Spain - Pyrenean 13 Day Adventure

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Day 1
Meet at Barcelona Airport for the transfer to the accommodation for the night, a picturesque old mill set on the banks of a river. After checking in, relax in the pretty gardens before meeting the guide and fellow riders over a welcome dinner.

Day 2
After breakfast, meet at the stables, and the most suitable horse will be chosen for each rider. Following old shepherds' paths, the route crosses the hilly landscape that make up the foothills of the Pyrenees. Follow the Fluvia River toward the mountains, passing the villages of Alt Empordà with its vestiges of a grand history. Stop for a packed lunch in a clearing next to the river before continuing at a leisurely pace toward the medieval town of Besalú. The accommodation for the night is next to an old Romanesque bridge overlooking the river. Take a pre-dinner stroll through the streets of Besalú before enjoying a meal at a local restaurant.

Day 3
The group set off at a fast pace, following the river to canter along the mountain paths. Stop for a picnic on the sandy banks of the river where the riders can cool off with a refreshing dip. Once rested, climb into the solitude of the Garrotxa Mountains to the campsite for the night, near a gorge surrounded by huge rocks.

Day 4
The landscape begins to change as the route heads toward old Garrotxa. Deep valleys, rugged cliffs and dense forests of oak make up the landscape. Enjoy a saddleback picnic next to the river and freshen up with a swim before continuing at a brisk pace. Reach the accommodation for the night in the late afternoon in a picturesque medieval village. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 5
Today's route takes riders deeper into the Pyrenees. Following an ancient trade route dating back to the Middle Ages, the riders reach the border region with France. Leave the foothills of the Pyrenees and ride through forests of Beech, Oak and Chestnut, with 3000m peaks towering above. Cross the lush meadows of flowers and gentians to the mountain town of Camprodón, on the banks of the River Ter. Enjoy an evening drink at one of the local bars while taking an evening stroll through the town.

Day 6
An early start to the day takes riders high into the mountains, passing the local livestock and wild Pyrenean horses. The terrain is alpine in character with carpets of flowers dotting the pastures. Cross a 1800m pass where one can see the highest peaks of Catalonia in the east, and the Mediterranean in the far distance. Stop for a rest before heading on to the accommodation for the night, a former farmhouse in the picturesque valley.

Day 7
Ride through an old mining village in the morning into the dense boxwood forests. It is a day of ascents over high alpine pastures. Riding through the herds of cattle and mountain horses, vultures and eagles circle above. On reaching the summit, riders are rewarded with a panoramic view in all four directions: to the North, the high three-thousand-metre peaks rise, to the West, the towering stone mountains of the pre-Pyrenees, to the East, the view reaches as far as the Mediterranean coast, and to the South, there is the extraordinary mountain range of Montserrat. After taking in the views, we descend into the valley to reach the overnight stop, a comfortable mountain hotel.

Day 8
Today, the route emerges from the shadows of the forest into the wide mountain meadows. If lucky riders will spot the silhouettes of chamois jumping over the rocks with breath-taking speed. There are plenty of opportunities for trotting and cantering uphill until finally reaching the mountain ridge in a stunning final spurt. Tonight the riders stay in a comfortable hiker's hut. Watch the sunset over the surrounding rocky mountains before enjoying a tasty dinner prepared by the hosts.

Day 9
Another early start, leave the camp on a trail to the Moixeró nature park. Arrive at a mountain hut for a snack and a cold drink before descending to the impressive Cerdanya plateau and a canter to the picnic spot with views of the Sierra de Cadí. Tonight, the accommodation is in a natural stone village, with cozy rooms and hot showers. Enjoy dinner before a good night's rest,

Day 10
A fast ride through the lush plains of the Cerdanya, where meadows and grain fields offer the opportunity for trotting and cantering. Cross the river Ter, taking care in the fast moving current. This is the land of the Cathars. Set up camp in a valley, where turquoise pools invite riders to swim and relax in nature. High up on a rock, the ruins of a Cathar castle remind riders of days gone by. The horses graze peacefully while riders star gaze before heading to bed.

Day 11
Today is a challenging climb to Andorra with everything needed for the next two days in the luggage! Riders are rewarded by a view over the high mountain landscapes. The riding is at high altitude (2500m). While the horses graze in a meadow by the river riders cool off next to the stream. In the evening, the route reaches a beautiful spot in the middle of the high Pyrenees where riders set up camp and prepare for dinner from the provisions carried in the saddle bags and settle in for the night.

Day 12
Keep a lookout for marmots this morning as the route heads across beautiful mountain meadows and river valleys. After some challenging climbs, cross the pass to reach the highest point of the journey at an altitude of 2600m! Take in the spectacular views of the Serra de Cadí, and the highest mountain in Catalonia, the Pica d'Estats. Carefully, the riders pick their way through this enchanting landscape to a mountain lake. This is the final destination, back in Catalonia. Say a fond farewell to the horses before checking into the comfortable guesthouse and enjoying a hot shower. Over the final dinner, re-live the adventure of the last 12 days with fellow riders before turning in for the night.

