On this demanding unguided horseback riding trail, you do it your way! Perfect for riding with a partner or group of friends, decide your own pace and route. Cross a diverse landscape of luminous forests, volcanos and majestic table mountains over 7 days. The hosts team handle the logistics of overnight stops, meals, and luggage transport as well as stabling and feeding of the horses. This equestrian trail is for intermediate horseback riders who are fit and adventurous.
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 RS of Chemnitz on 20/10/2024
Day 1
This self-guided trail starts near Girona in Catalonia. Arrive at the stables by 10am. All riders are given instruction in map reading, using a GPS, and discussion about the tack, routes, what to be aware of, and care of the horses. After the allocation of the right horse for each rider, there is a light lunch before riders head off on their own through the varied Mediterranean landscape. Arrive at the old mill, the first stop for the night.
Day 2
Start today at a leisurely pace. Feed the horses before planning the day's route over breakfast. Leave the natural stone village and pass through dense forests and wide fields until reaching the river Fluvia. Keep an eye open for the cave church with wonderful views over the river and across the Pyrenees - the perfect picnic spot. After a rest, follow the Fluvia river at a brisk pace until reaching Besalú. Overnight at a 'castle' hotel on the riverbank next to the Romanesque bridge.
Day 3
After the morning routine of feeding the horses and planning the daily route over breakfast. Cross the Fluvia River on a few occasions today on the way to choose a picnic spot and a swim before continuing into the ancient volcanic landscape. Reach the overnight spot at a hotel on the square of a pretty medieval village.
Day 4
Today ride across the million-year-old volcanic landscape - the Garrotxa, to the 'Table Mountains'. The earth turns from ochre to black and the rocks are contrasted against the luminous green of the deciduous forests. Lunch has been arranged at a local bar in a small village. After a break, the path winds steeply up to a pass at 1200 metres where the riders spend the night in a mountain hotel.
Day 5
Today leads to a panoramic view from a 'Table Mountain'. Powerful rock walls tower steeply, but the sturdy horses climb safely along the cliff. See the vultures circling, as if warning riders to be careful! In a canyon lies Rupit, a hidden bandit's village that is built into the rocks. Enjoy a meal in a local restaurant. After a rest, head along the mountains to the mountain-edge accommodation for the night where the hosts will make riders welcome.
Day 6
Today, the trail leads through Oak and Beech forests to the grasslands where livestock graze peacefully. Take in the surrounding beauty on the way to the final destination, the farmhouse of hosts who welcome riders with glass of wine, comfortable beds, and a delicious meal to finish the adventure in Sant Pere de Torrello.
Day 7
Say goodbye to the horses and the team before heading back to your chosen departure by taxi to your airport or railway station.
Transfer taxis can be prebooked (payable on site).
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.
The welfare and safety of horse and rider is paramount. You must ride safely and carefully, being aware of dangers on the trail and must not over exert your mount. You can chose the pace, but need to be mindful of the ground, weather and condition of the horses and riders etc and ride responsibly.
Teenagers who are strong riders as young as 12 and accompanied by an adult can join the ride with prior arrangement with the hosts.
Strong intermediate riders and above only, experienced in independent horse care. Used to riding in open country, you must be experienced in horse handling and understand welfare, feeding and grooming etc. All riders should be knowledgeable in First Aid.
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 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 saddlebag or buffet-style picnics.
Special diets are happily 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 travelers 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.
Discover the food culture of the region with lovingly prepared meals made from local ingredients and fine wines. Lunches are saddle bag, or buffet-styled picnics.
2024: Restaurants and catering during trip - €15/meal pp
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
Due to the interaction of mediterranean and mountain climate in this region, you will find ideal conditions for horse back riding the whole year round. In spring the climate is mild, summer is not too hot, the autumn pleasantly warm and winter with its clear air, not too cold. Especially recommended are February, March and April as well as November! Spring and Autumn is generally a good time to visit. You may well experience a 20 degree Celsius change in temperature over 24 hours.
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 – 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)
- 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
- Shorts
- Flip-flops
- Casual Clothes - for when out of the saddle
- Raincoat - it is always a wise idea to pack a light waterproof/ windproof jacket and also light waterproof trousers in the winter!
- Sunhat
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- 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
- Headlamp
- A copy of your passport
- A copy of your travel insurance
Provided by hosts:
Riding helmets
Saddlebags
This ride has 7 day / 6 night / 6 days riding with set departures
2025: Departures can be arranged year round on request
Single rooms though booked, cannot always be guaranteed. If a previously confirmed single room is not available, the guest is entitled to a refund of the price paid for those nights surcharge.
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 6 | per person sharing | 1,709 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 6 | Single supplement 6 nights | 205 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 6 | per person sharing | 1,989 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 6 | Single supplement 6 nights | 239 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 6 | per person sharing | 2,369 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 6 | Single supplement 6 nights | 275 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 6 | per person sharing | 21,975 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 6 | Single supplement 6 nights | 2,649 |
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.
