Spain’s Sierra of Gredos Ride

*** Please note that July and August departures have a slightly modified itinerary from this version.

Sunday - Day 1

MADRID TO NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS
The trip begins with a transfer from Madrid (Pick up at 3:00PM) to the Parador of Gredos. Everyone will meet in Madrid and transfer to Navarredonda de Gredos (2 hour drive), a small village in the heart of Castile with a splendid view of the Sierra de Gredos.
This is a region steeped in history, where the Moors and Christians fought, where Romans built roads that have lasted for centuries. Riders will enjoy a welcome dinner and night at the Gredos National Parador.

Monday - Day 2

THE PINEWOODS AND THE SUMMER PASTURES – THE SOURCE OF THE TORMES RIVER
Today’s ride begins by giving everyone a chance to meet their horse. The ride is a circle ride from Navarredonda, and offers a nice easy day of exploring the area, with a picnic lunch in the
countryside.
You will ride through pine woods, open fields and trails, towards the mountains and have expansive views of the Sierra de Gredos. Stopping for the picnic lunch in the countryside – a paella cooked on the spot, you will relax and relish this local way of life as it used to be in days gone by.
In the afternoon the ride heads back to the stables in Navarredonda, returning for dinner and overnight as the previous night.
This day is the shortest ride of the itinerary so riders and horses can get used to each other. If any change of horse is necessary it can be easily done before leaving the next day and embarking on the progressive itinerary for the rest of the week.
A nice small Spa has been open in the next village (5 min away). It is possible to arrange a session - a special rider’s massage - in the evening before dinner for any that wish (fees apply)

Tuesday - Day 3

ALONG THE TORMES RIVER - NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS TO NAVALPERAL THE TORMES
The morning ride begins through woods and beautiful meadows in the Tormes river valley. You will follow the winding course of the Tormes River and enjoy the lush countryside that benefits from this water source.
Stopping for lunch at the Pozo de las Paredes, a magical spot at the gorge of Barbellido, which joins the Tormes River, this spot is ideal for a swim in summer months either before or after lunch.
In the afternoon, riders will follow the cattle path, with great views, to Navalperal the Tormes. This night riders will stay at a new rural hotel: Hotel Rural Cruz del Gallo, a small hotel, near the Tormes River.

Wednesday - Day 4

THE CATTLE PATH TO EL BARCO DE AVILA - NAVALPERAL THE TORMES TO EL BARCO DE AVILA.
This day it will be a long half day ride. It is a progressive ride to get to El Barco and will be a very active excursion. A ride along the Tormes River valley and along cattle paths offers many chances for long trots and canters as you pass the village of Aliseda de Tormes. You will notice the change in landscape as vegetation approaching the small town of El Barco de Avila is markedly different than earlier in the day.
The hotel in Barco de Avila is a country hotel, a luxurious hotel built as a restoration of an ancient country estate. The hotel has a spa and an indoor heated pool and offers riders a good chance to rest and relax after three days of riding. It is also a wonderful way to ensure fresh muscles for the rest of the ride.
The afternoon is at leisure and you are encouraged to visit El Barco de Avila or just relax in the hotel in this tranquil locale. El Barco de Avila is a 15th century walled village with a medieval bridge stretching over the Tormes. You’ll appreciate the beauty of this place that seems stopped in time.

Thursday - Day 5

INTO THE PROVINCE OF SALAMANCA - EL BARCO DE AVILA TO HOYORREDONDO
Today’s ride proceeds through woods of mature oaks which open up to verdant pastures. Following the cattle track between Barco and Hoyorredondo, you will arrive in Puente del Congosto, home to a 15th century bridge and castle, where you will stop for lunch.
A resplendent picnic near the river offers a nice midday rest as well as a beautiful spot for a swim if you wish. In the afternoon the ride heads out and winds its way to the town of Hoyorredondo.
Your dinner and overnight is at a beautiful and comfortable rural hotel.

Friday - Day 6

THE CORNEJA RIVER VALLEY AND OVER THE MOUNTAINS TO THE ALBERCHE RIVER VALLEY - HOYORREDONDO TO SAN MARTIN DE LA VEGA
Today’s ride is a fun fill day with great contrasts in the landscape. The ride starts in the valley of the Corneja River with wide open flat valleys for lively canters and even fun gallops. After an exhilarating run, you will reach the aperitif stop.
Continuing, the ride follows the river winding paths of the Corneja to its source before stopping for lunch near one of the water mills along the river.
In the afternoon your ride follows a Roman road up to the Puerto de Chia (5,686 ft.) for a panoramic view of the Corneja Valley on one side and the Alberche River on the other. This is one of the most splendid pieces of scenery in the area. Descending to San Martin de la Vega the ride twists and turns down an ancient path to where the horses will spend the night. A short transfer by vehicle takes you to a charming rural hotel in Barajas de Gredos.

