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Sierra Nevada Trails

Overview

Fantastic trail rides designed by Manolo Ruiz . These rides are based in the Sierra Nevada national park, which is home to some of the most impressive terrain in Andalucia. With landscapes ranging from high mountains to deep river valleys and gorges and out to the stark wilderness of desert and far…

Highlights

  • Ride with experienced local guides
  • Comfortable hotel accommodation of 3* & 4* level
  • Ride in breathtaking mountains in the Sierra Nevada
  • Delicious Andalucian cuisine served for each meal
  • Amazing and unique rural setting

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 8 riders per group
  • Average of 5 - 6 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 90 kg / 198 lbs / 14 stone 2 lbs

Description

Fantastic trail rides designed by Manolo Ruiz . These rides are based in the Sierra Nevada national park, which is home to some of the most impressive terrain in Andalucia. With landscapes ranging from high mountains to deep river valleys and gorges and out to the stark wilderness of desert and farmland beyond, you will experience a land almost designed for discovery and adventure. These impenetrable mountainous barriers have for centuries played major roles in the historic battles and conquests of these lands; abetting and impeding military advances in equal measure

Offering absolutely unique riding opportunities which have been researched and designed by Manolo in conjunction with local riding centres and tourism initiatives, in order to offer his guests an exciting, diverse and unforgettable experience. Your host Manolo is a skilled horseman whilst remaining a kind, caring and attentive host. He is regularly involved in all aspects of the equestrian industry, including teaching children and adults how to ride and giving classes as part of the Equestrian tourist guide scheme for the Spanish government. His love of people, horses and nature is evident in his holidays and he describes horses as "our companions through life". He can offer you a wonderful holiday where you can immerse yourself in Spanish culture, ride a beautiful Andalusian horse and most importantly, enjoy yourself.

The Sierra mountain ranges of Andalucia are of volcanic origin and offer some wonderful climates for riding in, with dry, arid summers turning into cold snowy winters. The extremes of weather and temperature have really helped to shape this region, including its cuisine. For example, the Jáen region surrounding the Sierra Cazorla is well known as one of the best olive growing areas in Southern Spain, producing fruit for the vast majority of Spanish olive oil.

Horses & Riding

Tack

Trekking and English style saddles, saddles bags provided.

Horses

Andalucian and Arab crosses.

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Sierra Nevada Trail is a trail ride

Ages

14+ years for the trails.

Health

Riders should be comfortable at walk, trot and canter and able to ride for long hours each day.

Weight

90 kg / 198 lbs / 14 stone 2 lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

All food along this trail will be influenced by the fabulous region you are riding in. Even lunches will be cooked in the traditional Andalucian style - no packed lunch sandwiches here! - with dishes centred around pork, fish and vegetables. You will be able to sample the flavours and delicacies of Andalucia, with warming, hearty meals designed to tantalise your interests and satisfy your hunger. The wines of this Spanish region are also fantastic and those who wish will be able to sample and enjoy the local offerings.

Vegetarian and speciality diets can certainly be catered for with prior warning.

Accommodation

Accommodations for these trails will be in a range of traditional Moorish and Andalucian hotels and guesthouses. All have been selected for their character, comfort and suitability in regards to the trail. These can range from charming rural guesthouses to 4* hotels.

Itineraries

Sierra Nevada Trail Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

The natural parks of Andalucia are the perfect location for any adventure holiday, with trails suited to mountain biking, hiking, kayaking and all manner of thrill seeking activities. A great way to discover the beautiful and dramatic outdoors!

For those wishing to take things a little slower, these reserves are also wonderful places to spot a great number of diverse and interesting wildlife, including 36 species of mammal, 125 separate bird species, as well as many amphibians, reptiles and fish. Really, there is something here for everyone.

Andalucia is also a great food region of Spain, with influences from Mediterranean as well as middle eastern dishes. The ancient regional capital of Granada is also worth taking some time to visit, with its ancient hilltop fortifications and stunning views to the snow topped mountains beyond.

Travel

A group transfer is arranged from Granada airport at 19h00 on the day of arrival. It is approx. 2.5 hours to the Hotel. Departure from the hotel will drop you off at the airport at 11.00. This set-time transfer is available at an additional cost (see itinerary for prices).

Please let us know if you require a private transfer.

Testimonials

Madeleine A., Oct. 11, 2016

We had an enjoyable week with charming hosts and an interesting group of international co-riders. (Favourite memory?) Visiting the valley known as "the End of the World". The scenery is amazing.


James H., May 19, 2016

To be able to personally develop within a week from a trot, to hold my own while galloping alongside seasoned Spanish riders was a feat only made achievable thanks to the joyful & resolute nature of trainer/owner Manolo Ruiz and his delightful family.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will arrive at Cogolles de Guadix at the Reina Axa hotel where you will meet everyone at the end of the afternoon. After a short briefing by the team, you will all enjoy a select variety of local tapas.
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Day 2 - Lugros-Sandero de los Pastores-La Pantaneta

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

After a good breakfast, you will make your way by car to the Cabacci farm to meet the horses (15 minutes drive). On this first day you will become familiar with your horse, You will ride along an easy trail with wonderful views of the highlands (1200 metres above sea level). You will ride the 'shepherds path' that runs through thick pine forests. The dense forest, the silence and tranquility allows you to immerse yourself in the almost magical nature of the surroundings.

