Day 1
Riding: No riding.
Some of the dates for this trail will include opportunities to see the wonderful heather and broom gorse in full bloom during the spring (Broom in Bloom dates). During the summer months, the riding days will be altered a little to accommodate for the high day time temperatures. You will generally start riding earlier in the day and finish later, with a longer break in the middle of the day and a reduced pace of riding. The riding days are still full though and there will often be opportunities to swim in cool crisp streams of rivers during the lunch breaks.
On a standard week, your riding routine will look a little like this:
On arrival, you will be transferred from Madrid (Pick up at 3pm) to Navarredonda of Gredos, 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. You will enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight at the Gredos National Parador.
Day 2
Riding: 2 - 3 hours
Today you will enjoy a pleasant circle ride from Navarredonda, as an easy introductory day. You will ride through open fields, pine woods and trails, heading towards the mountains with amazing views of the Sierra de Gredos. At midday you will enjoy picnic lunch with the group and in the afternoon you will ride back to the stables in Navarredonda. You will return in time for a tasty dinner and overnight as the previous night. Today's ride allows guests to become accustomed to their horses and request any change of horse if necessary.
Day 3
Riding: 4 - 5 hours
This morning you will ride along the river to the beautiful little village of Hoyos del Espino, before continuing on to climb up to the equally charming Hoyos del Collado. Riding along an ancient cattle path you will head towards Navacepeda de Tormes and then descend from the hills, towards the Tormes river and the Gorge of Barbellido. Lunch will be taken at a beautiful spot close to Pozo de las Paredes, where a bend in the river creates a lovely, crystal clear lagoon - ideal for a swim. A short but scenic afternoon ride, with some truly magnificent views will take you to the village of Navalperal de Tormes.
Dinner and overnight will be at a country hotel in the village, Cruz del Gallo.
Day 4
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
After breakfast, you will depart from Navalperal and follow the cattle paths back toward Navacepeda de Tormes in the East. By joining the course of the Tormes river, you will be able to wind your way back through the valley and enjoy more of the amazing views out across the Sierra de Gredos. A delicious lunch will be served at a fisherman’s hut in Hoyos del Collado, with a nearby river pool - ideal for a swimming. You will spend some time in the afternoon by the river and ride back through the pinewoods in order to reach the stables in Navarredonda.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Rural La Dehesilla with excellent cuisine.
Day 5
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
Ride towards the heights of the Sierra de Gredos with magnificent views. You will climb to Covacha gorge and descend towards the gorge of Barbellido. There is a picnic lunch by the river today with an another excellent spot for a swim. In the afternoon you will climb to the heights of Siete Fuentes and then come back down to the pinewoods of Hoyos del Espino, before riding back to the stables of Navarredonda de Gredos.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Rural La Dehesilla.
Day 6
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
This morning's ride is a climb to the heights of Cañada del Gallo, crossing open fields and riding through areas of dense broom with great panoramic views of the Alberche river valley and the Sierra de Gredos. Aperitifs and a picnic lunch are enjoyed in the open countryside before riding back towards Hoyos del Espino and the stables.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Rural La Dehesilla.
Day 7
Riding: No riding.
The morning will see all guests transfered to the medieval town of Ãvila (1 hour drive). A day spent in Avila will allow you to visit this historic walled town, which dates back to the 11th century. Avila is one of the World Heritage Cities of Spain, one of the 660 cultural sites in the world that the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value. Recommendations for visits, tours and restaurants in Avila will be provided to you. (Lunch this day is not included).
Dinner and overnight at the National Parador of Avila (4*). This Parador is a 16th century Palace in the historical centre of monumental Ãvila, backing onto the majestic city walls. Dinner, night and Sunday breakfast at this luxurious Parador are included in the programme.
Day 8
Riding: No riding.
After breakfast you will be transferred to Madrid, arriving around 1pm. 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).
Itinerary may be altered due to unforeseen circumstances. All departures are guaranteed but the programme may be varied slightly in the event of less than 6 riders, but will be kept to the same high standards.
Accommodation |
Nights 1 & 2 in National Parador of Gredos***, night 3 Hotel Rural Cruz del Gallo, nights 4, 5 & 6 Hotel Rural La Dehesilla, night 7 in National Parador of Avila****. |
Experience |
Intermediate / Experienced
Intermediate and above, capable of riding at all paces, handling a horse on the ground and with trail riding experience. The pace of the ride will vary but includes walks, trots, canters and gallops depending on the terrain. Guests can assist in taking care of their horse but this is not necessary, horses will be ready for riders to get straight on every morning.
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Minimum group size |
4 |
Maximum group size |
10
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Departure windows |
April 10, 2022 - April 17, 2022
(Easter week)
May 1, 2022 - May 8, 2022
May 29, 2022 - June 5, 2022
(Broom in Bloom)
June 12, 2022 - June 19, 2022
(Broom in Bloom)
July 3, 2022 - July 10, 2022
(Summer ride)
July 10, 2022 - July 17, 2022
(Summer ride)
July 17, 2022 - July 24, 2022
(Summer ride)
July 31, 2022 - Aug. 7, 2022
(Summer ride)
Aug. 7, 2022 - Aug. 14, 2022
(Summer ride)
Sept. 11, 2022 - Sept. 18, 2022
(Summer ride)
Oct. 9, 2022 - Oct. 16, 2022
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Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.