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Spanish Pyrenees

Overview

These trails through the Pyrenees mountains of Catalonia are run from an equestrian centre established in 1989. The owner, Xavier, has been guiding trails for more than thirty years and is an expert when it comes to the Catalan Pyrenees, the Alta Garrotxa and Emporda regions. Teaching and guiding a…

Highlights

  • Ride through the amazing Pyrenees Mountains
  • Enjoy long days in the saddle on fit and forward horses
  • Great mixture of pace throughout the day
  • Discover Catalonia's most breathtaking landscapes
  • Adventure & challenge for experienced riders

Essential Facts

  • 2 itineraries available
  • Max 10 riders per group
  • Average of 6 - 7 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 95kg / 210lbs / 15 stone.
    more info

Description

These trails through the Pyrenees mountains of Catalonia are run from an equestrian centre established in 1989. The owner, Xavier, has been guiding trails for more than thirty years and is an expert when it comes to the Catalan Pyrenees, the Alta Garrotxa and Emporda regions. Teaching and guiding are his great passions and he is also involved with equestrian competitions such as horse ball and racing, as well as being an examiner. Whilst Xavier speaks both French, Spanish and English he is also joined by back-up guide Paula, fluent in Portuguese, who is an experienced instructor and trainer of endurance horses.

There are several trails on offer here - the High Pyrenees Trail, the Pyrenees to Sea Trail and the Smugglers trail. These rides are suitable for fit riders able to ride at all paces and with experience of rough terrain and long hours in the saddle. When tackling the diverse terrain and mountain paths you may need to dismount and lead your horse for short stretches. The High Pyrenees trail offers a more comfortable option with relatively fewer hours in the saddle each day. It takes you on a loop over high peaks and into the mountains... the scenery is spectacular! The Pyrenees to Sea Trail offers longer and more demanding days in the saddle, starting in the mountains, riding through wine-growing country and finishing on the coastline of the Costa Brava and its beautiful beaches. Provided that the weather is warm enough, you will have the opportunity to swim in lakes and the sea with the horse, a special experience. The Smugglers trail offers a more challenging option for those who want to discover the high mountain routes. Longer hours in the saddle, coupled with more demanding terrain make this ride a great option for the adventurous - though still retaining a similar level of comfort and the same great Catalan cuisine as the other rides.

Also on offer is the Pyrenees summer short break - offer decent hours of riding each day and the chance to explore this beautiful area during the warmer months of the year.

Xavier and his team offer a selection of horses who are experienced with mountain terrain and work well as a team. They have been trained using natural horsemanship techniques and you are sure to find a horse to suit your build and experience.

Horses & Riding

Tack

The tack is mainly English general-purpose or trekking saddles with a snaffle bit. Saddlebags are provided and you usually carry your picnic lunch in them as well as other items you might need during the day. The horses are usually tacked up for you and ready in the mornings but some help is expected at lunchtime and untacking in the evening.

Horses

The horses on these trails are all well-schooled mainly crossbred Spanish, Hispano-Arabians, Anglo-Arabian and some Quarterhorses. They are fit, forward going and responsive, mainly between 14.2 and 16 hands and of medium build. They are very used to the sometimes difficult terrain and footsure.

Riding

There are 2 itineraries:

  • High Pyrenees Trail is a trail ride
  • Pyrenees to Sea Trail is a trail ride

Ages

12+ years for trails.

Health

Good health recommended - you must be fit and able to walk and lead your horse over difficult mountain paths.

Weight

95kg / 210lbs / 15 stone.

Food & Accommodation

Food

The food on this trail will offer a real taste of Catalonia, with plenty of local and speciality dishes to sample. Catalonia produces an extraordinary variety of foodstuffs: 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.

Breakfast is usually Spanish style - bread, butter and preserves with cheese and cold meats. Fresh orange juice, a choice of teas and coffee are available to drink.

Lunch is often a picnic out on the ride, either a simple lunch of bread, ham and cheese etc, carried in saddle bags or served on tables and chairs out in the countryside. However, on the trails you may have lunch at restaurants en route depending on the itinerary.

Dinner is generally two or three course cooked meal with plenty of local specialities often on offer. Seafood, in particular, will be readily available on the rides to the coast, and also game such as wild boar for the rides inland.

Speciality diets can be catered for with prior notice.

Accommodation

The accommodation during the week does vary and you will stay in small hotels, apartments and guesthouses. The hotels are usually 2*-3* and may have a swimming pool. In the remote areas, the accommodation is simple but with local character and many are small guesthouses or even mountain refuges. Rooms have generally have their own bathroom, though not always - do keep in mind that if you book a single room you may still need to share a bathroom at some of the accommodations.

Itineraries

High Pyrenees Trail Standard accommodation.

Pyrenees to Sea Trail Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

As these are point-to-point trail rides, activities other than riding are not generally available.

