Pyrennean Mountain Trail

Introduction
Pyrenees Spain
Our ride starts at 1150m high and makes its way through the amazing landscapes of the Pyrenees mountains, crossing the most impressive peaks (up to 2300m).
 
Cattle meadows, high mountain forests and the traditional mountain villages await. During our ride, we cross great ranges, going on their peaks so we can enjoy the Pyrenean scenery: deep valleys, high mountain lakes, waterfalls and rocky reliefs. A nature spectacle for the all your senses!

This route is recommended for experienced riders in good physical shape, as we might have to lead our horses on mountain paths, from time to time.

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so you will be staying in different locations each night.

Description
The accommodations while out on the mountain trail are in charming local inns and small hotels, specially selected for their character and comfort as well as for their cuisine.
Each room comes with a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi access.
Laundry can be done for a small fee.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel La Cabanya in Setcases
Night 2: Hostal Roquetes in Queralbs
Night 3: Hotel Solineu in Alp
Night 4: Hostal Rural Falgars near La Pobla de Lillet
Night 5: Hotel La Canal in Gombrenys
Night 6: Hotel Terralta in El Baell
Night 7: Hotel La Cabanya in Setcases


Hotel La Cabanya in Setcases
This small hotel offers simply decorated rooms with private facilities, TV and a great view over the surroundings. There are 15 double rooms, 2 quadruple rooms and 2 rooms that can cater to bigger groups or large families.


Hostal Roquetes in Queralbs
This cozy hotel is just 200 metres from the Núria mountain railway. All bedrooms have private bathrooms with hairdryers and a TV. There is WIFI in the restaurant.

Hotel Solineu in Alp
This charming mountain hotel offers comfortable bedrooms that come equipped with free Wi-Fi, a TV and ensuite bathroom with hairdryer and toiletries. The hotel amenities include a spa and a fitness center.

Hostal Rural Falgars near La Pobla de Lillet
Tonight, you will sleep in a small hotel located in a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin of Falgars. The building originally dates back to 1646 and is full of charm. Most rooms come with their own bathrooms and guests are welcome to use the common areas to relax.

La Canal in Gombrenys
La Canal is an 18th-century farmhouse surrounded by mountains and forests.  The decor is quite rustic and the house features mainly original materials such as wooden beams and stonewalls.
There are 7 comfortable ensuite guestrooms.
Guests are also welcome to relax in the living room, by the fireplace, or take a dip in the small indoor pool.
There is internet access from this property.

Hotel Terralta in El Baell
This typical mountain house offers cozy accommodations. Each room comes with private facilities and heating. Free Wi-Fi is available in common rooms.

Room Occupancy
Triple occupancy is sometimes possible, please inquire.
Single supplement is not charged for those willing to share.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7.

The meals on this trip represent the great delights of the Catalan cuisine and include some spectacular local wines! Catalonia produces an extraordinary variety of food including: wild mushrooms and game from the Pyrenees, the trinity of olives, grapes and wheat from the hilly heartland, all manner of fruits, vegetables and nuts from the irrigated lowlands, rice and fish from the river deltas and a great variety of fish and shellfish from Catalonia's 500 km of coastline. 

Lunches are sometimes taken at the accommodation or you will picnic along the way. 

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions if given prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Experience
This route is appropriate only for intermediate riders and above. Participants should also be fit enough to lead their horses on mountain trails.

Tack
The tack is English and trekking style and most horses are ridden in snaffles. Saddle bags are provided to carry items required during the day and for picnic lunches.

Horses
The horses used are well schooled Spanish, Hispano-Arabians, Arabians, Anglo-Arabian, and Quarter horses. They have all been carefully chosen and most are between 14.2hh (150cm) and 16hh (165cm) and are of a medium build. They are sure-footed, fit, forward going, responsive to ride and well adapted to the requirements of the sometimes rough terrain.
The horses are all trained using natural horsemanship techniques, which helps to create an enthusiastic, good natured horse that is keen to collaborate with its rider, and really enjoys its work.
A great deal of time has been spent selecting and training the horses for these trekking routes. Not too boisterous to be difficult for lower level riders, yet with enough spark to make an enjoyable ride to experienced riders. The horses live outside all the year round in a herd to helps to create a psychologically balanced animal well adapted to the necessities of trail riding and group riding. The herd of horses naturally adapts well to the rhythm of a trail ride, traveling up to 30km a day from place to place as a wild herd would do when looking for food and water.

Pace
On average, we spend 4-6 hours in the saddle per day, covering 25-30 km daily. We will be riding for 5 days.

Guides
The main guide will be Xavi, an experienced and talented rider, always accompanied by an English speaking back up guide.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
You will arrive to Setcases, in the Pyrenees, a typical and small Catalan village in the middle of the mountains with stone houses. Before dinner, we will go over the week's program. You will be told about the special characteristics of our Andalusian trail horses. You will be given an introduction to the week´s program with an opportunity for a one-to-one conversation designed to find every rider their perfect horse. Then, you can enjoy a fantastic dinner!
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Setcases

Day 2 (Monday): The journey begins
After an early start from our stables in L'Abella, we begin to climb up to the 3 peaks (Puig Billici, Puig Cerverí and Black Stone Peak ) that will give us a first sight of the amazing mountain range that awaits. Then, we descend to Querals, crossing several rivers and the Vall de Nuria Valley on the way.
Riding: 4-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hostal Roquetes in Queralbs

Day 3 (Tuesday): Up to the highest peaks
We will have breakfast early, in preparation of our long day ride. Today's route features spectacular high mountain landscapes, with peaks of 2600m and 2800m. On our way down, we will be crossing Tossa’s neck to reach Alp/La Molina where we will overnight.
Riding: 4-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Solineu in Alp

Day 4 (Wednesday): Natural Park Cadí-Moixeró and Sanctuary of Falgàs
We will begin this day by riding across spectacular valleys with the outstanding views of the Cadí Moixerò Peaks like Pedraforca. We will cross lovely mountain villages on the way. After crossing LLobregat River, we head to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Falgàs, where we overnight.
Riding: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hostal Rural Falgars near La Pobla de Lillet

Day 5 (Thursday): Catllaràs Range and Avinyonet to Gombrén
Today, we will have a relaxing day with fast gallops and canters, riding across the Catlleràs Mountain Range to reach Palomera’s neck and reach the Pinyana range to the village of Gombrén were we will overnight.
Riding: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Gombrén

Day 6 (Friday): The Ribes Valley and Back to the mountain of Ripoll
From the Ribes Valley, we will be going to the Ripoll mountains in the Pre Pyrenees mountain range. Once again, we discover an impressive valley crossed by rivers, pine trees forest and cattle. We can see the Montgrony range . When crossing the fields, if we pay attention, we might come across a deer… In the evening, we will reach El Baell where we overnight.
Riding: 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Terralta in El Baell

Day 7 (Saturday): Back to l’Abella Serra Cavallera
Today is our last riding day. We are riding back to L’Abella by crossing Serra Cavallera mountains. On the way, we enjoy views over la Llagona lakes at the Gorgs Plain and the Camrpodón Valley. Arrival into the Stables and transfer to accommodation in Setcases, next to the Ter River.
Riding: 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Setcases

Day 8 (Sunday): Departure
After breakfast, it is time to go.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Pyrennean Mountain Trail

Dates Note: Custom dates possible in July and August for groups of 4+ (please inquire)

Other Info
Meeting: Abella
Airport: Barcelona
Transfer: Barcelona airport

Climate:
                                                Girona area