Horseback Riding in Spain
COASTAL RANGE RIDE |
The Alpujarra and Coastal Range rides in the Sierra Nevada mountains use well mannered, fit horses and are moderately paced through beautiful landscape going up to alpine meadows. One sees bridges and roads from Roman times and some of the aqueducts built by the Moors still flow to the small mountain villages.
Situated between the Sierra Nevadas and the Mediterranean Coast, is the Sierra la Contraviesa, a small mountain range reaching a maximum altitude of 1,511 meters. Due to the proximity of the coast, the climate and vegetation is very different from that of the Sierra Nevada, warmer and more arid. February and March are the months of almond blossoms and wild flowers, spring arrives here at least six weeks earlier than in the Alpujarra. The early winter months are another lovely time to visit this area and rarely cold.
Until the 18th Century, this range was thickly wooded with cork, oak and chestnut. However, most of the indigenous timber was felled by the turn of the century and replanted with almonds, figs and vineyards. Following ancient bridle paths, goat trails, dirt tracks and riverbeds, ride from the Alpujarras over the Contraviesas and down toward the coast. Little has changed here over the centuries, here the mule and ox still pull the plough, the horse and mule still provide the transport. The dramatic trail passes many small holdings and stone built farms that today provide the main industry for the area.
The horses were extraordinary and I really enjoyed Dallas Love. What an incredible, knowledgeable and interesting person.
- Eleanor Bravo
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Transfer from Malaga to the village of Bubión where you will be met by the ride organizer and guide. Dinner and accommodations in the comfortable and friendly atmosphere of the village.
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| Day 2: | Heading east, set off for the village of Trevelez, which at 1.476 meters, is the highest village in Spain. During the morning, follow the old mule paths through open countryside to the village of Portugos for lunch. After lunch continue on the mule path until it joins a broad, dirt forestry track surrounded by pines and oak. The afternoon offers some wonderful opportunities for canters. Arrive in Trevelez in time to freshen up before dinner and overnight.
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| Day 3: | Today the trail is over totally different terrain, through mountain farms and pine forests to the village of Berchules. The first part of the ride follows a very steep and rocky path old Moorish path up through woods and summer pastures to an altitude of 2,500 meters. It will be necessary to lead the horses for about 15 minutes. Picnic lunch enroute. After lunch, climb again through gorse, lavender and thyme to join a path as it begins the descent to the village of Berchules.
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| Day 4: | During the morning the vegetation changes abruptly as you follow the old Moorish bridle path through almond groves and small terraced gardens down to the river Guadalfeo, again leading the horses on foot for the first 15 to 20 minutes. Mounting up in the river bed follow the narrow path east through greens terraces. Then follow the road for about 20 minutes to reach the next valley. Here the land changes abruptly to dry lands, deeply eroded by the winter and spring rains. After a picnic lunch by the river, follow a track through the almond clad groves of the Contraviesa mountains, and eventually back to the river bed where there are opportunities for some good canters and gallops. Tonight will be spent in one of the most charming hotels in all the province of Granada, situated in the heart of the hills overlooking the river Guadelfeo. |
| Day 5: | Today is a shorter ride following the valleys and hills of the Contraviesa Mountain range. The ride will take you through almond and fig farms and higher up through vineyards. During the spring the entire mountain is an amazing carpet of flowers. An early picnic lunch is followed by a ride back to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon. There are marvelous views across the whole of the Sierra Nevada to the north and the Mediterranean to the south. Overnight as on the previous night. |
| Day 6: | The first part of the day follows a combination of dirt roads and a small local road before beginning the descent into the spectacular gorge of Trevelez.
The descent is on an ancient Roman path cut into the side of the gorge and must be made on foot leading the horses down to a bridge at the foot of the gorge. From there you ride up past the pretty village of Busquistar and on to Portugos for a well earned lunch. In the afternoon continue north west to Bubion where you spend the final two nights of the ride. Dinner is on your own tonight.
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| Day 7: | The final days ride will take you high into the valley Poqueira, said to be the most beautiful valley in the region. Return to Bubion for a farewell dinner and final night. |
| Day 8: | After breakfast transfer to Malaga for departure.
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| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Malaga |
| Length of Ride | 8 days, 7 nights and 6 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-4 Maximum-11 |
| Riding Per Day | 5-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate |
| Tack | English trekking saddles |
| Horses | Andalusians and Arab cross |
| Weight Limit | 190 lbs |
| 2010 Dates | March 13-20, March 27-April 3, April 10-17, April 24-May 1, May 2-9*, Sept 25-Oct 2, Oct 9-16, Oct 23-30, Nov 6-13
Date with '*' is Sunday - Sunday, all other dates Saturday - Saturday |
| 2010 Price | $1,865
DISCOUNTED PRICE: $1,700 |
| Single Supplement | 140 Euros, Payable in Spain |
| Transfers | Included from Malaga at specific times |
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