Travel

Set-time group transfers can be arranged from Barcelona or Girona airports on arrival day and back again on departure day for each trail. Transfers are at an additional cost and only 1 transfer from/to each airport will be organised. If you cannot meet the transfer times, it may be possible to organise an earlier or later private transfer at a higher cost - please ask.

The set transfer times for each trail are as follows:

Arrival Day: pick-up at 18:00 from either airport (flights to land no later than 17:00)

Departure Day: Pick-up at the hotel at 09:30 with the drop-off at Girona airport at 11:00 am (Barcelona airport terminal 1 at 12:00). Please don't book flights leaving before 13:00!

If your flight lands later than 17:00 pm, we would advise planning to arrive the night before and staying in a hotel in Barcelona or Girona. The drive to the first night's accommodation is 1 hour 15 mins from Girona or 2 hours 30 minutes from Barcelona - you will arrive very late in the evening otherwise.

You are welcome to take your own car - if preferred - and can leave this safely at the riding centre during the trail. However, please note that the Pyrenees to Sea trail begins and ends in a different location so we will need to organise an additional transfer for you, back to the start point of the trail on the final day if you are driving. Therefore, it is far more practical to take the group transfers

Testimonials

Sheena & Simon E., June 7, 2021

Great scenery, varied riding, lots of food! The views of the snow-capped mountains. More views round each bend. Xavier (senior) spoke no English so hard to communicate with him, although he was very friendly and helpful in his manner. Xavier (junior) spoke limited English but enough to get by and have a few conversations. Xavier's friend (Sergei) came too and his English was better. They looked after us very well.


Lisa M., July 10, 2015

This holiday was the most wonderful I've ever experienced! Beautiful, relaxing, exciting and invigorating. I lead a very challenging life bringing up a disabled son and this is the first time in 11 years that I have totally switched off. I've returned a different person! All the accommodation was fantastic, clean and comfortable. The food was amazing and plentiful. Horses were very well suited to all our needs, fit and well-cared for. All tack was great, saddles comfy, we didn't ache at all. Our guides/hosts made this holiday! Very relaxed and warm and friendly. Wonderful people! It was perfect! We just wish we could of stayed for longer!


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1 - Arrival

Riding: No riding.

You will arrive at Hotel La Cabanya in Setcases situated in the Camprodon Valley, a small Catalan village with traditional old stone houses. Before dinner, you will go over the week's programme. You will be told about the special characteristics of the trail horses. You will be given an introduction to the programme with an opportunity for a one-to-one conversation to make sure that the right horse has been chosen for you. Then, you can enjoy a fantastic dinner!

Day 2 - The journey begins

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

After an early start from you will begin to climb up the three peaks; Puig Billici, Puig Cerverí and Black Stone Peak. You will be able to catch your first spectacular views of the mountain range as you ascend high into the clouds. Towards the end of the day you will descend again, into Querals, crossing several rivers in the Vall de Nuria valley. On this day, the views over the Pyrenees are breathtaking. It is very common to see eagles, vultures and herds of wild goats and deer. You will leave your horses and the head to your accommodation for the evening, which is a lovely hotel in Queralbs. You can enjoy some relaxation and free time until dinner.

Day 3 - Up to the highest peaks

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Today you will meet for an early breakfast  -  an early start today to prepare the horses for the long trail. You are going to ride through a spectacular landscape of high mountains, with peaks of between 2600m and 2800m. After lunch, you climb up to the Pic de l’Infern from where you can admire the beautiful lakes of Carança and the valley of Coma de Vaca. The next step is Nou Creus peak, located at an altitude of 2800m, your highest peak in this trail. During the descent, you will enjoy long canters until you reach La Molina and your accommodation for the night. Again, free time to relax before a dinner of typical Catalan Gastronomy.

Day 4 - Natural Park Cadí-Moixeró & Sanctuary of Falgàs

Riding: 5 hours

You will begin this day passing by some spectacular valleys with outstanding views of the Cadí Moixeró peaks in the distance. This route will take you through several charming mountain villages typical of the area. One such village is La Pobla del Lillet which built up to house the families of the workers in the lyme mines of the region. You will see the remains of the old lyme train line - now used to ferry tourists to the cement museum in the next village - and the 15th century bridge, before crossing the Llobregat river to the Sanctuary of our Lady of Falgàs. Overnight at a rural hotel in Falgàs.

Day 5 - Carlleràs Range, Avinyonet & Gombrén

Riding: 5 hours

Today you are going to have a more relaxing day with fast gallops and canters. You will ride across Carlleràs mountain range, following the route to Coll de la Palomera - a short climb to the top of this pass will offer amazing views of the Pyrenees. You will continue to ride along the spine of this amazing range, before descending to the village of Gombrén where you will spend the night.

Day 6 - The Ribes valley and Ripoll Mountains

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

Two great mountain valleys today, Ribes and Ripoll. Your route will take you across the Sierra de Montgrony national park, heading towards the Ripoll mountains in the pre-Pyrenees. Again, the landscape will be crossed by rivers and pine forest, as well as meadows where cattle will be grazing. The flat areas will invite long canters and gallops with a spectacular backdrop. In the afternoon you will descend through fields, keeping an eye out for wild deer, and head towards the small mountain hamlet of El Baell where you will spend the night.

Day 7 - L'Abella Serra Cavallera

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Today will be your final day of riding, completing your loop of the Pyrenees and returning to l'Abella from where your journey began. Your route will see you cross the Serra Cavallera mountains with phenomenal views of la Llagona lake and the Gorgs plains below. In the distance, the Campradon valley and your final destination. In the late afternoon you will arrive back at the stables and will transfer by road to your accommodation in Setcases, next to the river Ter.

Day 8 - Departure

Riding: No riding.

Breakfast and departure

Accommodation

Hotel La Cabanya,
Setcases
www.lacabanya.es

Hostal Roquetes
Ctra.Ribes,5
17534 Queralbs
www.hostalroquetes.com

Solineu
Avinguda Supermolina, 7
17537 Alp
www.hotel-solineu-la-molina.com

Santuary de la Mare de Déu de Falgàs
Falgàs
www.falgars.com/benvinguts-al-hostal-rural

La Canal
Gombren
www.turismelacanal.com

Hotel Terra Alta
El Baell
Campelles, 17534
www.hotelterralta.com

Hotel La Cabanya
c/del rec, s/n
17869 Setcases
www.lacabanya.net
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

Experienced and fit riders who are capable and confident at all paces.
Minimum group size 4
Maximum group size 10
Departure windows

May 18, 2025 - May 25, 2025

At any time during: July 1, 2025 - Aug. 31, 2025  (Available to book for minimum of 4 riders - please enquire)

Sept. 7, 2025 - Sept. 14, 2025

Oct. 5, 2025 - Oct. 12, 2025

Pricing

2025
Low Season, Sharing: May		 £1720 $2180 €2070
2025
Standard Season, Sharing: June to October		 £1875 $2375 €2255
Included 7 nights accommodation in shared rooms, all meals from dinner on arrival day until breakfast on departure day, drinks with meals, 6 days of riding as per the itinerary.
Not included Flights, airport transfers, personal travel insurance, tips and personal expenses.

Extras

2025 - Barcelona Airport Transfer (set-time, grouped) £133 $169 €160
Paid to Far and Ride
Cost is per person, including travel both ways. * flights should land no later than 17:00 pm on arrival and depart no earlier than 13:00 pm on departure. Transfer time is 2 hours.
2025 - Girona Airport Transfer (set time, grouped) £104 $132 €125
Paid to Far and Ride
* flights should land no later than 17:00 pm on arrival and depart no earlier than 13:00 pm on departure. Transfer time is 1 hour 15 minutes.
2025 - Private Transfer from/to Barcelona £290 $365 €350
Paid to Far and Ride
Cost is per way, split between all passengers in the vehicle. Can be arranged for any time with a maximum of 6 passengers.
2025 - Private Transfer from/to Girona £205 $260 €250
Paid to Far and Ride
Cost is per way, split between all passengers in the vehicle. Can be arranged for any time with a maximum of 6 passengers.
2025 - Single Supplement £200 $250 €240
Paid to Far and Ride
* Payable by anyone staying in a single room.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1 - Arrival

Riding: No riding.

You will arrive at Abella in the Pyrenees, a typical and small Catalan village in the middle of the mountains with stone houses. Before dinner you will be told about the special characteristics of the trail horses. You will be given an introduction to the programme with an opportunity for a one-to-one conversation designed to find every rider their perfect horse. Then you can enjoy a fantastic dinner!

Please note: during this night in Abella, guests are accommodated in apartments which have two or three rooms each. This means that whilst single rooms are possible (on paying the single supplement), guests still need to share a bathroom on this one night. If you prefer not to share a bathroom then it's possible to accommodate you in another accommodation 3km away.

Day 2 - From the Pyrenees

Riding: 6 - 8 hours

The group will meet early for breakfast to prepare for the trail. The trail will start from l'Abella and head towards the scenic Salarsa valley characterised with large landscapes and many centenarian oaks. You will descend to Sant Vanenti de Salarsa church of Romanesque design and continue down the valley to the road between Beget and Oix, here you will find Pont de Bolassell, a Romanesque cottage. In this picturesque and tranquil spot you will have a picnic. 

In the afternoon, you will continue on horseback on a narrow but comfortable path in a dense forest until Coll de Salomo where you will reach the highest peak of the day (850m). You will continue on the hill for six or seven kilometres to Sant Andreu de Bestacra, and onto a descent where you will be able to see a hundred year old holm oak wedged between rocks. You will continue downhill to Oix, an area full of natural incredible beauty. Accommodation in a rural house.

