Gredos Mountains Ride

Introduction
Central Spain Spain

The Gredos Mountains, a beautiful mountain range of central Spain often over-looked by tourists, lay about three hours west of Madrid past the medieval walled city of Avila and on the borders of the provinces of Caceras, Salamanca and Avila. The Sierra de Gredos are a lovely example of rural and unspoilt Spain, where high snow capped peaks frame open moorland valleys and seas of yellow broom, lavender and thyme cover the hillsides. Extremadura to the south is traditionally the mild winter destination of the cattle which spend summers grazing on the highland pastures of the Gredos, and is also home to Toledo, Spain's medieval capital city during the ruling of the Spanish Empire.  As would be expected, Toledo is full of rich culture and heritage.
The Gredos trail will start in Navarredonds de Gredos of Castile and wind its way down into Extremadura, ending in Garganta la Olla. The mountain route will take you through a beautiful part of the Sierra in the province of Avila. This isolated region is one of the wildest and least populated areas of Spain! It offers an excellent terrain for horseback riding and a great diversity of landscapes to enjoy. A land full of light and color, here nature shows its bountiful splendor proudly. You will follow ancient cattle tracks, gallop across open fields with stunning views, climb up slopes of oak, pine and chestnut trees, cross rivers of pristine water, and hopefully see the remaining population of the Spanish Ibex, magnificent and wild goats which inhabit the Sierra de Gredos. The small villages showcase unique architecture, traditions and characteristic way of life, each shaped by the isolated location of this natural wonderland.

*This trip can be combined witht he El Cid -Arlanza Valley Ride.

Accomodation
Accommodation on the rides is in small, comfortable village hotels which are varied in style and character. All are clean, comfortable and chosen as much as possible for their character. Rooms have private en suite bathroom with shower or bath and loo. On the Gredos ride two nights are spent in the Parador of Gredos, an old hunting lodge built by King Alfonso XIII and now an imposing country hotel

Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel by vehicle. Breakfast and dinner each day will be eaten at the hotels. Lunches are usually picnics out riding.

This trip includes some wine with dinner.

Riding

Horses: The horses are mainly locally bred Arab and Andaluian crosses. They average between 15hh and 16hh and are a forward going, responsive and thoroughly enjoyable ride. They are also good natured, nimble but sure footed and well suited to the going. Tack is English style with sheepskin saddle covers available if required and saddle bags provided when necessary. Rides are normally for a maximum of 10 guests.

Between 5 and 7 hours riding a day, riding from village to village with breaks for rests and lunch.

Pace and experience required: To join these rides you should be a reasonably experienced rider who is comfortable, secure and in control on a well schooled horse at a walk, trot and canter in open country and over varied terrain. You should also have a fairly good level of general and riding fitness. The pace on the rides is moderate overall but it varies each day with the going - one day particularly includes some steep ascents, descents and narrow trails to negotiate; other days are on more open going which allows faster riding.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Madrid and transfer to Navarredonda de Gredos at an elevation of 4,575 ft elevation. Here King Alfonso the 13th built the first national Parador, which is now the heart of Alto Gredos from which you can see Almanzor’s Peak (7,780 ft). Dinner and overnight stay at at the Hotel Almanzor.

Day 2: We ride up over the northern Sierra de Gredos until we reach the origins of the Tormes River. We follow the way towards Puerto del Pico (4,135 ft) to cross the pass of Arenal if the weather lets us. On the other side, we find a milder climate coming into to the lovely valley Tietar which is known for its cherries. Dinner and overnight at the country house El Canchal.

Day 3: On a perfectly preserved Roman road we descend to Barranco de las Cinco Villas -  five villages bunched together - now at a much lower elevation of 1,200 ft. This road is still used for the “Transhumancia”, an ancient cattle and sheep trail used to take the livestock to better pastures. We’ll visit las Cinco Villas. Dinner and overnight again at the country house El Canchal.

Day 4: We leave Arenas de San Pedro and Candelera to venture into Valle de la Vera, but first we stop to visit the Monastery of Chilla (Chilla is the patron saint of Gredos) and the ancient Celtic settlement “El Raso” (2nd century b.c.). Through Valle de la Vera we leave Castille y Leon and arrive in Extremadura. Dinner and overnight at the country house La Josa.

Day 5: In Valle de la Vera we find many small towns with ancient houses made of wood and adobe - many of them with the traditional balconies. We ride along tobacco and red pepper plantations, orchards and through woodlands of chestnut and walnut, as well as orange and olive trees. Dinner and overnight at the country house La Herrería.

Day 6: Passing Villanueva de la Vera and Valeverde de la Vera, two beautiful villages, we ride to Jarandilla de la Vera. From here we ascend to El Guijo de Sana Barbara, a small town situated in the outskirts of the mountain range Sierra de Gredos, underneath the port of Tornavacas. This has always been the historic starting point for crossings of the mountain range. Dinner and overnight at the rural hotel ‘La Abuela’.

Day 7: We leave Guijo and keep following La Vera until we reach Cuacos de Yuste, another picturesque town overlooked by its monastery. The monastery is a building of monumental art and famous the world over. Before we continue our ride we stop for lunch and visit the monastery. You ride on to Garganta de Olla, well-known for its historic buildings and typical mountain architecture. Dinner and overnight stay in Garganta de Olla.

Day 8: After breakfast transfer to Madrid and departure.

           Subject to change

Rates and Dates for Gredos Mountains Ride

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting:
Airport: Madrid
Transfer: Madrid 5 PM

Climate:

The overall climate of Castillia is similar to Southern California:  hot in the summer, pleasant and moderate in the spring and fall, and fairly cool in the winter. Rain is possible anytime, but rare in summer. The main rainy season is from the end of October to the beginning of May. 

Rain gear suitable for riding should be carried along, particularly during the months from November through April.
A belt pack in which to carry your camera and other small valuables during the ride is handy.
Attire is strictly informal throughout, though if you are planning to visit other cities on your own later you may wish to bring a jacket and tie. Regular film can be obtained locally, but special sizes may not be available-bring plenty. It is a good idea to bring your own soap, since not all hotels supply it.
Also, please bring comfortable walking boots as you have to walk with the horses downhill on a rocky surface on the second day for at least one hour.