Ride Description

Rides are organised in the region of the Gredos Mountains, south west from Madrid, in the Northern and the Southern valleys, with very different landscapes and climate conditions. This region comprises the provinces of Avila, Toledo and Cáceres, in the regions of Castilla-León, Castilla La Mancha and Extremadura.

Trails in the Gredos Valley take you through a very representative part of this region in the province of Avila, truly rural Spain. It is an excellent terrain for riding, mostly open fields with magnificent views and paths that follow the course of rivers.

The landscapes are full of light and colour, where wild nature shows its splendour. Riders will be inspired by this National Park's diverse display of flora and fauna through the Tormes, Corneja, Alberche and Tietar river valleys.

Ride up slopes of oak, pine and chestnut trees; cross rivers of pristine waters; discover wildlife from rocky overlooks, and gallop across pastures and open fields. The small villages along the trail display their architecture, their traditions, and the way of life of their people, isolated in this inaccessible nature that shapes their unique character.

Temperatures are strongly influenced by the altitude, with the average of 1400 metres, the highest point is 1700 metres and the lowest point is 1000 metres. Temperatures in April may rise to 15-18 degrees celsius. Spring rides are spectacular with millions of wild flowers and snow in the mountains from May until early June.

Summer temperatures range from 25-30 degrees celsius and autumn are around 10 degrees celsius during the day. The weather will normally be sunny with clear blue skies and clear nights. The sun can be very intense at this altitude so a brimmed hat, sunscreen and long sleeved shirts are highly recommended.

Riders can assist in taking care of their horses if they wish but it is not at all necessary. Horses will be ready for their riders to get on every morning.

Maria and Emilio have been arranging trails in Gredos valleys for a number of years. At home with the customs, natural history and culture of the regions makes Maria and Emilio wonderful travel companions

Food & Accommodation

Accommodation during the trails will vary from rustic to luxurious, sharing with you some of the most representative and charming hotels of the region. However, no matter where your trail leads you you can be assured of comfort and en suite facilities.

Lodgings have been chosen to take into account the availability and suitability of the natural environment through which you will travel. This includes a cosy rural hotel, a simple but comfortably furnished room in a monastery and luxurious medieval castle now converted into a National Parador.

At the end of a long day in the saddle you will look forward to reaching your accommodation. Despite differences in the types of accommodation provided you will always be sure to find a warm welcome and drinks waiting for you, shortly followed by a hot bath or shower and an excellent dinner.

The cuisine here combines a number of excellent dishes from the regions, allowing you to sample many delicious local specialities.

Breakfast and dinner are provided by the hotels in which you stay. Breakfast is usually taken at 8.30 am. Menus provide a variety of dishes and often include excellent Spanish fish as an option.

A mid-morning apertif stop at 12.30 may include Iberico ham, chorizo and saucisson, a sample of regionally produced cheeses and a variety of olives. Amongst other drinks, this apertif is always accompanied by a manzanilla (young cold sherry).

Lunch is usually taken around 14.00. Picnic tables are laid for lunch to enable you to enjoy this meal which has often been referred to as a feast. This may include on the spot freshly prepared dishes such as paella or famous Avilian free-range beef cooked on the barbeque.

Alternatively, delicious pre-cooked dishes such as lamb or vegetable stews are often served. Whatever the dishes of the day, a rich variety of salads and tasty tomatoes are served daily. Fresh fruit of the season is served for dessert, perhaps strawberries, melon or grapes. Vegetarians can be catered for.

Dinner at around 21.00 is served at the hotels and will feature a varied selection of typical cuisine.

Activities

If you wish to spend some time in Madrid, Avila, Segovia or Salamanca before or after your ride, please contact us for recommendations. Avila is a medieval walled town and one of the world heritage cities of Spain. It is one of 660 cultural sites in the world that the world heritage committee considers as having outstanding universal value. Avila is the city of saints and stones.

The birthplace of St Theresa and the burial place of the Grand Inquisitor Torquemada Avila has kept its medieval austerity. This purity of form can still be seen in the gothic cathedral and the fortifications which are the most complete in Spain. Charming squares and beautiful pedestrian streets make for a very pleasant walk around this old historic town.

Horses

Type of horses: Hispano-Arab, Andalusian, Lusitano and Arab.

Nature of horses: Sure-footed, good natured, well mannered, fit and fun to ride.

Number of horses: 27

Height of horses: 15hh - 16hh

Weight limit: 90kg

Tack type: English tack in good condition, seat savers and saddle bags provided

Further Details

Languages: English and Spanish

Health requirements: Reasonable health & fitness required. Must be able to cope with long hours in the saddle.

Age limit: No under 18's

Tuition: No

Included: Transfers from Madrid

Not included: Flights, medical and holiday insurances.

