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Day 1 Collection from the airport in Malaga and transfer
to the Hotel San Roque in Pitres in the heart of the Alpujarra. Dinner is at the
hotel where the riders will be briefed about the ride and presented with an
information pack.
Day 2 After breakfast, we meet the horses which are stabled 10
minutes from the hotel. Setting off at around 11am we ride through orchards of
apples, pears, peaches and cherries, crossing ancient olive groves towards the
dazzling white-washed walls and flower decked balconies of Capileira village.
After lunch we climb through the whitewashed villages of “The Taha” and into the
Poquiera Valley - perhaps the most dramatic in the Sierra Nevada. The two
highest mountains in Spain provide a white snow-capped backdrop to the green
terraced fields. Pine-wood smoke curls into the clear air from the flat Moorish
roofs and time seems to hold its breath for a fraction of a second as the
failing evening light washes the hills with a magical ochre. One of the best
views of the valley is from the Hotel Al Catifa where we spend the night.
Situated above Capileira, Al Catifa is always cosy and often lively, with an
open fire and regular outbreaks of flamenco music.
Day 3 We explore the higher reaches of the Poquiera Gorge - perhaps
the most dramatic in the Sierra Nevada. The two highest mountains in Spain
provide a white snow-capped backdrop to the green terraced fields. The air is
crisp and clear with the Mulhacen (Spain’s highest mountain) rising impressively
behind it. There is plenty of time to explore the village before another fine
dinner at Al Catifa.
Day 4 Leaving the Poqueira valley, we ride along ancient mule
tracks through oak and chestnut forests to join the high road to Trevelez – a
dirt track with plenty of scope for extended canters and relaxed riding, with
panoramic views of the Contraviesa mountains and the Mediterranean sea beyond.
After a picnic lunch we descend to Trevelez - the highest village in Europe.
Overnight in a comfortable hotel with a chance to try the local river trout and
unusual wine (sense of adventure required!).
Day 5 After breakfast, we leave the village via the river and
ascend high into the mountains through lush river meadows, pine forests and
finally open mountain grassland of wild thyme, oregano and heather. As well as
being a renowned bird-watching environment, the Trevelez Valley has a healthy
population of wildlife including wild goat, ibex and wild boar. The extremely
rare Nevada Blue butterfly can also be spotted on its higher reaches. Apart from
the occasional shepherd on his mule, it is likely that these creatures will be
our only companions in this beautiful natural park. The riding is challenging
with some technical sections.
Those used to riding on the flat will be amazed at the
agility of the Andalusian horses as they negotiate the rocky terrain. After a
picnic lunch, we descend to the village of Berchules – leading the horses for
the final part of the descent. Berchules is a lush, green garden village where
sweet chestnut trees and cherry orchards flourish in profusion. The night is
spent in the Hotel Berchules – a relaxed hotel with a great combination of
friendliness and simple, hearty food.
Day 6 Half day ride through the orchards and terraces of the
fertile Cadiar valley towards the Hotel Alqueria Morayma to enjoy a real Spanish
lunch with time for a siesta and lounging by the hotel’s pool. Time to rest and
revive ourselves for a long day in the saddle on the last day.
Day 7 Heading back towards Busquistar, we ride through an array of
different landscapes: from the lush river valleys of Cadiar across the dry,
rosemary-scented hills of the Contraviesa through mountain grassland and back to
the Trevelez valley and the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Our last
hotel, La Casa de Sonia, has been carefully restored in the rustic country
farmhouse style. Having only six rooms, this little hidden hotel retains all the
charm and hospitality of a country cortijo. The hotel is situated in the heart
of the tiny, undiscovered pueblo of Busquistar. Perched precariously over the
Rio Trevelez, life hasn’t changed much in Busquistar this century. The villagers
are mainly small farmers and flamenco singing can still be heard from the gypsy
quarter on the outskirts.
Day 8 Transfer to the airport in Malaga after breakfast.
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