Andalucia Trail, Spain
Reviews
“I cried when I had to leave and can't wait to return- would recommend this to anyone with a love of horses and a sense of adventure.”
Horses
Type of horses:
Mainly Andalucian & Andalucian and Arab crosses, also Cobs, Shire X and ponies.
Nature of horses:
Well mannered, good natured and forward going.
Height of horses:
12hh - 17hh
Weight limit:
100 kgs/16 stone.
Tack type:
English
Weather
Current Conditions:
Fair, 22 C
Forecast:
Sat - Sunny. High: 36 Low: 17
Sun - Sunny. High: 35 Low: 16
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
The Alpujarra Ride
Seven night trail:
2009 price: £937
Three day programme
2009: £538
Includes four nights full board accommodation, three days riding, and a qualified, English speaking guide.
Four Day Programme
£667
Includes five nights full board accommodation, four days riding, and a qualified, English speaking guide.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
This unique trekking centre is based in the heart of Andalucia, made famous by its Moorish influences and impressive horses, and enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. The centre offers treks and trail rides with Spanish farmhouse accommodation and all meals included.
From this base, you will explore a beautiful part of Spain, riding free from traffic and walkers, following secret trails in the wonderful countryside.
Your hosts' knowledge of the local terrain means that they know all the best trails to suit all abilities or rider.
All rides can accommodate single guests. Horses suitable for complete beginners to experienced riders are available and your hosts will ensure that you are placed on treks with riders of similar experience levels.
Children may join family treks, or ride with other children of similar ages, from the age of 5. Lessons can be given to 4 year olds and above.
Although set in a remote location, the centre has easy access to Lanjaron, Orgiva and even Granada to visit the Alhambra Palace and other places of interest.
Lanjaron is a spa town, famous for its water springs which are dotted all over the hills - many Spanish people go there to drink the water which is said to contain minerals for eternal youth! Orgiva is a busy little market town containing a myriad of small streets and great tapas bars to explore and discover. A visit to this town is in itself an adventure!
The towns in the surrounding area are heavily influenced by Gothic and Moorish architecture. Whilst out on the hills you will be surrounded by almond, olive and citrus groves still tended to by "man and his mule".
This area of Spain really is steeped in history and rich in culture. The trails will take you into remote areas.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
On the based ride, accommodation is in a simple farmhouse. For the trails you will spend time at the farmhouse and mountain lodges.
The farmhouse is based in a fabulous location with views extending across to Africa on a fine day. The rooms are simply furnished in a rustic style. There is a variety of accommodation to suit singles, couples or families all with en suite facilities. The farmhouse has a large swimming pool.
The mountain lodges offer self contained accommodation set in beautiful remote areas. Whilst they can offer day to day amenities you cannot expect modern high powered facilities as many places are self sufficient and eco friendly running from solar powered energy. So this is the place to visit if you wish to totally relax, put away the make up, forget about the computer and enjoy the stunning tranquil views.
You will receive a tasty breakfast made from local produce including freshly squeezed orange juice straight from the trees at the farmhouse.
Lunch is usually a picnic which you carry in your saddle bag. These are freshly made and usually consist of rolls, fruit, cereals bars and drink. you will stop in remote areas of the countryside to enjoy a relaxed carefree picnic - fun but not fancy - straight from the saddlebag.
The evening meal is freshly prepared, plentiful and tasty using homegrown and local produce. Wine is provided with your dinner and other alcoholic drinks may be purchased at each venue/night stop. Dinner is usually served around 8.00 pm. Vegetarian and other diets can be catered for. You may expect healthy, hearty food in all venues.
Activities
The farmhouse is ideally located to enable guests to relax or explore as they please. Apart from enjoying the wonderful local countryside, the local towns are steeped in history and rich in culture. Lanjaron is a local spa town worth visiting with its water springs containing minerals for eternal youth, whilst Orgiva has great tapas bars to explore and discover. You may wish to visit Granada to visit the Alhambra Palace and other places of interest. You can walk to Lanjaron from the farmhouse down steep mountain paths and this takes a round twenty minutes.
Further Details
Languages: English and Spanish.
Health requirements: None .
Age limit: None
Tuition: Yes, BHS instruction available
Included: Full board accommodation, riding and English speaking guide.
Not included: Costs of Transfers from airport, but transfers can be arranged for you.
Travel Information
Granada airport is only 45 minutes away from the centre. You can fly there with Ryanair or Monarch airlines. Malaga is about 90 minutes drive.
If you are planning on a long week-end at the centre, it is strongly recommended that you use this airport to maximise your time.
Malaga Airport is the most convenient for most people. Transfer times are approximately 90 minutes. Also another alternate airport is Almeria.