Travel Information

Flights to Madrid are offered by a number of low cost airlines. Transfers are included in the price from Madrid-Barajas International Airport Terminal 4. There is a cafeteria Medias by Gate 10 and you will be collected from there at 3 pm on the Sunday of your arrival.

Flight departure on the Sunday after your ride should be booked for any time after 13.00. Transfer included.

Airport: Madrid

Gredos Valley

An opportunity for intermediate and experienced riders to discover the Sierra of Gredos, one of the most characteristic regions of the Iberian Peninsula. Riding two of the main Canadas, (Eastern and Western Leonesa), you will move to the Northern summer pastures in springtime and the Southern winter pastures in the autumn. During this journey you will view many amazing contrasts in landscape; from grassy holm oak fields and open southern plains to the slopes of Gredos with orchards of olive, chestnut and cherry trees. The itinerary may occasionally change.

Day one:
Arrival in Madrid and transfer at 3 pm to a small village set in the heart of Castilla, here you will spend the night at the Gredos National Parador after getting to know the group over a delicious welcome dinner. This is a region steeped in history where the Moors and Christians fought and where Roman built roads have lasted for centuries.

Day two:
Riding today is short to allow horses and riders to get used to each other. This is the time to get to know your horse and if necessary you can change mounts before leaving for the next day and the rest of the ride.

You will take a circular route from Navarredonda with a picnic lunch in the countryside. You will ride in the woods towards the source of the Tormes River and the mountains of the Sierra de Gredos. In the afternoon you will ride back to the stables in Navarrendonda returning for dinner.

A nice small spa has been opened in the next village just five minutes away and it is possible to arrange a session in the evening before dinner (it has a small heated pool).

Day three:
This morning's ride takes you through beautiful woods and meadows in the Tormes river valley. Lunch is at the Pozo de las Paredes, a magic spot at the gorge of Barbellido, which joins the Tormes River. This spot is ideal for a swim in the summer. In the afternoon, riders will follow the cattle path with great views to Navalperal the Tormes.

Tonight riders will stay at a new rural hotel: Hotel Rural Cruz del Gallo. A small new hotel near the Tormes.

Day four:
This is a long half day ride along the Tormes Rover valley along cattle paths passing the village of Aliseda de Tormes. Riders will appreciate the change in the vegetation as they will approach the small town of El Barco de Avila. The hotel in Barco de Avila is a luxurious hotel built during the restoration of an ancient country estate.

The afternoon is free to visit the 15th century walled village with a medieval bridge stretching over the Tormes. The hotel has a spa and an indoor heated pool - a good chance for a rest to be fresh for the rest of the ride.

Day five:
Today's ride proceeds through holm oaks and pastures following the cattle track between Barco and Hoyorredondo. On arriving in Puenta del Congosto you will break for a picnic lunch by the river. The short afternoon ride will take you to Hoyorredondo where you will spend the night in a comfortable rural hotel.

Day six:
The morning ride will lead you through the open valley of the river Corneja to its source in the mountains.You start in the valley and stop for an aperitif. You follow the river Corneja to its source and stop for lunch near one of the water mills along the river.

In the afternoon you follow a Roman road up to the Puerto de Chia (5685 feet) for a paronamic view of the Corneja valley on one side and the Alberche river on the other. You descend to San Martin de la Vega for the night where you have dinner and spend the night.

Day seven:
The last day riding takes you back to the Sierra de Gredos with some great view of the peaks of the Sierra. You descend towards the Tormes valley where you started the trail.

A picnic lunch will be enjoyed with panoramic view of the Sierra de Gredos and then a short ride back to the stables. You will have a farewell dinner and spend the night at the Parador.

Day eight:
Transfer to Madrid after breakfast arriving there about 12 noon. All riders will be transferred at the same time so if any rider needs to arrive in Madrid prior to noon, we can arrange an earlier transfer (at an extra cost).

Minimum group size: 2

Maximum group size: 8

Ability description: Intermediate and experienced riders capable of 5-6 hours in the saddle and varied terrain.

Type of ride: Trails

Total riding time: 6 days covering 180km

Departure dates: 30 March-6 April (one space available), 13-20 April, 27 April-4 May, 11-18 May (fully booked), 25 May-1 June (fully booked), 8-15 June, 22-29 June, 20-27 July, 7-14 September (fully booked), 21-28 September (fully booked), 5-12 October, 19-26 October.

Pricing: Price is £1270 and includes seven nights accommodation, three of which are in the luxurious national parador of Gredos and one in a 4 star hotel with spa.
Six days riding, all meals, aperitifs and tapas, all drinks during meals and transfer to and from Madrid.
Minimal costs will be incurred throughout the week.
Single supplement £120

Gredos Summer Programme

This itinerary is designed for enjoying the best riding in Spain in the summer months, riding in the Gredos Mountains in the Sierra de Gredos which is one of the most characteristic regions of the Iberian Peninsula. The programme may have variations but you can be assured of very pleasant full day rides through diverse landscapes full of light and colour, with great mountain views and pristine mountain rivers where it is possible to swim.

