NATURAL PARC SIERRA GUARA - SPAIN

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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 - from steep descents down the side of canyons to exhilarating gallops along open tracks; this is for confident, fit riders. On this horse riding holiday, you will discover the hidden secrets of the Pyrenees; griffon vulture colonies, historic castles and drovers tracks leading to abandoned stone villages. Whereas the Canyon and Aragon Trails concentrate on areas East and West of Nocito and the Sierra Guara mountains, this trail explores the areas north of Nocito. To the north we approach the high mountains of the Pyrenean divide with its typical villages and vegetation. Here the paths are less difficult and there are plenty of occasions for good long canters on this fast paced ride.

Trip length 8 days/ 7 nights (6 days riding) Ride only price 2008: £815 Non-rider £325 Departure dates 6 - 13 April (Full); 12 - 19 October 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. Group size 2 to 8 Meeting point Zaragoza airport Transfer €90 return from Zaragoza airport - see below Flight guide London - Zaragoza from £70 with Ryanair, see below for flight info. Single supplement None if willing to share, otherwise £94

SAMPLE ITINERARY - NATURAL PARC SIERRA GUARA

Day 1
Your riding holdiay begins as you arrive at the hotel late in the afternon and  get acquainted with your horse and fellow riders. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2
We climb to the monastery of San, close to dolmen d'Ibirque, wher we come across an abandoned village along the crest, before we make the descent to Nocito on the barranco Bail (5 1/2 hours riding).

Day 3
Today we ride through the valley of Guatizalema, climbing to the plateau de las Paules. On foot we descend into the Cienfuens gorge, and from there we ride around the lake Santa Maria, near to some beautiful natural water-basins. We finish our journey close to the village of Belsue were we leave the horses for the night. Transfer to Nocito. (6 hrs riding).

Day 4
After we have crossed the valley of Belsue we climb to the top of Traversada to arrive in the wilderness of the Flumen Valley. We cross the dam in order to climb close to Lucera and return to Nocito via the collado Barbero and the pardina d'orlado. (6 hrs riding).

Day 5
We depart to the north through the abandoned village of d'Azpe and the mountain tops of Serrato, before we descend in the Barranco de Binuestre and the splendid clear water reservoirs of l'Alcanadre, close to village of Bara, where we leave the horses for the night. Transfert to Nocito. (6 hrs riding).

Day 6
Climbing to the Plateau d'Otin to reach the Saltadode Las Lanas, a large waterfall wich marks the impressive Canyon de Mascun. We return towards Barapar, through the abandoned village of Nasare wich features a beautiful 11th Century Chapel, recently restored. Again we leaves the horses close to Bara before we transfer by car to Nocito. Transfert to Nocito. (6 1/2 hrs riding).

Day 7
From the Barranco d'Used we begin the long climb through the high altitude meadows, close to the crest of the Sierra da Guara from where we have a panoramic view, enabling us to see to the north the snow capped Pyrenees and to the South the vast plains of Ebre. We descend towards Nocito over the Plateau de la Paul and the Barranco Cuello(6 hours riding)

Day 8
After breakfast transfer to Barcelona or Zaragoza.

NOTES - NATURAL PARC SIERRA GUARA

Please note: Meeting point for this ride is the Zaragoza Airport. The return transfer for this ride is €90 for 2008 and consists of a 120km 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.

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.

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