Sample Trail Rides
Here are a few of our sample itineraries:The Alpujarra Ride - 7 nights, 6 days riding
Three day programme
Four day programme
The Alpujarra Ride 7 nights, 6 days riding
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 Alpujarras is spectacular with a fantastic range of views and scenery.
We follow old moorish mulepaths and valleys where the horse, mule or oxen still pull the plow and thresh the harvest. Each day of the ride we pass through different terrain; from mountain pastures and pine forests to almond and olive groves.
Here is an opportunity not only to discover spectacular landscapes and awe-inspiring scenery, but also a culture where tradition remains very much part of everyday life.
The average riding time per day is between five and six hours. There are plenty of opportunities to canter or gallop, but we do occasionally have to lead the horses downhill on foot when the terrain is steep.
No matter what the pace, the ride will be breathtaking.Day One
Transfer from Málaga or Granada airport to the tiny spa town of Lanjaron, 'the gateway' to the Alpujarras, where you will be met by your guide, Sarah. Dinner prepared by the excellent cook, Ann, at the Spanish Farmhouse, Casa del Viento, with a comfortable first night spent on the Farm.
Day Two
Up to the Ranch to meet your horse, then we head North up above the Lanjaron river gorge through the ancient oak forests towards the summit of the pico del caballo, reaching over 2000 meters of altitude, before dropping down through the logging trails of the pine forests to Puente Palo. Lunch in the pine forests then East to an idyllic location high on the slopes of the Poqueria valley where we spend the night in mountain cottages. Across the Poqueria valley are the white washed mountain villages of Capileira, Bubion and PampanieraDay Three
We head east across the Poqueria valley. Plenty of opportunity to canter or gallop as we ride towards the picturesque town of Capileira, one of the highest towns in Spain. With Mulhacén, the highest peak in Spain, forming the backdrop, this valley is stunning. After visiting the town we take the old moorish bridlepath down the gorge until we reach the wide forest track that takes us to our mountain cottages, and a good nights rest.
Day Four
Today a shorter ride as we head South down through mountain and pasture land, down an old mule track that was used for trade with the Greeks (goes all the way to Greece!) stopping for refreshment in the local Spanish bar, Los LLanos, before heading down through the Olive groves of Padre Eterno for a picnic and then to our Farmhouse accommodation and well deserved dinner. For those who prefer a longer ride, we drop off our saddle bags and head off for a final gallop before dinner.
Day Five
Down through
the olive groves of Cerro Negro, to the small white washed town of Tijola
and on to Orgiva for stroll around the local market, which offers a wide range
of local produce and artesan products as well as clothes, shoes, and tourist
souvenirs. Orgiva is the largest town of Las Alpujarras. After market we have
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 for the night. Day Six
A lovely long trail ride as we head up cobbled mule paths through an ancient chestnut forest to the waterfalls of the Rio de Lanjaron. West towards the La Valle de Lecrin, with awesome views across the plains to Granada as we sit under an aged chestnut tree for a picnic. After lunch we follow the old moorish water channels down into the town of Lanjaron and stop for refreshment in the town, before heading up narrow bridlepaths to the Casa del Viento Farmhouse and a dip in the pool!
Day Seven
Down through old Roman and Moorish bridlepaths to the tippee 'hippie' valley of Beneficio, along tracks and riverbeds to the South until we reach the the immense riverbed of the Rio Guadalfeo which heads towards the sea. The horses stop for a splash and a drink, before we head across the valley, picnicing under olive trees before a fast climb back up to the Ranch.
Day Eight
We wish you a fond farewell as we return you to either Malaga or Granada airport.
Three day programme
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 Spanish Farmhouse, Casa
del Viento, with a comfortable first night 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. Then through the ancient oak forests towards the summit of the Pico del Caballo, reaching over 2000meters of altitude, before dropping through the logging trails of the pine forests to Puente Palo. A picnic lunch is then 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
Heading 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!) stopping for refreshments in the local Spanish bar, Los LLanos, before heading down through the Olive Groves of Padre Eterno for a picnic and then to the Farmhouse accommodation and a delicious, well deserved dinner. For those wishing for a slightly longer ride, then you can drop off your saddle bags and head off for a final explosive 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 round the local market, which offers a wide range of local produce and artesan 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 yummy 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 returned to either Malaga or Granada airport
ABILITY DESCRIPTION: BEGINNER TO EXPERIENCED
Four day programme
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 Spanish Farmhouse, Casa
del Viento, with a comfortable first night 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. Then through the ancient oak forests towards the summit of the Pico del Caballo, reaching over 2000meters of altitude, before dropping through the logging trails of the pine forests to Puente Palo. A picnic lunch is then 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 and 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 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
Heading 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!) stopping for refreshments in the local Spanish bar, Los LLanos, before heading down through the Olive Groves of Padre Eterno for a picnic and then to the Farmhouse accommodation and a delicious, well deserved dinner. For those wishing for a slightly longer ride, then you can drop off your saddle bags and head off for a final explosive 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, which offers a wide range of local produce and artesan 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 yummy 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 returned to either Malaga or Granada airport
ABILITY DESCRIPTION: BEGINNER TO EXPERIENCED