This is a part of Spain where you can enjoy a great ride in the middle of summer! The ride includes 3 nights at the National Parador of Gredos, 3 nights in charming rural hotels in the area and one night in the luxurious National Parador of Avila.

The horses are Hispano-Arab, Andalusian, Arab and Lusitano breed ranging in height from 15-16 hh and selected for their good nature and endurance. The trainer takes great pride in the quality and the character of the horses and is adept at matching horse and rider.

The horses are excellent, fun-to-ride, with a lot of personality, fit, very well trained and very much loved. Riders can assist with the care of their horses if they wish although horses will be ready and prepared for riding every morning.

The tack used is English (general purpose leather saddles with deep knee rolls). Seat savers and saddle bags are provided.

A support vehicle will follow the riders during the entire trip, meeting for aperitifs, meals and at night. Breakfast, aperitifs, lunch and dinner are included while on the trek.

The following is a typical day by day itinerary :

Day 1 Madrid - Navarredonda de Gredos
Transfer from Madrid (Pick up at 3 p.m. at the airport) to Navarredonda de Gredos (2 hour drive), a small village in the heart of Castile with a splendid view of the Sierra de Gredos. This is a region steeped in history, where the Moors and Christians fought, where Romans built roads that have lasted for centuries. Riders will enjoy a welcome dinner and night at the luxurious National Parador of Gredos, an ancient hunting lodge built by King Alphonso 13th, the first Parador opened in Spain.

Day 2
Day ride exploring this splendid countryside. Picnic lunch in a valley.

Day 3 Navarredona de Gredos - San Martin de la Vega
Day ride to the Alberche river valley, with a great part of the day riding in the open countryside through the alpine valleys of Navarquita. Picnic lunch near the Alberche river. Dinner and night at the Hotel Rural Fuente Alberche.

Day 4 San Martin de la Vega - Navacepeda - Navalperal de Tormes
Long day ride. The morning ride will ascend to the open alpine valleys towards la Herguijuela and the lagoon Laguna Cantagallo. Then descend to Navacepeda de Tormes for lunch at the gorge of Barbellido at the Pozo de la Paredes, ideal for a swim. In the afternoon ride to Navalperal de Tormes and have dinner and spend the night at the Hotel Rural Cruz del Gallo.

Day 5 Navalperal.
Full day circle ride into the mountains. The ride takes you into the heart of the Sierra de Gredos, climbing the gorge to Cinco Lagunas (five lagoons). Picnic in the open countryside with the greatest of views (no vehicle access), then descend back to the hotel in Navalperal.

Day 6 Navalperal - Navarredonda de Gredos.
In the morning you will ride along the valley and the Tormes River and have a picnic lunch by the river at a beautiful pool ideal for a swim. In the afternoon ride back to Navarredonda de Gredos through the pinewoods followed by a farewell dinner at the Parador of Gredos.

Day 7 Navarredonda - Avila
After breakfast transfer (1 hour drive) to the National Parador of Avila. This Parador is a 16th century palace in the historical centre of monumental Avila, backing onto the majestic city walls. Dinner, night and Sunday breakfast at this luxurious Parador are included in the programme.

You will spend the day in Avila, a historic walled town from the 11th century and one of the World Heritage Cities of Spain. Avila is a medieval town surrounded by walls constructed in the 11th and 12th centuries to protect the Spanish territories from the Moors. The walls are still complete nowadays. Avila is the "City of Saints and Stones", the birthplace of St Theresa and the burial place of the Grand Inquisitor Torquemada. It has kept its medieval austerity and this purity of form can still be seen in the Gothic cathedral and the fortifications which are the most complete in Spain. The charming squares and beautiful quiet pedestrianised streets make for a very pleasant walk around this old historic town.

Day 8 Avila - Madrid
Transfer to Madrid airport (in time for flights after 2.00p.m.)

Accommodation: Due to possible variance in the itinerary, accommodation may be offered in either one of the following :

Four nights in Paradores (3 nights parador of gredos + one night Parador of Avila)

Accommodation in a charming/comfortable rural hotel instead of the parador during the ride and a 2* hotel (charming and very well located) in Avila.

Minimum group size: 2

Maximum group size: 8

Ability description: Trail riding experience, plus the ability to manage a horse at all paces and be comfortable handling a horse on the ground. The pace of the ride will vary, but the ride includes walks, trots, canters and gallops depending on the terrain. A level of fitness is required as the days are 4-6 hours.

Type of ride: Trail

Total riding time: 8 days, 7 nights. 5 riding days of 4-6 hours.

Departure dates: July 13-20, July 27-August 3, August 3-10, August 10-17, August 17-24

Pricing: Parador Accommodation
£1170

Hotel Accommodation
£1010

Single Supplement
£120