Day 13
After breakfast, farewell and transfer to Barcelona.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

The Andalusian horses have a good life, kept in a natural herd. The 30+ horses are selected for their temperament, each is well trained and make sure-footed and reliable companions.

The tack consists of good quality trail saddles, designed for comfort over long distances at all paces. Riders are provided with a saddlebag.

Teenagers who are strong riders as young as 12 and accompanied by an adult can join the ride with prior arrangement with the hosts.

The riding is through challenging terrain and the days are long – often with up to 9 hours in the saddle, covering up to 40 kilometres a day. Only experienced riders are comfortable at all paces and must be able to mount and dismount on both sides of the horse without assistance in difficult terrain. Where the route is particularly challenging, we have to dismount and lead the horses. You should therefore be fit and able to hike both up and downhill in mountainous terrain. In addition, you should not attempt this route if you are afraid of heights. Due to the difficulty of this trail, the maximum weight limit for riders is 85 kg and the age limit is 65 years.

The weight limit for this ride is 187 lb/85 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Double Room / Double Tent

8 nights in shared double rooms in guest houses

2 nights in double tent

2 nights in multi persons tent, refuges, etc. (multi bed rooms)

Single Room/Single Tent

8 overnights in single room (depending on demand and room availability)

3 overnights in single tent

1 overnight is only available in multi persons tent

Single travellers have the option to book a "Half Double Room/Half Double Tent". Half double rooms for bookings 60 days prior to departure can only be booked, if at that time a same-gender customer is also waiting for a roommate. If this is not the case, we will book a single room with the regular, advertised surcharge.

Single rooms cannot always be guaranteed though booked. If a previously confirmed single room is not

available, the guest is entitled to a refund of the price paid for those nights surcharge.

Restaurants and catering during trip - payable on arrival €330pp

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

The Summer climate in Andorra is quite warm during the day, with highs around 25 °C, but relative humidity is not high, and nights are cool. In the afternoon, thunderstorms can occur. Being in the mountains means that conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Spain and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

In Spain the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly

There is electricity available most nights to recharge phones. When travelling in the mountains the signal may be weak in areas. If using a GoPro please get the permission of the group to be filmed

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384 (Limited helmets are available at the stables if you do not have your own)
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- T-shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Fleece - Although the weather is generally very warm, the evenings can be a bit cooler
- Warm layers - At times the evening temperature drops significantly
- Casual Clothes - for when out of the saddle
- Sandals
- Raincoat - it is always a wise idea to pack a light waterproof/ windproof jacket and also light waterproof trousers in the winter
- Sleeping bag comfortable to -5 deg C
- Thin foam or inflatable mattress
- Swimwear
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with string
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera and Spare Batteries/Charger - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- Head torch
- Small Medical kit
- Plastic bag to protect belongings from water damage
- Pocket Knife
- A copy of your passport

Provided by hosts
Riding helmet
Saddlebags

This ride has a 13 day / 12 night / 11 days riding itinerary with fixed departures

2025: 9, 30 Jun; 21 Jul; 25 Aug

Single rooms and tents available

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• The New Spaniards’ –John Hooper,


• ‘Driving over Lemons’- Chris Stewart,


• ‘The Story of Spain’- Mark Williams,


• ‘South from Granada’ – Gerald Brenan,


• ‘For Whom The Bell Tolls’ – Ernest Hemmingway,


• ‘As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning’- Laurie Lee 


• ‘Don Quijote de la Mancha’ – Miguel de Cervantes.


• For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

The Catalans are patriotic and disciplined, traditional yet modern. Contrasts also determine the relationship of Catalonia towards the rest of Spain, in particular towards Castile, whose dominance is sometimes regarded as oppression, even until today. The Catalans do not consider themselves Spanish and they are somewhat attracted by the French and German lifestyles. Bull fighting is not wanted here. Here, people prefer non-violent activities and encourage people’s creativity. Catalonia has raised creative minds like Antoni Gaudí, Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró.

Spain is a beautiful and diverse country, the second largest in Europe. The official language is Castilian Spanish but Catalan, Galician and Basque are also spoken. Territory includes two island archipelagos – the Balearics and the Canaries – and two enclaves on the North African coast, bordering Morocco – Ceuta and Melilla. The African influence can be found throughout Spain but especially in the south, for example the guitar was invented by the Spanish when they added a sixth string to the Arab lute. Music and art permeates Spanish culture, most obviously displayed in the fire and passion of the Flamenco and the stunning modern architecture found in the cities.

The famous siesta is still enjoyed by the majority of Spaniards, most shops close at lunchtime for two or three hours so everyone can escape the often scorching afternoon sun. Evening meals are served late into the evening with plenty of wine or sangria. Often meals can last two or three hours, especially if your host is serving Tapas, small and varied dishes of meats, bread, vegetables. Paella is also a delight and very popular across the country.

Spain is one hour ahead of GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code for Spain is +34.