The Alpujarra Mountain Trail
Saturday
Collection from Malaga airport not later than 4pm (16.00 Hours). Then a transfer to the village of Bubion where you will be met by the trek organiser and guide. Supper and accommodation in a comfortable village hostel.
Sunday
Heading East we set off for the village of Trevelez, the highest village in Spain and famous for its cured hams and river trout. In the morning we follow the old bridle path down to the village of Pitres and from here onto the village of Portugos. After lunch following a combination of paths and dirt tracks we climb approximately 800 meters through ancient Moorish terraces and chestnut groves to join the broad forest track leading to Trevelez. During the afternoon there are many opportunities for canters. In Trevelez the night is spent in a comfortable hotel situated in the old quarter of the village.
Monday
Today the bridle path takes us 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 up through woods and summer pastures to an altitude of 2,500 meters. On a clear day it is possible to see across the sea to Morocco, and to the North the highest peak in Spain. Picnic lunch en route. After lunch we begin the descent to the village of Berchules. For the final 30 minutes the path becomes very rough and it is necessary to lead the horses. Over night in a very comfortable family run hotel.
Tuesday
Berchules takes its name from the old Spanish word Berchel meaning literally mountain garden. As we follow the ancient Moorish bridle paths through the terraced orchards and fields is easy to see how the area came by its name. After a picnic lunch by the river we leave the bridle path for one of the Sierras broad forest tracks and return to the village on a alternative route, offering plenty of opportunities for trots and canters. We spend a second night in the village of Berchules.
Wednesday
Having made a semi-circle we descend to the river Guadalfeo and west to the village of Trevelez. During the morning the landscape changes abruptly, leaving the alpine like Sierras behind we ride through small terraces of olives, almond and fig trees. During the late morning we climb through the spectacular gorge to the village of Juviles where we stop for lunch. After lunch the path commences the gradual ascent towards Trevelez. During the final descent it is necessary to lead your horse for possibly as long as 30 minutes. Over night in the village of Trevelez.
Thursday
Today is a short ride. Following the forestry track through pine and oak woods we return directly to the stables high above the villages of the poqueira. This route not only offers wonderful views out over the Contraviesa mountains and the Mediterranean sea, but many opportunities for canters. Late lunch in the village of Capileira, over night in the village of Bubion. On this evening dinner is not included and guests are free to select the restaurant of their choice.
Friday
On this final day, we will explore the more inaccessible parts of the valley Poqueira. With the Mulhacen (the highest mountain in Spain) forming the backdrop, this valley is claimed to be the most beautiful in the Alpujarra. Returning to Bubion in the evening for a farewell supper.
Saturday
Transfer to Malaga, please don't book a flight with a check-in time before 10.00 as you need to allow time for the transfer down from Bubion.
The Alpujarra Mountain Trail Dates 2010
15 - 22 May, 29 May - 05 June, 12 - 19 June, 26 June - 03 July, 01 - 08 Aug, 14 - 21 Aug, 28 Aug - 04 Sept, 11 - 18 Sept
The Contraviesa Trail
Saturday
Collection from Malaga airport not later than 4pm (16.00 Hours). Then a transfer to the village of Bubion where you will be met by the trek organiser and guide. Supper and accommodation in a comfortable village hostel.
Sunday
Heading east we set off for the village of Trevelez, at 1,476 meters this is the highest village in Spain. During the morning we follow the old mule paths through open countryside and woodlands to the village of Pitres and then Portugos where we have lunch. After lunch the path climbs approximately 800m to join a broad forestry track through pines and oaks to Trevelez. The afternoon offers many opportunities for canters if desired. The evening is spent in a comfortable hotel offering twin-bedded rooms with en suite bathrooms.
Monday
Today the path takes us south east. For approximately 15 minutes it is necessary to lead the horses up an old moorish stone path to the 800 year old irrigation channel where we mount up to follow the path through evergreen oak and pines to the open pasture above the village of Juviles. Riding down to the little whitewashed village we have a wonderful panoramic view of the Contraviesa range of mountains, the Almeria coast and on a clear day as far as Africa. After lunch we climb again through gorse, lavender and thyme to join the path as it winds its way down through the small terraced farms to the village of Berchules. The evening is spent in a comfortable family run hotel.
Tuesday
Today as yesterday the first 15 or 20 minutes is by foot, following the old bridle path through almond groves and small terraced cultivations down to the river Guadalfeo. Mounting up in the riverbed we follow the narrow path east through the green terraces of Narila. After Narila we have to join the road for approximately 20 minutes to pass over into the next valley. Here the landscape changes abruptly to dry lands, deeply eroded by the winter and spring rains. Early picnic by the river. After lunch the trail climbs steeply through almond groves and eventually leads us back down to the river bed, where there are plenty of opportunities for some good canters and gallops. Tonight we stay in the Morayma, without doubt the most charming hotel in the area. Built amongst almond and fruit groves overlooking the river Guadalfeo, this hotel has been designed and furnished with a lot of care and good taste.
Wednesday
We will spend a second night in the hotel Morayma, and today we will ride to the summit of the Contraviesa mountain range. The trail will take us through almond and fig farms and higher up the vineyards, during the early spring the whole mountain is an amazing carpet of flowers. Depending on the weather we will either lunch at one of the small farms or be met by the hotel staff who will prepare a delicious local rice dish. Marvelous views across the whole of Sierra Nevada to the north and the Mediterranean to the south.
Thursday
Today we return to the village of Bubion, a long climb for the horses, first over Sierra Mecina with its tiny terraced farms, and in the afternoon the final climb to the high Alpujarra. After a picnic we descend one of the most spectacular stone paths in the region. Built by the Romans, and cut into and out of sheer rock this path is very steep and it is necessary to lead the horses (approx. 30 minutes). After crossing the deep gorge of river Trevelez the path continues to the village of Busquistar where we stop for a well-earned breather and refreshment. From Busquistar we join the road for 2km. to the village of Portugos where the path takes us back to the home stables high above the valley of Poquiera, with the snow capped mountains in the background.
Friday
The final days ride follows a mix of bridle paths and goat tracks high into the Sierra to the base of the Mulhacen. Picnic lunch by one of the mountain streams with amazing views across the whole of the Sierra and on a clear day all the way to Morocco. After lunch we ride along the ridge and then commence the descent through pine wood to the stable. Probably one of the most beautiful days of the whole week!!. Farewell dinner and final night in Bubion.
Saturday
Transfer to Malaga.
The Contraviesa Trail Dates 2010
13 - 20 Mar, 27 Mar - 03 Apr, 10 - 17 Apr, 24Apr - 01 May, 02 - 09 May*, 25 Sep - 02 Oct, 09 - 16 Oct, 23 - 30 Oct, 06 - 13 Nov
* Please note these dates are a Sunday to Sunday arrival and departure.
Prices for these packages start at £1015 per person in a shared twin room.
Single Supplement £130
Included:
- 7 nights accommodation in shared twin rooms
- 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners
- Return transport between Malaga and Bubion (guests must arrive no later than 15.30)
- All horse riding and guides.
- Luggage transfers and support vehicle.
Not included:
- Airfares
- Personal and Medical Insurance
- Wines, spirits and refreshments
There are many flights to this region of Spain and we keep a close track on which ones offer the best service and the best value for money. Please contact us and we will gladly advice you on the best flight for you.
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If you are interested in riding in Spain you may like to look at some other holidays that we offer and these can be found in our horse riding holidays Spain range. To see what our customers say about our holidays please have a look at our testimonials page.
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