The Fresh & Salt Water Trail is the perfect mix of horseback riding and bathing. This point-to-point equestrian trail follows rivers through ancient forests, stone villages, and spectacular scenery of the Mediterranean Pre-Pyrenees mountains before reaching the Coast. The riding pace is very mixed and has a sporty feel, perfect for intermediate horseback riders upward. Every day we stop for a refreshing dip, with a highlight being swimming with the horses. Accommodation is in B&Bs and small inns along the way that provide comfortable rooms and hearty meals..
There are no reviews for this holiday at the moment
Day 1
Arrival in Barcelona or Girona and transfer to the starting point, a 16th century stone mill or similar, relax before dinner.
Day 2
Meet at the stables after breakfast. The guides will allocate horses and then set off to ride along quiet paths through thick Holm Oak and Pine forests. The vegetation is almost tropical, with creepers and vines stretching into the tree canopy. Picnic at a lovely spot on the river bank and siesta. In the afternoon, trot and canter back to the mill for drinks on the lawn and then dinner.
Day 3
An early start to the day, along the Catalan foothills of the Pyrenees. After riding through the forests, stop for horseback for refreshments at a quaint village before heading to today's picnic spot. Take a refreshing dip in a mountain stream. Ride over a pass with panoramic views of the High Pyrenees. Spend the night at an impressive former monastery, a 300-year-old guesthouse (or similar).
Day 4
Meander through the beautiful Mediterranean mountain landscapes to the lake for a memorable day swimming with the horses. After a picnic and a siesta, ride back to the monastery.
Day 5
The group head out early to La Muga, known for its icy waters, and enjoy an invigorating dip to shake off the high temperatures. Follow the river at a lively pace before taking a break for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon the route continues along the river into a timeless landscape of olive groves and vineyards. Spend the night in a former farmhouse.
Day 6
Leave the Pyrenees behind and ride coastal mountain paths down to the sea. Stop for a swim at one of the bays in the warm Mediterranean waters. Carry on until reaching the hotel for tonight. Celebrate the last evening with good wine, a delicious fish dish, and great memories.
Day 7
After breakfast, transfer to the airports.
2025: Restaurants and catering during trip - payable on arrival €150pp
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.
This trail is a mix of riding and bathing. The riding includes mountainous and flat terrain in the valleys and plains and the pace is mixed. There are lively canters and interesting climbs with the horses, so riders need to be fit. On two of the days the horses have to be led and so comfortable waterproof / quick drying walking shoes with chaps are advisable for these descents and for times when you will get wet.
Teenagers who are strong riders as young as 12 and accompanied by an adult can join the ride with prior arrangement with the hosts.
Intermediate Rider: Comfortable on a well-trained horse at all paces - including rising trot and canter for extended periods.
Equestrian experience in open country and long hours in the saddle.
The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
The accommodations have been chosen to embody the welcoming atmosphere of the region in twin rooms with private bathrooms on most nights. Some of the guest houses have swimming pools and beautiful gardens. Some meals are taken in typical Catalan restaurants with a menu of local delicacies to choose from, always best with a locally grown wine. Lunches are mainly saddle-bag picnics.
Special diets catered for with advance notice. Please advise when booking.
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.
Single travellers have the option to book a "Half Double Room". Half double rooms are for bookings 60 days prior to departure. If during this time a same-gender customer is willing to share, the single supplement rate will not be levied. If not, the single surcharge will be applied.
The food culture of the region includes fish, game, vegetables and fruits complemented by the fine wines of the region.
2024: Restaurants and catering during trip - payable on arrival €150pp
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
Costa Brava has a typical Mediterranean climate, similar to Barcelona and other coastal cities in Spain. It is characterized by long hot, dry summers and cooler short winters. Summer comes with loads of sunshine and an average temperature of about 30°C.
The winter months are mild with an average temperature of 14°C. However, the Costa Brava temperatures can drop very low in January to about 3°C. It’s even dropped below freezing before. The wet months are during Autumn, between October and November. October is the wettest month of the season with thunderstorms very typical during this time.
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 each night to recharge phones. There is good mobile reception in some part of most days. 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
- 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 and good grip 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
- Jersey
- Warm jacket (Winter, Spring and Autumn)
- Fleece
- Warm layers - at times the evening temperature drops significantly
- Casual clothes - for when out of the saddle
- Shorts
- Long sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Raincoat - it is always a wise idea to pack a light waterproof/ windproof jacket and also light waterproof trousers in the winter
- Sarong or wrap
- Swimsuit
- 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, spare Batteries/Chargers - 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
- Binoculars
- A copy of your passport
Provided by hosts:
A range of riding helmets are available on site.
This ride has a 7 day / 6 night / 5 riding day itinerary with set departures.
2025: 1(Full), 15(Full), 29* June; 13* Jul; 3(Full) Aug
Cannot be guaranteed for all nights.
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 1,645 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | Single supplement 6 nights | 209 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 1,889 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | Single supplement 6 nights | 239 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 2,315 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | Single supplement 6 nights | 285 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 21,695 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | Single supplement 6 nights | 2,689 |
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.
