Spain’s Pyrenees Mountains.
Our gateway to the Spanish Pyrenees is Barcelona in Catalonia, one of the 17 ancient kingdoms that together make up modern Spain. It shares a border with France in the north, Andorra and Aragon (as in “Catherine of Aragon” – Henry VIII’s first wife) and the Mediterranean. This is the perfect area for the adventurous rider because it contains modern cities, pristine mountains, untouched wilderness areas and unspoilt Mediterranean beaches.
But the real treat is the breed of horse we will be riding, the Andalusian. Muscular, athletic and sensitive, this breed is the foundation stock for many of the breeds in Europe and the Americas. It is used for everything from dressage to cow working, with driving and show jumping in between. It’s the breed that our own thoroghbred and the American Quarter Horse have been derived from. It’s even the breed favoured by Hollywood for fantasy epics and romantic blockbusters! Looking for the ultimate breed? I think you just found it!
Ride summary
The ride begins in agricultural pastureland; enters the national park which is hilly, rising up to the Pyrennees. Max altitude is 700 metres. Some river crossings and there are several opportunities to swim with your horse in lakes. Frequent level sections with smooth trails for a faster pace. Riders should be happy to get over natural obstacles such as rivers, gullies and dips.
Pace: walk 60%; trot 25%; canter/gallop 10%, 5% leading horses down steep descents.
Horse Breed: Andalusian and Andalusian cross.
Tack: English and trekking saddles
Rider’s involvement: groom and tack your horse; untack during breaks. Guides available to advise and assist if necessary.
Day-by-day Itinerary
Introduction
This ride takes place in Catalonia which is in the extreme NE of Spain, right up against the French border. The horses are well-mannered Andalusian stock. Four nights are spent in “casa rurales” which is best translated as farmhouse B&B and two night camping. We explore some pristine Pyrennean wilderness and have several opportunities to swim, sometimes (where access allows) with your horse.
Sun 10th June 2012.
Day 1: Getting there.
We fly from London to Barcelona and transfer to our base, La Palma, a country farmhouse inn with a large pool situated on the bank of the Fluvia river which will be home for our first two nights. A delicious evening meal and overnight stay with views of the surrounding horse meadows and forests.
Mon 11th June
Day 2: Mediterranean jungle
We set off from the stables at Mas Alba riding through mixed oak and pine forests on secluded paths surrounded by the lovely quietness of woodland. Unexpectedly, we find our first pool deep within this Mediterranean forest and stop for a picnic and swim. Surprisingly, this area is not unlike the forests of Costa Rica!
In the afternoon we return to "La Palma". Not only does this inn has a swimming pool but also a sauna for those aching ab’s!
Tue 12th June
Day 3: Pyrenees
With long canters we pass through the broad valley of the river Fluvia and up into the foot hills of the Pyrenees before re-entering country that becomes more wooded as we ascend. Deep within the forest the mountain stream Manol broadens out to form a large natural pool where we have a picnic and another opportunity to swim.
In the afternoon our Spanish horses climb safely and diligently over a pass (550m) with a fantastic panoramic view of the high peaks of the Pyrenees. We stay overnight at Can Mas, a beautiful casa rural (rural inn) which also has a swimming pool.
Wed 13th June
Day 4: The Turquoise pool
Deeper and deeper we ride into the Garrotxa nature reserve till we reach an area of impressive limestone outcrops. We descend to the most beautiful natural pool in the Pre-Pyrenees, with turquoise river water where (to continue the theme!) we stop for a picnic lunch and swim!
In the afternoon we climb back into the higher Pyrennes into a zone of chestnut and cork trees. On these higher paths (700m) there are beautiful views of the Mediterranean away to the east.
In the heart of the Pyrenees we stay overnight in a pretty campsite Can Roquet surrounded by mountain peaks. Once again there’s a pool! Supper is served on the terrace with fantastic panoramic views. The tents we provide are large and spaceous (twin share)
Thur 14th June
Day 5: Swimming with the horses
Today’s trail leads through a cork oak forest which gives out a silver, shimmering light. The sandy ground invites lively canters and soon we reach our bathing place. It's a dream come true: the horses can access this lake and we can swim alongside them!
After a siesta we follow the lake shore around and return to Can Roquet camp.
Fri 15th June
Day 6: Winelands
We ride to Perelada, the centre of wine growing region, and in the afternoon visit the enormous castle and private library of the monastery which adjoins it. In the castle's wine cellars you will be impressed by the quality of both the wine and the cava. We stay in a beautifully restored farmhouse with hosts Fina and Pere.
Sat 16th June
Day 7: Home
We say our goodbyes to the horses and hosts and return to Barcelona airport for the flight back to London.
Accommodation (Based on twin share; single occupancy option available for additional fee.
Family run farmhouse B&B 4 nights
Camping 2 nights Cross-cultural awareness: The Catalans are proud of their heritage and language. They are Catalans first, and Spanish second! The food, language and customs are quite distinct from other parts of Spain.
Rider’s weight: (max) 90kg
Guides: an English speaking professional guide accompanies the group throughout.