Spain - Pyrenees Summit Climb

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from CS of on 28/10/2024

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 being welcomed by the host and settling in, relax in the pretty gardens before meeting the guide and fellow riders over a welcome dinner.

Day 2
In the morning, after a briefing, saddle and cross an old mining village and ride through dense Boxwood forests. During the day, some spectacular ascents over endless high alpine pastures awaits. Pass herds of inquisitive cattle and mountain horses, while above vultures and eagles circle. Once at the top the panoramic view stretches in all four directions: to the North, the high 3000m peaks, 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, the extraordinary mountain range of Montserrat. Descend into the valley and into quiet forests on the way to the first overnight stop on the trail, a charming mountain hotel.

Day 3
After breakfast, set off for the day. On emerging from the shadows of the forest, the route leads into wide-open mountain meadows. Look out for chamois on the horizon, quickly jumping over the rocks. Today there are plenty of opportunities for trotting and cantering uphill until reaching the mountain ridge. Take in the views on the way to a well-managed hikers' hut, the overnight stop. The sunset over the surrounding mountains is a unique spectacle. After a tasty dinner made by the hosts, stretch out comfortably in the shared dorm/bedroom.

Day 4
Leave at sunrise and ride through the remarkable Moixeró Nature Park. Arrive at a mountain hut for some refreshments. Before descending, riders have glimpses of the impressive Cerdanya plateau before cantering to a picnic spot with views of the Sierra de Cadí. Tonight, the accommodation is at a natural stone village Inn, with cozy rooms with a hot shower. Dinner is in the bar at the Inn.

Day 5
A fast-paced ride through the lush plains of the Cerdanya starts the day. The numerous meadows and grain fields are ideal for trotting and cantering. Cross the river Ter on horseback to enter the land of the Cathars. Set up camp in a picturesque valley, with handy mountain pools and streams on hand to enjoy a dip and relax while the horses peacefully graze on the lush high mountain grass. High on a rock, the ruins of a Cathar castle is a reminder of the past. After preparing dinner, settle down to stargaze before heading to the tents.

Day 6
Set off on a challenging climb to Andorra. Everything riders need for the next two days must be carried on the horses. The reward is the view over the high mountain landscape is unique. The altitude is now 2500m, and the trail has crossed two countries. Our horses take a rest and graze while riders cool off in the mountain stream. As evening approaches, set up camp at a scenic spot in the middle of the high Pyrenees. Prepare a tasty dinner from the pack bags and enjoy perfect views of the night sky before the sleeping bag calls.

Day 7
Strike camp and head off through mountain meadows and river valleys, all the time keeping a lookout for marmots. After some challenging climbs, cross the pass to reach the highest point of the journey at 2600m. There are spectacular views of the Serra de Cadí and the highest mountain in Catalonia, the Pica d'Estats. Carefully follow the path down through the landscape to a mountain lake. This is the end point of the journey - back in Catalonia. Say a fond farewell to the horses before heading to a nearby guesthouse to enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and a farewell dinner.

Day 8
Transfer to Barcelona Airport after breakfast. Ensure your flight departs after 14.30.

Please note that the itinerary is a guide and may change at short notice in response to the changeable mountain weather conditions

Due to the difficulty of this trail, the maximum weight limit for riders is 85 kg and the age limit is 65 years.

2025: Restaurants and catering during trip - payable on arrival €180pp

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.

You should feel comfortable and confident at any gait. It is also a basic requirement that you can mount and dismount without assistance. In particularly difficult terrain, you must also be able to mount your horse from both sides. In very tricky places it is necessary to dismount and lead the horses. You must be physically fit for this and you should have no difficulty walking long distances downhill in the Pyrenees. Be prepared to pitch your tent yourself, help prepare food and live in the most basic of conditions. 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.

The accommodations have been chosen to embody the welcoming atmosphere of the region and offers twin rooms with private bathrooms on most nights. Some of the guest houses have swimming pools and beautiful gardens, ideal to relax in. 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 normally saddlebag picnics.

4 overnights in shared double rooms, 2 overnights in double tent, 1 overnight in cottage

Single Tent option: Available for the full ride

Single Room/Single Tent option: 4 overnights in single room (depending on demand and room availability)/ 2 overnights in single tent/1 overnight is only available in multi-person dormitory

Single rooms cannot always be guaranteed, although 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 €180pp

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

Andorra enjoys a mountainous climate influenced significantly by the Mediterranean. Temperatures are cold in winter at 42°F during the day, but remain mild in summer with an average of 73°F in July in the capital of Andorra la Vella.
In winter, minimum temperatures vary between 35°F and 32°F and maximum temperatures reach up to 44°F on average. Despite the cold temperatures and heavy snowfall, particularly at altitude, there are still many days of sunshine during the winter season. For those enthusiasts of winter sports, the period which runs from December to March is ideal for getting the most out of the vast skiing area which spreads out all the way along the different ski resorts.
From May to September, temperatures heat up, peaking at up to 73°F in the month of June. The end of spring, summer and the start of autumn are the most appropriate times to discover the untouched beauty of nature, go hiking, visit the rich Romanesque heritage, or to simply treat yourself to some shopping in the capital’s many shopping centres and luxury boutiques. During these months, temperatures stay warm and there is a maximum amount of sunshine. There is not a stifling atmosphere here, even in the valleys.

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 at guesthouses to recharge phones but not when camping. 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

Please limit luggage to 15kg (Travel bag or suitcase)

- Riding Helmet - mandatory. A well fitting helmet is mandatory on this ride. We strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384 that is well ventilated (One can be provided, but we recommend you bring your own)
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Walking boots with a good grip are recommended rather than riding 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
- Shorts
- Fleece - Although the weather is generally very warm, the evenings can be a bit cooler
- Warm layers - At times the evening temperature drops significantly
- Flip-flops
- Raincoat - it is always a wise idea to pack a light waterproof/ windproof jacket.
- Waterproof trousers
- Swimwear
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Sleeping bag comfortable to -5 deg C
- Thin foam or inflatable mattress
- Headlamp
- Pocket knife
- Refillable Water Bottle (insulated 1.5lt) - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- 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
- Plastic bags to protect electrical appliances etc during river crossings
- A copy of your passport

Provided by hosts
- Riding helmet
- Saddle bags for personal items are provided

8 day / 7 night/ 6 riding day itinerary with fixed departures

2025: 14 (Full) Jun, 5, 26* Jul, 30 Aug (*Confirmed)

Single tent rate available for full ride. Single rooms / Single tent combo also available

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• SEK

• 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

Endangered brown bears, wild boar, numerous bird species

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.