PATHS OF THE HERDSMEN - SPAIN
more photos | enquiry | availability check | ride reviews
This horse riding holiday offers great variety of scenery between the sea, mediterranean valleys and alpine mountain meadows as well as comfortable and family-run accommodation, delicious Catalan cuisine and excellent riding on Andalusian horses. Still today shepherds pass through the north-eastern part of Catalonia. In wintertime the herds stay in the mild coastal areas and in summertime they make their way up towards the Pyrenees. Round polished, soft „high mountain hills“ contrast with wild and bizarre rock formations. Deep forests and open alpine meadows determine the landscape. This diverse trip through the quiet and remote land of shepherds. An extraordinary and unforgettable experience for fit and adventurous horse riders.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - PATHS OF THE HERDSMEN
Day 1
Catalonia: Arrival in Barcelona or Girona and transfer to our base, Mas Alba, a typical Catalan farmhouse. Overnight stay with views of the surrounding horse meadows and forests. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting. What a place to start your holiday...
Day 2
Camino Real: We pass through the hilly countyside of the Pre-pyrenees and follow the river Fluvia in the direction of the mountain son the old herdmen´s way of the sheperd Juan. The pretty villages of the Alt Empordan are impressive witnesses of a stupendous past. In a glade, near the river, our friendly “Catalan Buffalo” meets us with a glass of Cava and a plentiful set table. After our siesta we ride quickly to our comfortable accommodation Can Felicia on soft loamy paths. We conclude the day by the pool with a refreshing drink while Marta and Victor prepare our evening meal.
Day 3
Besalu: We come to the wild mountain hilly countryside of Garrotxa, passing through the medieval town of Besalu and going over the Romanic bridge of Llierca. We go for a swim in the turquoise sparkling pools and strengthen ourselves with a delicious picnic. Afterwards our Andalusian horses carry us safely over the pass of Santa Barbara. From the top we enjoy the fantastic panorama of the bizarre rock formations of the Garrotxa. Our destination is the small inn of Montse and Xavi. We can watch our peacefully grazing four-legged friends from the terrace of the inn. For dinner we have the speciality of the house- Spanish tortilla.
Day 4
Rocky hills of the Garrotxa: The valley of the Llierca lies in front of us with its strong lime rocks. Only the clapping of the hooves, the splashing of a stream or the calm sounds of the cow-bells interrupt the deep quietness of this secluded area. Birds of prey, reptiles and butterflies accompany us on our way. With some luck we will even see wild pigs or a badger. We will make a stop for our picnic sitting under two thousand years old oak trees. The turquoise water of the streams invites us for a refreshing dip.
In the afternoon we reach the picturesque mountain village of Beget, where we stay for the night. Our four-legged friends find a satisfying evening meal on the green mountain meadows.
Day 5
The realm of the herdsmen: Our horses carry us deeper into the Pyrenees. An ancient medieval merchant´s path takes us over the border into France. We leave the Prepyrenees. Beech, oak and chestnut forests cover the hills now. Beyond the forests, we reach the hilly meadows, the endless realm of the herdsmen. On the border, between France and Spain Buffalo prepares us an alpine picnic. The view of the surrounding three-thousand high mountains is tremendous. Over the lush flower and gentian meadows we arrive at our destination, the mountain village of Espinavell, at the foot of the magnificent mountain Costa Bona.
Day 6
The high mountains of the Pyrenees: We get up early today because we want to ascend high. Our horses carry us over the enormous cattle fields towards the peak. We meet happy cows, sheep and goats. Here and there a wild Pyreneean horse greets us. We are now in the high regions of the Pyrenees with their alpine character. Narcissi, iris, gentian and alpine roses transform the hilly meadows into carpets of flowers. We reach the high plateau of the Costa Bona, an endless steppe from grass and stone, at 2500 metres. The panorama is magnificent. To the west we see the highest peak of Catalonia and in the east, the Mediterranean shines in a deep blue. We make a siesta and observe a vulture family rising into the sky. We ride on secluded paths through this wonderful mountain paradise on a mountainous way down to the small town of Camprodon. While taking an evening walk through this nice place, the one or the other bar invites us to take a drink …
Day 7
Roman way of Capsacosta: We ride with resounding hoof-sounds through the town of Camprodon like the herdsmen Bayaso with his cows. We follow the mountain stream Ter and go through a glowing beech forest and then arrive at the old Roman way. What a feeling we have when we step onto this old stony street today … In Sant Salvador, Buffalo delights us with a wonderful picnic for the last time, before we end our trip in a small mountain hotel.
Day 8
Hasta la vista: After breakfast farewell and transfer to Girona or Barcelona or extension for a beach trail.
Important: Depending of the time of the year/ weather conditions and national holidays the trail can be ridden in both directions! There could be alterations to this programme.
NOTES - PATHS OF THE HERDSMEN
During the ride you will need to dismount and walk next to your horse over short distances so good walking boots are required.
The weight limit for this ride is 14 st/198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
The price includes all riding as decribed, guiding, luggage transfer, all meals and accommodation starting with dinner on day one and ending after breakfast on the last day.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Items of a personal nature, drinks, flights to and from Barcelona, transfers from either Girona or Barcelona airport. The return transfer is payable on site for 2008.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
more photos | enquiry | availability check | ride reviews
