Exciting horse riding trail from the Mediterranean Costa Brava to the alpine mountain peaks of the Pyrenees

Day 1: Pre-Pyrenees Day 2: Camino Real Day 3: Besalu -Garrotxa Day 4: Rocky hills of the Garrotxa Day 5: The realm of the herdsmen Day 6: The high mountains of the Pyrenees Day 7: Rolling mountain meadows Day 8: Hasta la vista

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.



 

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.

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.

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.

We find sparkling turquoise rock pools where we can go for a refreshing swim.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

 

6th Day: The high mountains of the Pyrenees

We have an early start to ascend to the high regions of the Pyrenees.

Our horses carry us over the immense cattle fields where we meet cows, sheep, goats and the occasional wild Pyrenean horse.

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.

We reach the high plateau of the Costa Bona at 7000 feet - the view is magnificent.

To the west we see the highest peak of Catalonia and in the east the Mediterranean glistens in a deep blue.

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.

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.

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.

Important notice to all customers! Please note that it is necessary to lead your horse on foot on some sections of this trail. Sometimes the ground can be rocky and uneven and most of the time it will be downhill. All trail itineraries are general guidelines and in order to offer our customers the best riding holiday experience we often makes changes. Depending on the number of trails running, the season, the weather and national holidays, we may make alterations to itineraries at short-notice, which could affect the number of riding hours per day, the route we take to any given destination or the use of alternative accommodations. Trails can also be ridden in both directions. All changes are at our discretion but when changes are made, we endeavour to ensure that our high standards of quality are maintained and reflected in the alternatives we choose.

If you wish to extend your holiday with us, this trail can be combined with other riding trails from "Panorama Trails" and in this case you will receive a reduction of 50 Euros.

Pyrenees horse trail, paths of herdsmen, photos and information by Rudi Stolz

Highlights of the trip	Fantastic panoramic views Swimming breaks at turquoise natural pools Alta Garrotxa mountains Mountain pastures of the Pyrenees Accommodation in the picturesque mountain village Beget Picnic at the borderline between Spain and France Ride through medieval villages
Horse riding conditions	Paths of the Herdsmen (6 days riding): At least Intermediate Rider, daily 4-6 hours in the saddle, total distance about 200 km/125 miles

Travel dates	LS= Low season; MS= Mid season; HS= High season
Special offers	Free bus transfer from / to Girona / Barcelona Young Rider discount (up to and including 28 years): 10% discount Non-rider discount (for each person over two years, half board): 20% discount €50 discount on Trans-Catalonia combination (2 weeks)
Services	8 days with 7 nights in a double room with shower and toilet, of which 1 nights accommodation may be with a shared shower and toilet 6 riding days full board including wine (lunch: picnic) Riding program as described Transportation of luggage Free bus transfer from / to Girona / Barcelona
Not included in price	Flight or public transport (on arrival and on departure), taxi Entrance fees to Museums and Monuments Drinks / food in bars Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks Coffee at dinner
Note	First day: on arrival dinner is at approx 9pm Last day: before departure breakfast is at approx 9am Program changes possible! The Catalan Paths of Herdsmen trail can be ridden in both directions
Accommodation	Double room Shared double room booked at no extra charge (subject to availability) Single room supplement is an extra €25 per night, if available
Transfers	Barcelona Airport transfer at 17.00. Meeting point at Terminal T1 (new) in the arrivals hall in front of the Cafe Jamaica - Group Meeting Point South (after customs control on the left)! Return flights from Barcelona Airport from 14:30! Barcelona City Centre: Shared Transfer at 17:30, meeting point at the taxi stand at the statue of Columbus (below the "Rambla" at Port Vell). Girona Airport: Shuttle bus to 18.30, meeting point at the airport outside the Café Caffriccio in arrivals! Return flights from Girona Airport from 13:00! Girona Train station: Shared Transfer at 18:45, meeting point at the station exit towards the city (before the taxi rank). Pick up times in Barcelona City Centre and in Girona can vary depending on flight arrival times / delays from other guests / traffic etc. Please be patient in these cases! If the arranged transfer times do not fit with your arrival and departure times, we will organize a taxi for you (about €80-€120 from Girona, €200-€250 from Barcelona, depending on the trail start / end points). Other arrival and departure destinations provided on request.
Number of participants	4-12 people

	Riding levels (Horseshoe - )
1 Horseshoe	Beginner: If "fresh" in the saddle, has little experience (for example, has had at least 3 months regular riding lessons).
2 Horseshoes	Novice Rider: Is familiar with at all basic aids. Does not shy away from being on a well-trained horse in walk, trot and easy canter on short routes on the trail. Rides primarily in the paddock.
3 Horseshoes	Intermediate Rider: safe on a well trained horse at all paces - including a long rising trot and canter. Equestrian experience also in open country. Fitness and experience make several hours in the saddle possible.
4 Horseshoes	Experienced Rider: Confident and relaxed on horseback, rides regularly and is fit. Has a good seat and soft hands and is capable of handling a spirited horse at canter in open country. May own/share a horse or have previously owned/shared a horse and will be happy with long gallops. Can lead a horse even in difficult terrain.