Paths of Herdsmen - Pyrenees High Mountain Horse Trail
Exciting horse riding trail from the Mediterranean Costa Brava to the alpine mountain peaks of the Pyrenees
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Nowadays herdsmen still pass along the so called "Camino Real" through the north eastern part of Catalonia. In winter the herds stay in the mild coastal areas and in summer they make their way up towards the Pyrenees. Round polished, soft, high mountain hills build a contrast to the wild and bizarre rock formations of the Garrotxa mountains. The Mediterranean Costa Brava, deep forests and meadows of the alpine mountains determine the landscape. The diverse "Camino Real" through quiet and remote herdsmen's land is an extraordinary and unforgettable adventure for sporty and ambitious horse riders.
1st Day:Pre-Pyrenees
Arrival in Barcelona or Girona and transfer to our horse riding base, Mas Alba. This is a typical Catalan farmhouse where we stay overnight with views of the surrounding horse meadows and forests. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting. What a great place to start your exciting horse riding adventure into the Pyrenees mountains.
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2nd Day: Horse trail - Camino Real
We pass through the hilly countyside of the pre-Pyrenees and follow the river Fluvia in the direction of the mountain, a route taken by old herdsmen like Juan the Shepherd.
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The pretty villages of the Alt Empordan are impressive witnesses of an amazing past. In a glade near the river, our friendly "Catalan Buffalo" meets us with a glass of Cava and a beautifully set table. After our siesta we ride quickly on soft loamy paths to our comfortable accommodation, Can Felicia.
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We end the day by the pool with a refreshing drink while Marta and Victor prepare our evening meal.
3rd Day: Besalu -Garrotxa
We ride to the wild hilly countryside of Garrotxa, passing through the medieval town of Besalu and crossing the Romanic bridge of Llierca.
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We find sparkling turquoise rock pools where we can go for a refreshing swim.
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Our agile Andalusian horses then carry us safely over the pass of Santa Barbara. From the top we enjoy the fantastic view of the bizarre rock formations.
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Our destination is a small mountain village where we stay overnight.
4th Day: Rocky hills of the Garrotxa
The valley of the Llierca lies in front of us with its strong lime rocks. Only the clapping of the hooves, the splashing of a stream and the calm sounds of the cow bells interrupts the deep quietness of this secluded area.
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Birds of prey, reptiles and butterflies accompany us on our way and with a bit of luck we will even see wild pigs or a badger.
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We will stop for our picnic under two thousand year old oak trees where the turquoise water of the streams invites us for a refreshing dip.
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In the afternoon we reach the picturesque mountain village of Beget, where we stay for the night. Our four-legged friends find a satisfying evening meal in the green mountain meadows.
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5th Day: The realm of the herdsmen
Our horses carry us deeper into the Pyrenees and an ancient medieval merchant's path takes us over the border into France.
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We leave the pre-Pyrenees and ride through beech, oak and chestnut forests that cover the hills. Beyond the forests we reach the hilly meadows (the endless realm of the herdsmen) where Buffalo prepares an alpine picnic on the border between France and Spain.
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The view of the surrounding 9000 feet high mountains is tremendous. We ride through the lush flower and gentian meadows and arrive at our destination, the mountain village of Espinavell, at the foot of the magnificent mountain Costa Bona.
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6th Day: The high mountains of the Pyrenees
We have an early start to ascend to the high regions of the Pyrenees.
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Our horses carry us over the immense cattle fields where we meet cows, sheep, goats and the occasional wild Pyrenean horse.
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We arrive at the high regions which have alpine character, with Narcissi, iris, gentian and alpine roses that transform the hilly meadows into carpets of flowers.
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We reach the high plateau of the Costa Bona at 7000 feet - the view is magnificent.
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To the west we see the highest peak of Catalonia and in the east the Mediterranean glistens in a deep blue.
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We take a siesta and observe a vulture family rising into the sky, then ride on secluded paths through this wonderful mountain paradise on our way down to the small town of Camprodon. While taking an evening walk through this pleasant place, one of the bars invites us to have a drink...
7th Day: Rolling mountain meadows
We ride with resounding hoof sounds through the town of Camprodon like the herdsman Bayaso with his cows.
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We follow the mountain stream of Ter and go through a glowing beech forest before arriving at the endless rolling mountain meadows of the high Pyrenees. Up here we ride with breathtaking views over the snow capped mountains.
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After a delicious picnic we travel along forest tracks that bring us to the edge of the valley. Our final destination of this unforgettable trail is St. Joan de Abadeses, another charming mountain village with its roman bridge and a magnificent monastery.
8th Day: Hasta la vista
After breakfast we say farewell and transfer to Girona or Barcelona or continue to the Bandolero Serrallonga trail (Trail of Bandits), riding through canyons, table mountains and volcanoes.
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Important: Depending of the time of the year, weather conditions and national holidays, the trail can be ridden in both directions! There may be alterations to this programme. This trail can be combined with all other trails from "Panorama Trails" and if doing so you will receive a reduction of 50 Euros.
Pyrenees horse trail, paths of herdsmen, photos and information by Rudi Stolz
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Trails of the Paths of Herdsmen - 2010