Camp based rides along crystal clear streams to a refreshing lake and natural pools. Swimming with your horse and riding through the Mediterranean mountains. A day on the beach and a ride to the French border!
Our base is the camp ground of Macanet de Cabrenys in the Alt Empordà on the border region of Spain and France. It's a magnificent place for nature lovers and those who enjoy peace and quiet.

Day 1: Pyrenees Summer Camp Day 2: River Trail Day 3: Macanet and Salinas Mountains Day 4: Natural pools and ride to the French border Day 5: Catalonia beach day and night ride Day 6: The mountain calls! Day 7: Lake - Swimming with the Horses Day 8: Hasta la vista!

 

1st Day: Pyrenees Summer Camp

Arrival at Barcelona or Girona and transfer to the camp ground in the Pre-Pyrenees Mountains. The camp is beautifully situated on a plateau with a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains and Mediterranean forests. The camp swimming pool is in the middle of an "Amphitheatre". During our first dinner together we get to know our guide and chat about the riding week ahead of us.

 

2nd Day: River Trail

Today we discover the surrounding area and make friends with the horses. We ride into the forest and along the rivers of the Alt Emporda Mountains, including the river Arnera which has crystal-clear waters and is teeming with trout. We have a cowboy's picnic and a siesta - only the sounds of the crickets and the splashing of the stream interrupt the relaxing peacefulness of the forest.

 

3rt Day: Macanet and Salinas Mountains

Today our riding adventure leads us towards the Salinas Mountains. This is a lovely mountain range near Macanet de Cabrenys. We ride through the centre of the beautiful old village and we may stop for a coffee. Afterwards we follow the paths into the forests and view the "Puig de les Salines". If we are in luck we may find mushrooms that are famous in the area.

 

4th Day: Natural pools and ride to the French border

We descend to the most beautiful natural pool in the Pre-Pyrenees, with turquoise and crystal clear river water — here we will have a swim and a picnic! Afterwards we continue to ride to Tapis, the last village before the French border.

 

5th Day: Catalonia beach day and night ride

Vamos a la playa. Today we go to the beach of the Gulf of Roses. We will visit Roses which is a famous beach town with long sandy beaches situated on the Costa Brava. The old town has over 3000 years of history and there is the possibility to go souvenir shopping. Back in the camp we prepare for our exciting night ride through the Mediterranean mountains where we will stop for a barbecue. What an adventure!

 

6th Day: The mountain calls!

Carefully our horses master the ascent down the mountain.

Up here we are at 1000 meters and the vegetation changes as we reach a lonely chapel surrounded by fantastic views over the Garrotxa region and beyond to the Mediterranean. Inspired by the silence and refreshed by the mountain air we have picnic and a siesta. Alternatively if it's too hot we may ride down to the edge of the lake Panta de Boadella for a cool swim.

 

7th Day: Lake - Swimming with the Horses

Today we will bathe in the lake, but first we pass through a cork oak forest which gives out a silver, shimmering light. Then sandy ground invites us to have lively canters which take us speedily to our destination.

It's a dream come true - we can swim with the horses! After a picnic and a siesta we follow the lake back to our camp.

 

8th Day: Adios y hasta la vista amigos!

Transfer to the airports or continue to another trail.

Important!Depending on weather conditions the programme can change! There may be alterations to this programme. This week can be combined with all other trails from "Panorama Trails" and if doing so you will receive a reduction of 50 Euros.

Pyrenees Easter and Summer camp - photos and information by Rudi Stolz