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Sierra Nevada Trails

Overview

Fantastic trail rides led by Manolo Ruiz from our Almeria horse riding destination on the southern coast of Spain. 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 v…

Highlights

  • Ride with experienced local guide, Manolo
  • 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 10 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 led by Manolo Ruiz from our Almeria horse riding destination on the southern coast of Spain. 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 impeeding 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 and luxurious Parador.

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 18h00 on the day of arrival. It is approx. 2.5 hours to the Hotel. Departure from the hotel is 09:30. This set-time transfer is available at an additional cost (see itinerary for prices).

For 2 or more people, it is now possible for us to arrange Malaga airport transfers for guests as well. These will depart Malaga airport at 18:00 on arrival day and depart from Granada at approx. 09:30 on departure day. The journey will take approx. 2.5 hours each way, so please plan flights accordingly. This opens up far more flight options for arrival and departure. *Please see itinerary for costs.

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 be transferred to the riding centre near Granada in order to meet your guides, horses and fellow guests. A chance to enjoy an aperitif followed by dinner and the chance to discuss and learn more about the trail ahead.

Overnight accommodation at the hotel Hospedería of Zenete 4* (or similar), a replica of the medieval castle above the town of La Calahorra.

Day 2

Riding: 5 hours

Today you will meet the horses and begin your first day of riding. You will head toward La Calahorra castle, a former Muslim fortress with great history and a stunning example of some of the first renaissance architecture to reach this part of Spain. The trail leads you across fertile land with irrigated fields of almond trees, fig trees, olives and a host of other crops. Then you will climb up to 1500 - 2000m following "the trails of the glaciers" (sendero de los neveros), paths used in ancient times by horsemen who came to cut out blocks of ice in order to preserve their food. Following your morning of challenging riding, you will enjoy a picnic lunch near the Rosandra river before heading back to La Calahorra crossing the ancient village of Aldeire and its network of irrigation channels, a legacy of the Moorish occupation.

Back at the hotel Hospedería del Zenete 4* you will have a well-earned dinner and overnight.

Day 3

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

This morning, you will head towards the Zalabi valley, the "Wild West" of Andalucia. You will ride across a large flat plain of red clay that will take you to amazing canyons, reminiscent of the great American canyons of Colorado. There will be a picnic lunch waiting for you next to Lake Cogollos, fed by melting snow from the peaks of the Sierra Nevada - there may be time for a cooling dip too. After lunch, you follow the old mining paths to arrive in the small and ancient Moorish village of Cogollos. 
Dinner and overnight in Casa Rural of Cogollos El Tesorillo.

Day 4

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

This morning you will climb up to the Postero Alto summit, riding through Mediterranean pine forests and up crystal clear streams. You will eventually reach the summit at 1850 m. The trail is often used by farmers in the region to monitor their herds of over 4000 cattle that graze freely in the mountains. At the top the landscape is somewhat like Canada, featuring high mountain streams and century-old chestnut trees. Lunch will be a picnic next to the Alhorí river and you will then ride back down along Vaqueros tracks (local cowboys) to the village of Jerez del Marquesado.
Tonight there is a special dinner of grilled meats and vegetables at a local restaurant. The night is again spent at the Hotel Casa Rural of Cogollos El Tesorillo.

Day 5

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

Today you descend to the valley of Zalabi, through a landscape of red clay canyons, to the fertile valley where the ancient Arab inhabitants of Andalucia (Moriscos) cultivated mulberry trees with which to feed silkworms. Your picnic lunch is taken by a water fountain which originates from the peaks of the Sierra Nevada (the tejea). Dinner and overnight at Hotel Cuevas de Abuelo Ventura.

Day 6

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

This morning you will head toward the Alhama river and the easternmost side of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park. You will find the region to be reminiscent of the scenery from the Spaghetti westerns - similar to the deserts of Arizona from the 70s. You will take a rest with a picnic lunch under the shade of pine trees, on the side of the river. In the afternoon you will reach Guadix, a troglodyte city where even today close to 4000 people live in cave homes hewn from the rock face.
Dinner at the a restaurant in the caves, 'la tinaja'. Overnight at Hotel Cuevas de Abuelo Ventura.

Day 7

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

You will leave Guadix and follow winding pack trails which will lead you directly to the highlands of Albuñán and the spectacular views beyond. Leaving the horses, you will enjoy a delicious Andalucian lunch Paella at a local restaurant in Paulemca troglodyte city, at your hotel for the night. There is some free time to relax or make most of the pool at your hotel.

In the afternoon you will head by road back to Guadix where you will have a carriage ride to see the neighbourhood caves. Dinner will be in the city and will be followed by a flamenco show.

Day 8

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 10
Departure windows

May 30, 2021 - June 6, 2021

June 20, 2021 - June 27, 2021

Sept. 5, 2021 - Sept. 12, 2021

Pricing

2021
Sharing		 £1235 $1720 €1450
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

2021 - Granada Airport Transfer £43 $59 €50
Paid to Far and Ride
Cost is per person, including travel in both directions.
2021 - Malaga Airport Transfer £85 $119 €100
Paid to Far and Ride
Malaga airport transfer, price each way (2 pax minimum).
2021 - Single Supplement €180
Paid locally
Single supplement payable by anyone in a single room
2021 - Small Group Supplement £220 $305 €260
Paid to Far and Ride
Supplement payable if less than 4 confirmed riders
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.