Transfer Costs: To pay locally on arrival
From Malaga: 90 euros each way, for a car of up to four people
From Granada: 45 euros each way, for a car of up to four people
There is a fantastic bus service connecting the local villages and cities. A train service is only available from Granada. Hiring a car is also easy and cheap.
Airport: Granada
Alternative Airport: Malaga
Programmes
The Alpujarra Ride
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The beautiful and extremely diverse land of the Alpujarras ranges from pine forests and alpine meadows, wooded valleys and gorges to almond, olive and orange groves. La Alpujarra is the name given to the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The floral and fauna of the Alpujarra is spectacular with a fantastic range of views and scenery. You will follow old moorish mulepaths and valleys where the horse, mule and oxen still pull the plough and harvest the land. Each day of the ride you will pass through different terrain; from beautiful mountain pastures to pine forest, almond and olive groves. Here is an opportunity not only to discover spectacular landscapes and inspiring scenery, but also to experience a culture where tradition remains very much part of everyday life. There are plenty of opportunities to canter or gallop, but occasionally you do have to lead your horse downhill on foot when the terrain is steep. However no matter what the pace the ride will be breathtaking!! Itinerary - 7 nights with 6 days riding Day One You will transfer from Malaga or Granada airport to the tiny spa town of Lanjaron, 'the gateway' to Alpujarras, where you will be met by your guide, Sarah. Dinner will be prepared by the excellent cook, Ann at the simple Spanish Farmhouse, Casa del Viento, with a comfortable first night spent on the Farm. Day Two You will go up to the Ranch to meet your horse, then begin by heading North up above the Lanjaron River gorge. Then through the ancient oak forests towards the summit of the Pico del Caballo, reaching over 2000 metres of altitude, before dropping through the logging trails of the pine forests to Puente Palo. A picnic lunch is then enjoyed in the pine forest, before riding East to an idyllic location high on the slopes of the Poqueria valley, where you will spend a relaxing night in the beautiful mountain cottages. Views extend across the Poqueria valley to the white washed mountain villages of Capileira, Bubion and Pampaniera. Day Three The day starts by heading across the Poqueria valley. Here there is plenty of opportunity to open up and go for canters and gallops as you ride towards the picturesque town of Capileira which is one of the highest towns in Spain. With Mulhacen being the highest peak in Spain and forming the backdrop, this valley is truly stunning!! After visiting the town, you will take the the old moorish bridlepath down the gorge, until you reach the wide forest track that takes you to the mountain cottages for a good nights rest. Day Four This day is a shorter ride as you head South down through mountain and pasture land, down an old mule track that was used for trade with the Greeks (the track goes all the way to Greece!) stopping for refreshments in the local Spanish bar, Los LLanos, before heading down through the Olive Groves of Padre Eterno for a picnic and then to the Farmhouse accommodation and a delicious, well deserved dinner. For those wishing for a slightly longer ride, then you can drop off your saddle bags and head off for a final explosive gallop before dinner. Day Five Today you will head down through the Olive groves of Cerro Negro, to the small white washed town of Tijola and on to Orgiva for a stroll round the local market, which offers a wide range of local produce and artesan products as well as clothes, shoes and tourist souvenirs. Orgiva is the largest town of Las Alpujarras. After the market you will take part in a fast valley ride with a picnic on the hillside overlooking mount Lugar and the impressive mountains of the Sierra de la Contraviesa, before heading up the town for the night. Day Six This is a lovely long trail ride as we head up cobbled mule paths through an ancient Chestnut Forest to the Waterfalls of the Rio de Lanjaron. You will then head west towards the la Valle de Lecrin, with awesome views across the plains to Granada as you sit under a landmark aged Chestnut Tree to enjoy a relaxing picnic. After lunch you will follow the old moorish water channels down into the town of Lanjaron and stop for a refreshment in the town, before heading up narrow bridlepaths to the Casa del Viento Farmhouse and take a well deserved dip in the pool! Day Seven Is spent down through the old Roman and Moorish bridlepaths the tippee 'hippie' valley of Beneficio, along tracks and riverbeds to the South until you reach the immense riverbed of the Rio Guadafeo which heads towards the sea. This is where the horses really enjoy themselves, stopping for a splash and a drink in the river, before heading across the valley, stopping for a picnic under the Olive trees and taking a fast climb back up to the Ranch. Day Eight You will be wished a fond farewell from your team as you are returned to either Malaga or Granada airport. Please note, the itinerary may vary and be altered according to the abilities of the group at the discretion of the guide.. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 10 |
| Ability description: | Beginner to Experienced |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | Average Riding time per day 5 - 6 hrs |
| Departure dates: | To suit all year around |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Three day programme
