The Sierra of Gredos is one of the most characteristic regions of the Iberian Peninsula situated between the provinces of Avila, Cáceres and Salamanca, and crossed by the Duero and Tajo rivers. The landscapes are full of light, colour and nature. The VGredos Valley trail travels through a very representative part of this region in the province of Avila, truly rural Spain. It is excellent terrain for riding, mostly open fields with magnificent views and paths that follow the course of rivers. 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.

Day 1: Madrid - Navarredonda de Gredos

Transfer from Madrid (Pick up at 3pm) to Parador of Gredos. Meet in Madrid and transfer 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 Gredos National Parador.

Day 2: The Pinewoods and the Summer Pastures

Circle ride from Navarredonda, an easy introductory day, with a picnic lunch in the countryside. Ride through pine woods, open fields and trails, towards the mountains with great views of the Sierra de Gredos. Picnic lunch in the countryside. In the afternoon ride back to the stables in Navarredonda, returning for dinner and overnight as the previous night. This day is a short ride so riders and horses get used to each other. If any change of horse is necessary it can be done, before leaving the next day and for the rest of the ride. A nice small Spa has been opened in the next village (5 min away). It is possible to arrange a session - a special rider’s massage - in the evening before dinner.

Day 3: Navarredonda de Gredos – Navalperal the Tormes

Morning through woods and beautiful meadows in the Tormes river valley. You will follow the course of the Tormes River. Lunch 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 summer. In the afternoon, you will follow the cattle path, with great views of Navalperal the Tormes. Tonight you will stay at a new rural hotel: Hotel Rural Cruz del Gallo, near the Tormes River.

Day 4: Navalperal the Tormes – El Barco de Avila

This day it will be a long half day ride. It is a progressive ride to get to El Barco. A ride along the Tormes River valley, along cattle paths, passing the village of Aliseda de Tormes. You will appreciate the change in the vegetation as you approach the small town of El Barco de Avila. The hotel in Barco de Avila is a country hotel, a luxurious hotel built as a restoration of a ancient country estate. 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. Afternoon free to visit El Barco de Avila or just relax in the hotel. El Barco de Avila is a 15th century walled village with a medieval bridge stretching over the Tormes.

Day 5: El Barco de Avila – Hoyorredondo

Today’s ride proceeds through holm oaks woods and pastures, following the cattle track between Barco and Hoyorredondo, arriving in Puente del Congosto, with a XVth century bridge and castle. Picnic near the river – a beautiful spot for a swim in the summer. In the afternoon there will be a fun short ride to Hoyorredondo. Overnight at a beautiful and comfortable rural hotel.

Day 6: Hoyorredondo – San Martin de la Vega

A day with great contrasts in the landscape. The ride starts in the valley of the Corneja River, open flat valleys until you reach the aperitif stop. You will follow the river Corneja to its source, and stop for lunch near one of the water mills along the river. In the afternoon follow a Roman road up to the Puerto de Chia (5,686 feet) for a panoramic view of the Corneja Valley on one side, and the Alberche River on the other. Descend to San Martin de la Vega where the horses will spend the night. Short transfer to a charming rural hotel in Barajas de Gredos.

Day 7: San Martin de la Vega – Navarredonda de Gredos

Last day back to the Sierra de Gredos, with some great views of the peaks of the Sierra. Descent towards the Tormes valley where you started. Picnic lunch with panoramic views of the Sierra de Gredos. Short afternoon, with some good canters, back to the stables. Overnight and farewell dinner at the Parador.

Day 8: Navarredonda – Madrid

After breakfast transfer to Madrid, 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, all riders will depart earlier - or an alternative transfer will be arranged (at an extra cost).

This itinerary may vary due to circumstances

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: Navarredonda de Gredos

Circle ride from Navarredonda, an easy introductory day, with lunch in the countryside. Riding in the woods and towards the source of the Tormes River and alpine pastures of the Sierra de Gredos. In the afternoon ride back to the stables in Navarredonda, returning for dinner and overnight at Parador of Gredos (or at a rural hotel in the village).

Day 3: Navarredona de Gredos - Navalperal de Tormes

Morning along the river to Hoyos del Espino, and climb up to Hoyos del Collado. Riding along an ancient cattle path you will get to Navacepeda de Tormes. Descent towards the Tormes river and the Gorge of Barbellido. Lunch at the beautiful Pozo de las Paredes. Ideal for a swim! Short afternoon with magnificent views of the village Navalperal de Tormes. Dinner and overnight at a country hotel in the village.