You will arrive at La Pantaneta, a small lake surrounded by mountains that were formed due to the melting waters of the Sierra Nevada. Here you will enjoy a traditional picnic. If you are brave you can bathe in the cool water. In the afternoon you will return to the Reina Aixa Hotel to have a delicious dinner and rest.

Day 3 - Lugros-Camarate-Jerez del Marquesado

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

The easy paths on the mountains have made it possible for locals to lead their cows and bulls to the green high mountain meadows know as El Camarate and this is where you will ride today.. It is a very special place with large meadows and Atlantic trees. It is known as the 'enchanted forest' - where you think dwarves and fairies must live. You ride to an altitude of 2000 metres and around noon you will enjoy a picnic lunch that you have packed in your saddle bags. Then you will descend to the small town of Jerez del Marquesado where you will spend the night.

Day 4 - Jerez del Marquesado-Plane Path

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

You will cross the white streets of Jerez del Marquesado to head to Picón, one of the hightest mountains in the Sierra Nevada (3090 m). You will continue to ride at an altitude of 2000m and will find small streams and waterfalls where the water descends from the mountains which are covered in perpetual snow. You will follow the same path as a group of young people from Jerez who in 1960 travelled to rescue American soldiers who had crashed their plane on the peaks of Picón. You will enjoy a picnic next to the "La Tizná' stream.

Day 5 - Jerez del Marquesado-Alquife Mines-La Calahorra

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

Today you will head East crossing the immense plain known as the Altiplano de Sierra Nevada where you will have possibly the best, longest and most relaxed canters of the week as its wide clay paths make it very comfortable for the horses. In the middle of the plateau you will find a red mountain that surrounds the Alquife iron mines which have been in operation since the Bronze Age. You will enjoy a picnic next to the La Rosandrá stream and you will head to La Calahorra where you visit the last medieval castle build in Spain before the Renaissance. You will spend the night in La Calahorra at the Hospedería del Zenete, a beautiful 4 star hotel.

Day 6 - La Calahora-Zalabí Valley-Lugros

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

Today you will descend from the altiplano (1200m) towards the the Zalabí Valley riding through a green landscape, surrounded by cultivated fields. In another time in history (Andalusí), these fields were used to grow mulberry trees to feed the worms needed for the manufacture of silk. The silk was specifically used to dress the Muslim Sultans who inhabited Andalusia. You will enjoy your picnic at La Tehea, a natural water source of Arab origin that emerges directly from the ground. Your day will end with a move to Guadix (15 minutes) where you will enjoy the delicious local cuisine and wines at the Hotel Palacio de Oñate, our base for the final two nights of the trail.

Day 7 - Lugros-End of the World-Lugros

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

After breakfast, you will head to the farm where the horses are waiting for you. On the last day of your trail you are going to visit, what is, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular areas in the Sierra Nevada - "El Fin del Mundo". This valley of red clay, similar to the Grand Canyon was formed in the Quaternary by the melting waters of the Sierra Nevada and houses in its walls, the largest inhabited nucleus of caves in the world. Over 4000 people still live in the caves!

You will enjoy your last picnic in the Marchal, surrounded by this spectacular landscape. You will return in the afternoon to the farm in Lugros where you will say goodbye to your horse and return by car to Guadix. In this monumental city you will visit the neighbourhood of the caves and have dinner in the evening with the option of going to an authentic flamenco show.

Day 8 - Transfer

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Granada airport for your departure.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be provided in a range of traditional Moorish and Andalucian hotels and guesthouses

Experience Intermediate / Experienced

Intermediate and above. All riders must be physically fit and happy at walk, trot and canter.

Minimum group size 4
Maximum group size 8
Departure windows

May 7, 2023 - May 14, 2023

June 25, 2023 - July 2, 2023

Aug. 27, 2023 - Sept. 3, 2023

Sept. 24, 2023 - Oct. 1, 2023

Oct. 22, 2023 - Oct. 29, 2023

Pricing

2023
Sharing
£1400 $1730 €1595
Included 7 nights accommodation in shared rooms, all meals served with water and one drink (beer or wine), 6 days riding as per itinerary, luggage transport between overnight stops.
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, transfers, additional drinks, tips and personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Granada Airport Transfer £70 $87 €80
Paid to Far and Ride
Cost is per person, including travel in both directions.
2023 - Single Supplement €210
Paid locally
Single supplement payable by anyone in a single room except for July and August.. Paid locally in cash.
2023 - Single Supplement - July/August €350
Paid locally
Single supplement payable by anyone in a single room in July and August. Paid locally in cash.
2023 - Non-Riding Guest 30% discount for non-riding companions. Stays on a Half board basis (breakfast & dinner), sharing a room with a riding guest.
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.