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This is an opportunity to experience the beautiful and diverse land of the Alpujarras, ranging from pine forests and alpine meadows to wooded valleys and gorges as well as almond, olive and orange groves. A chance not only to discover spectacular landscapes and inspiring scenery, but also to experience the culture. Day One: You will transfer from Malaga or Granada airport to the tiny spa town of Lanjaron, 'the gateway' to Alpujarras, where you will be met by your guide, Sarah. Saddle bags will be provided to transport anything you will need for the trip. Dinner will be prepared by the excellent cook, Ann at the Spanish Farmhouse, Casa del Viento, with a comfortable first night spent on the Farm. Day Two: You will go up to the Ranch to meet your horse, then begin by heading North up above the Lanjaron River gorge. Then through the ancient oak forests towards the summit of the Pico del Caballo, reaching over 2000 meters of altitude, before dropping through the logging trails of the pine forests to Puente Palo. A picnic lunch is then enjoyed in the pine forest, before riding East to an idyllic location high on the slopes of the Poqueria valley, where you will spend a relaxing night in the beautiful mountain cottages. Views extend across the Poqueria valley to the white washed mountain villages of Capileira, Bubion and Pampaniera. Day Three: Heading down South through mountain and pasture land, down an old mule track that was used for trade with the Greeks (the track goes all the way to Greece!) stopping for refreshments in the local Spanish bar, Los LLanos, before heading down through the Olive Groves of Padre Eterno for a picnic and then to the Farmhouse accommodation for a delicious, well deserved dinner. For those wishing for a slightly longer ride, then you can drop off your saddle bags and head off for a final explosive gallop before dinner. Day Four: Today you will head down through the Olive groves of Cerro Negro, to the small white washed town of Tijola and on to Orgiva for a stroll round the local market, which offers a wide range of local produce and artesan products as well as clothes, shoes and tourist souvenirs. Orgiva is the largest town of Las Alpujarras. After the market you will take part in a fast valley ride with a picnic on the hillside overlooking mount Lugar and the impressive mountains of the Sierra de la Contraviesa, before heading up above the town of Lanjaron and back to the Ranch. You will be wished a fond farewell and returned to either Malaga or Granada airport. Please note, the itinerary may vary and be altered according to the abilities of the group at the discretion of the guide. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 10 |
| Ability description: | Beginner to Experienced |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | Three days riding |
| Departure dates: | To Suit |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Four Day Programme
|
Day One You will transfer from Malaga or Granada airport to the tiny spa town of Lanjaron, 'the gateway' to Alpujarras, where you will be met by your guide, Sarah. Saddlebags will be provided to carry what you need into the remote areas where you will be riding. Dinner will be prepared by the excellent cook, Ann at the Spanish Farmhouse, Casa del Viento, with a comfortable first night spent on the Farm. Day Two You will go up to the Ranch to meet your horse, then begin by heading North up above the Lanjaron River gorge. Then through the ancient oak forests towards the summit of the Pico del Caballo, reaching over 2000meters of altitude, before dropping through the logging trails of the pine forests to Puente Palo. A picnic lunch is then enjoyed in the pine forest, before riding East to an idyllic location high on the slopes of the Poqueria valley, where you will spend a relaxing night in the beautiful mountain cottages. Views extend accross the Poqueria valley to the white washed mountain villages of Capileira, Bubion and Pampaniera. Day Three The day starts by heading across the Poqueria valley. Here there is plenty of opportunity to open up and go for canters and gallops as you ride towards the picturesque town of Capileira which is one of the highest towns in Spain. With Mulhacen being the highest peak in Spain and forming the backdrop, this valley is truly stunning!! After visiting the town, you will take the the old moorish bridlepath down the gorge, until you reach the wide forest track that takes you to the mountain cottages for a good nights rest. Day Four Head South down through mountain and pasture land, down and old mule track that was used for trade with the Greeks (the track goes all the way to Greece!) stopping for refreshments in the local Spanish bar, Los LLanos, before heading down through the Olive Groves of Padre Eterno for a picnic and then to the Farmhouse accommodation and a delicious, well deserved dinner. For those wishing for a slightly longer ride, then you can drop off your saddle bags and head off for a final explosive gallop before dinner. Day Five Today you will head down through the Olive groves of Cerro Negro, to the small white washed town of Tijola and on to Orgiva for a stroll round the local market, which offers a wide range of local produce and artesan products as well as clothes, shoes and tourist souvenirs. Orgiva is the largest town of Las Alpujarras. After the market you will take part in a fast valley ride with a picnic on the hillside overlooking mount Lugar and the impressive mountains of the Sierra de la Contraviesa, before heading back up above the town of Lanjaron and back to the Ranch. You will be wished a fond farewell before being returned to either Malaga or Granada airport. Please note, the itinerary may vary and be altered according to the abilities of the group at the discretion of the guide. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 10 |
| Ability description: | Beginner to Experienced |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | Four days riding |
| Departure dates: | To Suit - |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |