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Day 1
Collection from
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 sweet chestnut and oak woods towards
the dazzling white-washed walls and flower decked balconies of Portugos
village. After lunch we ride back towards the farm along ancient cobbled mule
tracks and wide dirt tracks. Return to the Hotel San Roque in Pitres before
preparing to leave for the trail.
Day 3
We ride high into
the Trevelez valley where wild boar have been sighted as well as mountain ibex.
With panoramic views of the Contraviesa mountains and the Mediterranean sea
beyond, we join the high road to Trevelez – a dirt track with plenty of scope
for extended canters and relaxed riding. After a picnic lunch we descend to
Trevelez - the highest village in Europe. Overnight in the Fragua Hotel – the
best in the village. Most rooms have commanding views down the valley as does
the terrace where we can enjoy a relaxing sunset drink.
Day 4
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 5
Leaving the snowy
peaks of the Sierra Nevada, we cross the Rio Guadalfeo to the green hills of the
Sierra de Contraviesa. The pine, oak and chestnut forests give way to rolling
hills of almonds, citrus trees and vineyards. The Contraviesa is renowned
locally for its “Costa” wine - a young country wine, often quite delicious.
The riding is varied; leading the horses down to the river, we mount up and ride
through small farms and villages, while later there are opportunities for
relaxed trots and fast canters along dry riverbeds.
We
end the day at the splendid Hotel Morayma in Cadiar. The hotel has been
painstakingly restored in the Moorish vernacular – solid chestnut beams, flat
slate roofs and big fireplaces. The hotel also boasts a swimming pool and its
own bodega.
Day 6
Riding out from
Morayma once more, we head towards the hills of the rolling Contraviesa where
vineyards, olives, figs and almonds are cultivated. This ride is optional and
those who need a break can relax by the pool or take one of the many walks from
the hotel. Lunch (for the riders) is at the Barranco Oscuro Vineyard (depending
on date) where we will do some wine-tasting before ambling back to Alqueria
Morayma for a second night.
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. 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
airport after breakfast.
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