Day 4: Navalperal de Tormes - Navarredonda de Gredos

From Navalperal, you will follow the cattle path to Navacepeda de Tormes. Then join the course of the Tormes. Picnic lunch at a fisherman's hut, at Hoyos del Collado, ideal for another swim. Afternoon bhy the river and through the pinewoods to get back to the stables in Navarredonda. Dinner and overnight at Parador of Gredos (or at a rural hotel in the village).

Day 5: Navarredonda de Gredos - San Martin de la Vega

In the morning you will climb the heights of Canada del Horno, through open fields and dense broom areas, with a great panoramic view of the Alberche river valley. Lunch at a bar in the village or a picnic near the river. Afternoon with great views of the Sierra de Gredos. Descent back towards Barajas de Gredos and the stables in Navarredonda. Dinner and overnight at Parador of Gredos (or at a rural hotel in the village).

Day 6: Navarredonda de Gredos - Barbellido Mountain Gorge

You will ride towards the heights of the Sierra de Gredos with magnificent views. Climb to the Covacha gorge and descent towards the gorge of Barbellido. Picnic lunch by the river, excellent spot for a swim. In the afternoon you will climb to the heights of Siete Fuentes and descend to the pinewoods of Hoyos del Espino. Ride back to the stables in Navarredonda de Gredos. Dinner and overnight at Parador of Gredos (or at a rural hotel in the village).

Day 7: Navarredonda - Avila

Transfer to Avila (1 hour drive). 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. Lunch is not included on this day. Dinner and overnight at chosen hotel in Avila.

Day 8 Avila - Madrid

Transfer to Madrid airport (in time for flights after 1:00 pm).

This programme is a great introduction to a beautiful area of Spain, the Sierra de Gredos in the heart of Castile. Riding takes place in the stunning mountains and the valleys of this mountain range, with Gredos Regional Park in the centre. The Gredos Mountain range is a beautiful area, comprising of various terrains and ecosystems which offer habitats to an assortment of wildlife, some of which is unique to the region. This ride offers wonderful views and diverse landscapes, all at a pace which alters depending on the particularly ground of the area. Riding tends to be between five to six hours per day.

4 sample day ride itineraries. The 2 and 3 day rides will combine some of these day rides.

They are very diverse itineraries, and depart in all different directions from Navarredonda.

Day of arrival. Transfer Madrid - Navarredonda de Gredos

Meet in Madrid (Pick up at 3pm at the airport) and transfer 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 National Parador of Gredos (comfortable country hotel).

Day ride 1: Navarredonda de Gredos. Sierra de Gredos Regional Park

Circle ride from Navarredonda, an easy introductory day. Riding in the woods and towards the source of the Tormes River and the mountains of the Sierra de Gredos. Ride through pine woods, open fields and trails, towards the mountains with great views of the Sierra de Gredos. Picnic lunch in the countryside, near the river. In the afternoon ride through the pine woods to Hoyos del Espino and back to the stables in Navarredonda.

Day ride 2: Navarredonda – Pozo de las Paredes

Morning through the pine woods following the river Tormes until Hoyos del Espino. Climb up to the village of Hoyos del Collado, where you will stop for an aperitif. Following an old cattle track, descent towards Navecepeda the Tormes, with a rich vegetation of oaks and poplar trees. Ride through the village of Navacepeda and descent to the river valley. Lunch at the beautiful Poo de la Paredes, the spot with a 14th century bridge (the access to the high pastures in medieval times). It is an ideal spot for a swim in the summer. Afternoon back to Navarredonda, following the course of the Tormes river, with great views of the valley.

Day ride 3: Navarredonda de Gredos – San Martin de la Vega

In the morning climb to the heights of Cañada del Horno, through open fields and dense broom areas, with a great panoramic view of the Alberche river valley. Lunch at a bar in the village. Afternoon with great views of the Sierra de Gredos. Descent back towards Barajas de Gredos and the stables in Navarredonda. Dinner and overnight at the Parador of Gredos (or at a hotel rural in the village).

Day ride 4: Navarredonda de Gredos – Barbellido Mountain Gorge

Ride towards the heights of the Sierra de Gredos with magnificent views. Climb to the Covacha gorge and descent towards the gorge of Barbellido. Lunch by the river, excellent spot for a swim. Afternoon climb to the heights of Siete Fuentes and descent to the pinewoods of Hoyos del Espino. Ride back to the stables in Navarredonda de Gredos. Dinner and overnight at the Parador of Gredos (or at a hotel rural in the village).

Day of departure. Transfer Navarredonda de Gredos – Madrid

After breakfast transfer to Madrid, 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, all riders will depart earlier - or an alternative transfer will be arranged (at an extra cost).