Day 3 - Trail to the highest Peaks

Riding: 6 - 8 hours

Today you saddle up and ride out through the mountains. During the morning you pass through the scented oak forests above beautiful ravines that so characterise this mountainous region known as the Alt Garrotxa. You will ride towards Vall d'Hortmoier passing gorges that will allow riders to dismount and enjoy a swim in hot weather.  Crossing the Llerca River and continuing up to the Talaxa peak, a picturesque place with an old quarry from where you will be able to see the route you took the day before and to enjoy a snack. From this point, you will start the descent to Vall de Sadernes, where you will have to dismount and walk for one kilometre. At Saint Aniol River it may be possible for another cooling dip (without the horses) before heading back up to Coll de Bassegoda where you can enjoy a picnic with panoramic views at 1200m. Through the afternoon, you will continue along the top of the mountain range and will eventually descend to Albanya, through dense holm-oak woods, steep mountains and amazing views of Gattotxa. Tracks and paths lead you to the Muga River which you cross to arrive at Albanya, a land of orchards, forest and hunting, to overnight.

Day 4 - Swimming with the horses

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

A day of lively riding and excitement because you are going to swim with the horses! You will meet for breakfast and prepare your horses as usual. You will set off from Albanya and ride down along the Muga river. Stop at Boadella lake, surrounded by breathtaking mountainous scenery, for a refreshing swim with the horses. Always a cooling pleasure for both the riders and horses during hot weather!

Afterwards you get back onto the trail, this time you cross the GR2 and a landscape full of vineyards and olive groves. You will ride to the Albera Natural Park, a perfect area to observe the impressive rock formations and unspoilt flora and fauna of the Mediterranean. Arrive in Peralada, a charming medieval village, famous because of its cava sparkling wine. You will have some free time to be able to stroll around Peralada and even try your luck at the village Casino.

Day 5 - L’Albera and coastal vineyards

Riding: 6 - 8 hours

Today you will leave the mountains behind and ride through the Albera wine growing region and towards the coastal area of Costa Brava and the sea. From Peralada you will head to Llançà, a nice little historical village built close to the sea but quite hidden inland, making it easier for the inhabitants to protect themselves from marauding pirates back in the 9th century! The medieval church and tower are the two characteristic monuments which can be seen from anywhere in the village.

Your hotel is in the old city centre and only a 20 min stroll from the beach. Llançà has 23 beaches so you're sure to find one you love! Dinner and overnight in Llançà.

Day 6 - To the sea!

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

Today you will ride out of Llançà to a scenic little bay where you can enjoy swimming with the horses in the amazing landscape. You will ride through the Natural Park of Albera and then back to Llançà for a farewell dinner and to overnight.

Day 7 - Departure

Riding: No riding.

Breakfast and transfer to Barcelona.

Accommodation

Apartmentos Rurales Abella
Abella
www.casaruralcamprodon.com
(shared bathrooms)

Beget
Hostal el Forn de Beget
www.elforndebeget.com

Albanyà
Camping Bassegoda
www.bassegodapark.com/es/camping_bassegoda_park_home.aspx

Peralada
Cal Rajoler
www.cal-rajoler.com

Hotel Beri (2 nights)
Llançà
www.hotel-beri.com
Experience Experienced

Experienced fit riders able to gallop, canter and trot for long distances
Minimum group size 4
Maximum group size 10
Departure windows

April 7, 2025 - April 13, 2025

May 4, 2025 - May 10, 2025

June 1, 2025 - June 7, 2025

Sept. 21, 2025 - Sept. 27, 2025

Oct. 26, 2025 - Nov. 1, 2025

Pricing

2025
Low season (April & May), sharing		 £1485 $1880 €1785
2025
Standard Season (June - November), sharing		 £1640 $2075 €1970
Included 6 nights shared room accommodation, all meals from dinner on arrival day until breakfast on departure day, drinks with meals, and 5 days of riding as per the itinerary.
Not included Flights, airport transfers, personal travel insurance, tips and personal expenses.

Extras

2025 - Barcelona Airport Transfer (set-time, grouped) £146 $184 €175
Paid to Far and Ride
Return Transfer. Flights should arrive before 17:00 and depart after 13:00.
2025 - Extra Night Cadaques £62 $79 €75 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
B&B in shared room
2025 - Extra Night Cadaques £83 $105 €100 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
B&B in single room
2025 - Private Transfer from/to Barcelona £290 $365 €350
Paid to Far and Ride
Cost is per way, split between all passengers in the vehicle. Can be arranged for any time with a maximum of 6 passengers.
2025 - Single Supplement £200 $250 €240
Paid to Far and Ride
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.