• The Mountain Ride: Three Day Programme
• Alpujarra White Village Ride: Four Day Programme
Type of horses:
Primarily Andalusians with some Spanish and Arab crosses and one or two ponies.
Nature of horses:
Well mannered, good natured and forward going. Horses to suit all levels from complete beginner to experienced rider.
Height of horses:
12hh - 17hh
Weight limit:
100 kgs/16 stone.
Tack type:
English

This unique trekking centre is based in the heart of Andalucia, made famous by its Moorish influences and impressive horses, and it enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. The centre offers treks and trail rides with Spanish farmhouse accommodation and all meals included. Your main riding guide, Sarah, is an experienced English horsewoman with a stable of wonderful horses and a spirit of adventure.
From the 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 different riding groups. All rides can accommodate single guests. Horses are available to suit riders from complete beginners to those with plenty of experience 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 and the trails will take you out into remote areas where you can truly appreciate the countryside and the companionship of a fabulous horse.
This destination was visited by a Far and Ride staff member in 2009. It has also been checked out by the comedian John Bishop who wrote an article about his wonderful experience for the The Guardian newspaper. John seems to have hit the nail on the head: "Riding for the first time is like falling in love for the first time: when it's happening, it's the best thing in the world; the day after it's over, you hurt like hell. But you count the days till it happens again."
See Programmes.
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 can expect healthy, hearty food in all venues.
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 travel to Granada to visit the Alhambra Palace and other places of interest. You can walk to Lanjaron from the farmhouse following steep mountain paths, this takes around twenty minutes.
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. Flights and travel insurance.
Granada airport is only 45 minutes away from the centre. Flights are available with Ryanair or Monarch airlines.
Malaga is about 90 minutes away from the centre and it the most convenient airport for most travellers.
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
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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 will have to lead your horse downhill when the terrain is steep. Example 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 and beautiful Spanish Farmhouse. Your first night will be 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. You will then ride 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 will then be 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 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 via 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. You will then head down through the olive groves of Padre Eterno for a picnic lunch and then on to the farmhouse accommodation for a delicious, well deserved dinner. For those wishing for a slightly longer ride, you can drop off your saddle bags and head off for a final 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. The market offers a wide range of local produce and artisan 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 to the town for the night. Day Six
This is a lovely long trail ride as you 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 stunning 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. You may take a well deserved dip in the pool! Day Seven
Today the ride will head 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. This is where the horses really enjoy themselves, stopping for a splash and a drink in the river, before heading across the valley. You will stop for a picnic lunch under the oliver trees before taking a fast climb back up to the ranch. Day Eight
You will be wished a fond farewell from your team as you are transferred 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: | 3 |
| Maximum group size: | 10 |
| Ability description: | Strong novice 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 |
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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 of the area. Example Itinerary: Day One:
You will be transferred 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. Your first night will be spent here. Day Two:
You will go up to the Ranch to meet your horse, then begin by heading North up above the Lanjaron River gorge. You will then ride through the ancient oak forests towards the summit of the Pico del Caballo, reaching over 2000 meters of altitude, before descending through the logging trails of the pine forests to Puente Palo. You will enjoy a picnic lunch 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:
You will head 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!). You will stop for refreshments in the local Spanish bar, Los LLanos, before heading down through the olive groves of Padre Eterno for a picnic. You will then ride on to the farmhouse accommodation for a delicious, well deserved dinner. For those wishing for a slightly longer ride, you may drop off your saddle bags and head off for a final 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 around the local market. The market offers a wide range of local produce and artisan 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 transferred 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: | 3 |
| 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 |
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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 of the area. Example Itinerary: Day One You will be transferred 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. You will spend your first night here. Day Two You will go up to the ranch to meet your horse, then begin by heading North up above the Lanjaron River gorge. You will ride through the ancient oak forests towards the summit of the Pico del Caballo, reaching over 2000 meters of altitude, before descending through the logging trails of the pine forests to Puente Palo. You will enjoy a picnic lunch 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 Today you will start by heading across the Poqueria valley. Here there is plenty of opportunity to 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 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 Today you will 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!). You will stop for refreshments in the local Spanish bar, Los LLanos, before heading down through the olive groves of Padre Eterno for a picnic lunch. You will the ride on to the farmhouse accommodation for a delicious, well deserved dinner. For those wishing for a slightly longer ride, you can drop off your saddle bags and head off for a final 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 around the local market. The market offers a wide range of local produce and artisan 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, stopping for 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 transferred 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: | 3 |
| Maximum group size: | 10 |
| Ability description: | Beginner to experienced |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | Four days riding |
| Departure dates: | Flexible dates depending on availability. 27th - 31st May is a confirmed date for those interested to join (intermediate and above riders for this date please). |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |