Sierra de Gredos

7 Daysย  |ย  From ยฃ1558pp

Spain ( Best airport: Madrid)

Sit back and enjoy the incredible panoramic views

Ride the ancient paths of the Gredos Mountains on this trail ride across central Spain. Travel west following the Tormes river valley, through breathtaking landscapes which differ each day โ€“ from medieval villages full of history, to the tops of rocky mountains, to stunning valleys. An unmissable adventure!

The Riding

This trail is in the south of the region of Castile and Leรณn, some 170 kilometres from Madrid, where the granite rocks of the Sierra de Gredos mountains lie. ย Lakes, gorges, crags, meadows, fountains, rivers like the Tormes with its crystalline waters, and walls of stone, all form part of the Sierra de Gredos Mountains, whose highest peak is Almanzor, at 2,592 metres. The higher altitude of these rides mean the temperatures are considerably cooler than Madrid so even in august the weather is pleasant for riding and not too hot.

Long hours in the saddle allow you to explore this remote location and journey through the mountain passes. The riding is through very varied scenery; from pine, oak, chestnut and birch forests in the Gredos Mountains, stream and river crossings in the valleys, and climbing high up the hillsides along rocky uplands, taking in the clean air and stunning views. Along the way you come across remote villages, with stone-built houses and streets.

Level of Riding and Fitness

This trail ride is suitable for intermediate to experienced riders, meaning you should be happy and confident cantering a horse in open spaces. The pace of the riding is moderated, with trots and canters every day. Canters are dependent on the terrain; in many areas the terrain is very rocky so this is not a fast paced ride.

The riding time each day is between 4 and 7 hours.

Weight limit: 90 Kgs / 198 Lbs

Guides and Group Size

All the trails are personally guided by the experienced owner Emilio Rodriguez. Emilio is a quiet man and an expert rider and has a special ability to relate well to his horses leading to even tempered, confident and well-mannered horses that are a pleasure to ride and be around. At the front he quietly guides you each day, allowing you the chance to breathe the air, listen to the birdlife and take in the wonderful scenery you pass through. Emilio’s wife Mamen forms the support team and together they are wonderful hosts; warm and engaging. Mamen will meet you each day with homecooked food for tapas breaks and lunches on the trail.

There will be a maximum of 8 riders in a group.

The Horses

The horses are an excellent mix of Hispano-Arab, Spanish, Andalucian PRE and Andalucian crosses ranging in height from 15 to 16.2 hands. They are happy, loved and comfortable to ride, with an enthusiastic walk and an easy collected canter. Born at home, very much loved and extremely well looked after, these horses love their job and make for very easy, relaxed riding.

Tack and Riding Equipment

All the horses are ridden in comfortable English GP saddles and bridles. Seat savers and saddle bags are also available and some of the horses are ridden in bitless bridles.

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AccommodationGredos Horse Ride Unicorn Trails

Accommodation and Dining

The accommodation varies from charming rural Inns in villages to delightful 4* hotels. All rooms have private bathrooms. Single rooms are possible on request with a single supplement.

Night 1, 2 and 6: El Milano Real Hotel

Horses stay in fields next to the accommodation.

The food is one of the highlights of this trip. Tapas breaks will be waiting for you in any unexpected place with Serrano ham, Manchego cheese, olives and nuts served around 11.30 to keep you going until lunch! Lunchtime is relaxing and social with delicious home cooked Spanish dishes such as Paella, Tortilla Espaรฑola, BBQ and salads. Followed by a siesta in the peaceful countryside.

Dinner is around 9pm and you have a choice of dishes and courses of local Spanish recipes. All the drinks are included during the meals, including excellent Spanish red and white wines, beer, canned drinks and water.

There is free Wi-Fi at every accommodation.

Special diet (vegetarian, gluten free, allergies, etc.) can be arranged with advance notice. A support van follows the group during the whole week to transfer your luggage.

Get a free Sierra de Gredos mini-brochure in PDF format.

Itinerary

Sierra de Gredos

7 days / 6 nights / 5 days riding
ยฃ1558pp

15th September & 6th October 2024: Trail runs a slightly different itinerary taking in the World Heritage city of Salamanca. Please contact us for a detailed itinerary for this date.

Single occupancy 2025 (on all nights except for one)
ยฃ220

Small group supplement

All rides will confirm with two people. Small group supplement of โ‚ฌ300 will apply if there are only 2 or 3 riders in a group. Payable locally in โ‚ฌ.

Two Riders: โ‚ฌ150 per rider
Three Riders: โ‚ฌ100 per rider

International flights

Do not book flights until you have received the Booking confirmation email from saddletravel.com.

On arrival day please plan your flight to arrive at Madrid by 2pm. Your departure flight on the last day of your holiday can be any time after 2pm.

Price Includes
  • 5 full days of riding
  • Shared accommodation
  • Breakfasts
  • Lunches
  • Evening meals
  • Wine / beer during lunch and evening meal
  • Water / soft drinks
  • Airport transfers
  • Services of guide
Price Excludes
  • Flights
  • Tips