CANYON TRAIL, SIERRA GUARA - SPAIN

more photos | enquiry | availability check | ride reviews

This very isolated and almost deserted mountain range is on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. Here Bertrand has kept his superb mostly pure Arab horses. He is the horse whisperer of the mountains and has a gentle way with animals. The riding is thrilling on this amazing horse riding holiday- from steep descents down the side of canyons to exhilarating gallops along open tracks. This is for confident, fit riders. You discover the hidden secrets of the Pyrenees; griffon vulture colonies, historic castles and drovers tracks leading to abandoned stone villages. The contrasting landscapes of the snowy Pyrenees in the North, lush pastures and olive groves on the slopes, down to deserted plateaux in the South is remarkable. Prepare for a week of unforgettable riding on superbly trained, cared for horses on both these trails.

Trip length 8 days/ 7 nights / (6 days riding) Ride only price 2008: £895 Departure dates April 20 - 27, May 4-11, June 22-29, August 31 - September 7, September 21-28, October 5-12 in 2008 Approximate riding time per day approximately 5 - 7 hours in the saddle daily Riding ability required Must be able to walk, trot and canter confidently and mount and dismount unaided. Min age 12. Group size 5 to 8 Meeting point Zaragoza airport Transfer €90 return from Zaragoza, see below Flight guide London - Zaragoza from £50 return with Ryanair. See below for flight info. Single supplement none if willing to share, otherwise £94

SAMPLE ITINERARY - CANYON TRAIL, SIERRA GUARA

Day 1
Meet at Zaragoza airport at 2pm. The transfer to the start of the ride is 145km. Welcoming meal in the evening, presentation of the trip-plan and the horses. Dinner and sleeping accommodation at the inn.

Day 2 
Introductory ride from Nocito to test the horses and saddlery on mule paths to the hermitage of San Urbez and the Pardina Bail. We’ll climb to the crests of the Sierra d’Aineto as far as the uninhabited villages of Abellada and Azpe. Accommodation back at the inn. 5h30 ride.

Day 3
We’ll ride southward through the long valley of the Guatizalema to the viewpoint of Santa Eulalia la Mayor and down through the plain to Arbanies. Accomodation at a bed-and-breakfast following a 6-hour ride.

Day 4
We’ll explore the foot of the southern slope and visit the San Cosme Monastery and the Fabana hermitage before riding down to Panzano where we’ll spend the night in flats at the village inn following a 5h30 ride.

Day 5
Through a colourful labyrinth of hills and rio bottoms with clear waters we’ll ride south to the medieval village of Alquezar after long canters near Alberuela de la Liena. Accomodation at the Alquezar hotel following a 6-hour ride.

Day 6
We’ll ride to the heart of the canyons through the Fuente Tamara, along the canyon of La Peonera and the Barranco de Trensus; we’ll reach Rodellar across the valley of Pedruel. Accomodation at a bed-and-breakfast following a 6-hour ride.

Day 7
Amazing ride at the bottom and then on the slopes of the famous canyon Mascun, outstanding set of stone cathedrals, then we’ll head for Nocito through the plateau of Otin and the valley of Bara. Accomodation at La Mallata following a 6-hour ride.

Day 8
After breakfast, departure and transfer to Zaragoza airport.

NOTES - CANYON TRAIL, SIERRA GUARA

Meeting point for this riding holiday is the Zaragoza Airport at 2 pm. The transfer for this ride is €90 for 2008 and consists of a 4WD trip each way as the start is in a remote mountain village. During the ride you will need to dismount and walk next to your horse over rough terrain, so good walking boots are required. If there are less than 5 riders on one date, then the itinerary may be altered slightly.

GETTING TO Zaragoza Airport

As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.

The weight limit for this ride is 15 st/209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation, riding, English speaking guide and meals.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Transport to and from Zaragoza, transfers from Zaragoza to the starting point, any tips or items of a personal nature.

CLIENTS WHO BOOKED THIS RIDE ALSO ENJOYED :- 
      - Skoura to Tarbahlt Desert Trail

more photos | enquiry | availability check | ride reviews