - 29 Oct 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $2,209.05 |
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Book | |
| Bandit Trail | 29 Oct 2023 - 5 Nov 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $2,209.05 |
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Book | |
| Bandit Trail | 5 Nov 2023 - 12 Nov 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $2,209.05 |
|
Full | |
| Outlaw Trail (7 nights) | 12 Nov 2023 - 19 Nov 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $2,209.05 |
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Book | |
| Bandit Trail | 12 Nov 2023 - 19 Nov 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $2,209.05 |
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Book |
The rides require a minimum of four people booked to confirm to run. It may be possible to guarantee a departure with fewer people on payment of a small group supplement (payable locally). Please contact us to enquire about small group supplement prices.
INCLUDES Accommodation; riding; all meals are provided with wine. There is a cash contribution for catering which must be paid locally to the guide.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Single rooms are subject to availability and not guaranteed. If you request a single or end up in a single by default, the supplement of €40 per night applies and is payable locally.
PAYABLE LOCALLY Entrance fees to museums and monuments; drinks/food in bars; drinks (alcoholic and soft); coffee at dinner; single supplements; airport transfers; contribution towards meals (€150 - €180); tips.
NEAREST AIRPORT Girona. Transfers can also be arranged from Barcelona.
TRANSFERS Shared transfers are at set times only. They are payable locally in cash.
Outlaw Trail: transfers are €60 per person each way for Barcelona and €45 per person each way for Girona.
Fresh & Saltwater Trail: transfers are €75 per person each way for Barcelona and €60 per person each way for Girona.
Herdsmen's Trail and Bandit Trail: transfers are €75 per person each way for Barcelona and €75 per person each way for Girona.
If you cannot meet the shared transfer times, taxis can be arranged at a cost of €80 - €120 per vehicle (one-way) for Girona or €240 - €280 (one-way) for Barcelona.
NOT INCLUDED International flights to Girona or Barcelona.
There are organised transfers from both Barcelona and Girona Airports.
Flights to Barcelona should be scheduled to arrive before 16:30 and arrive by 17:45 to Girona. Return flights at the end of the ride should depart after 14:30 from both Barcelona and Girona.
These rides are in Catalonia the easternmost part of Spain bordering on France and Andorra.
These are mountain rides and so the weather is changeable; it will be warmer near the coast.
Lovely riding through the forests and being abe to stop for lunch and swim. Wonderful. Great holiday.
James ,Northants
Overall rating: 5/5
