Alpujarra Mountain Trail Ride Dates 2013 - See itinerary below
28 April - 05 May*
11 - 18 May
26 May - 02 June*
06 - 13 July
17 - 24 Aug
31 Aug - 07 Sep
14 - 21 Sep
Marquesado Ride Trail Ride Dates 2013 - See itinerary below
08 - 15 June
22 - 29 June
03 - 10 Aug
Contraviesa Trail Ride Dates 2013
16 - 23 March
30 March - 06 April
14 - 21 April*
28 Sep - 05 Oct
12 - 19 Oct
26 - 02 Nov
All week rides run Saturday to Saturday except those marked * which run Sunday to Sunday.
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 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. Marvellous 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 Marquesado Ride
This is a new ride launched in 2012. Much of the ride is at high altitude, through some of the most spectacular and remote parts of Sierra Nevada and El Marquesado. Departing from the stables the ride heads west circling Sierra Nevada and crossing back from north to south over the El Puerto de Jerez 2,880meters. The ride follows a combination of forestry tracks, bridle paths and old droving routes, covering daily approximately 30 to 35 kilometres, riding for between 6 to 8 hours per day.
Saturday
Collection from Malaga airport at the designated time. You will then be transferred to Bubion where you will meet with your guide, Dallas. Tonight you will have dinner and then sleep in preparation for tomorrows big day riding!
Sunday
Setting out from the stables you will ride down to the river Poqueira and climb west on little used paths through small terraced farms and wood lands. A picnic lunch will be served once you reach the ridge at 1,800mts. Here you will see wonderful views of the Mulhacen and the valley. After lunch you will join a small dirt track through oak and pine woods where there will be places for trots and canters. Tonight the horses will camp out at 1,600 meters. And you will drive down to the village of Lanjaron you your second nights stay.
Monday
Today you continue along the dirt tracks maintaining altitude until mid morning when you will drop down to the head of the Lanjaron River offering stunning views. To cross the river you join the old bridle paths used by the forestry workers and cattlemen. After lunch there will be more opportunities to canter before starting the descent to the village of Niguelas. Here you overnight in a very attractive hotel, an old converted mill.
Tuesday
Starting with a big climb to reach approximately 1,600 meters, you will follow the track through summer pastures and small farm holdings with a picnic lunch en route. During the afternoon you start to descent through almond and olive grove to the village of Dilar. Tonight you will stay in a comfortable modern hotel on the edge of the village.
Wednesday
A long day of approximately 8 hours awaits. Leaving the village below you will start to climb through orchards and farms to the high summer pastures. In the first part of the morning you will ride along tracks until you meet the main droving route along the Loma de Dilar. You will follow this path up to the ski resort at 2,500 meters, the winter snow may mean that there are places you have to lead the horses. This is truly a spectacular ride. Tonight you will saty on the edge of the ski resort.
Thursday
Today is the longest riding day of approximately 10 hours). You will cover about 40 kilometres in total, all in the high mountains. Making an early start you will descend 1,200 meters to join the Vereda de la Estrella (Path of the Star). This path follows the river Genil to its source where you join the Cuesta de los Presidiarios (Hill of the Prisoners), so named after the prisoners who used this route to work in the copper mines. During the afternoon you continue to climb passing up through pasture lands and pine woods to some of the most spectacular scenery with high mountain streams and glacial formed ponds and rock formations.
Friday
Leaving the Refuge below the path heads straight up the side of the mountain to the Puerto de Trevelez, at just over 2,800 meters this is the highest point of the day. One of the four highest passes in Sierra Nevada, this is where you will drop over to the south face of the mountain range. A steep and spectacular descent down to River Trevelez awaits, this part of the descent is on foot. Once the path joins the river it levels out and for the most part one can ride. Tonights stay is in Hotel Fragua in the village of Trevelez.
Saturday
Today you head back to the stables and the village of Bubion. Following a combination of forestry tracks and small paths we ride through oak and pine woods to the Poqueira valley. Late lunch is served in the village and the afternoon is free to rest, shop or siesta. A farwell dinner and you final night is in Casa la Sevillana
Sunday
Transfer to Malaga at designated time.
The total cost for the Marquesado Ride with 8 nights full board and 7 days riding is £1095pp.
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.
Equestrian Escapes have a wide variety of horse riding holidays in the UK and Europe. If you would like anymore information about the riding holidays that we have to offer please give us a call and we can recommend the best horse riding holidays for you.
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.
Trail and Train Riding Holidays Spain
Beach Riding Holidays Spain
We inspect all the horses in our horse riding holidays to ensure the best quality holiday for you.