Saturday - Day 7

BACK TO VIEWS OF THE SIERRA DE GREDOS - SAN MARTIN DE LA VEGA TO NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS
On your last riding day the ride heads back to the Sierra de Gredos. With some absolutely stunning views of the peaks of the Sierra, you will feel the remoteness of the area while exploring a part of Spain that few others ever have a chance to see up close.
The ride descends toward the Tormes Valley where you started and while it will look a bit familiar, it will seem like so long ago that your adventure began. A picnic lunch with panoramic views of the Sierra de Gredos is the perfect way to cement the memories of a lovely area and a fun week in your mind.
After lunch, the afternoon ride has some nice long canters as you head back to the stables. Your last night and farewell dinner is at the Parador.

Sunday - Day 8

NAVARREDONDA TO MADRID
After breakfast you will be transferred to Madrid, arriving there around 12:00 noon. All riders will be transferred at the same time, so if any rider needs to arrive in Madrid prior to noon, all riders will depart earlier - or we will arrange an alternative transfer (at an extra cost).
The pace of this ride varies with the terrain. Overall it is a moderate pace, with some slow parts due to the mountainous terrain. There are open areas through the valleys where it is possible to canter with excellent tracks for exciting rides.

The average riding time is five to six hours per day. The total distance of the trip is about 110 miles.

Summer Itinerary (July & August)

Sunday - Day 1

MADRID TO NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS
The trip begins with a transfer from Madrid (Pick up at 3:00PM) to the Parador of Gredos. Everyone will meet in Madrid and transfer to Navarredonda de Gredos (2 hour drive), a small village in the heart of Castile with a splendid view of the Sierra de Gredos.
This is a region steeped in history, where the Moors and Christians fought, where Romans built roads that have lasted for centuries. Riders will enjoy a welcome dinner and night at the Gredos National Parador.

Monday- Day 2

NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS
Today’s ride begins by giving everyone a chance to meet their horse. The ride is a circle ride from Navarredonda, and offers a nice easy day of exploring the area, with a picnic lunch in the
countryside.
You will ride through pine woods, open fields and trails, towards the mountains and have expansive views of the Sierra de Gredos. Stopping for the picnic lunch in the countryside – a paella cooked on the spot, you will relax and relish this local way of life as it used to be in days gone by.
In the afternoon the ride heads back to the stables in Navarredonda, returning for dinner and overnight as the previous night.
A nice small Spa has been open in the next village (5 min away). It is possible to arrange a session - a special rider’s massage - in the evening before dinner for any that wish (fees apply)

Tuesday- Day 3

ALONG THE TORMES RIVER - NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS TO NAVALPERAL THE TORMES
The morning ride begins through woods and beautiful meadows in the Tormes river valley. You will follow the winding course of the Tormes River and enjoy the lush countryside that benefits from this water source.

Stopping for lunch at the Pozo de las Paredes, a magical spot at the gorge of Barbellido, which joins the Tormes River, this spot is ideal for a swim in summer months either before or after lunch.

In the afternoon, riders will follow the cattle path, with great views, to Navalperal the Tormes and enjoy the wonderful views and vistas overlooking the village.

Wednesday - Day 4

NAVALPERAL DE TORMES – NAVARRENDONDA DE GREDOS
From Navalperal, you will follow ancient cattle paths to Navacepeda de Tormes. The route follows the course of the Tormes River before stopping for lunch. Lunch is held at a fisherman’s hut at a place called Hoyos del Collado.
Either before or after lunch, guests may choose to enjoy the river’s natural pool for a refreshing swim, so be sure to pack your bathing suit in your saddlebag!
After a relaxing lunch and the chance to enjoy this natural beauty, the ride follows the river through some pinewood forest area that leads back to Navarrendonda and the stables.

Thursday - Day 5

NAVARRENDONDA DE GREDOS – SAN MARTIN DE LA VEGA
After breakfast your ride will head out and climb upwards to Canada del Horno. This is a wonderful morning with lovely views as you will climb through open fields and dense broom areas (a yellow flowering bush, akin to gourse) with panoramic views of the Alberche River Valley.
After lunch in a local tavern, you can stretch your legs a bit before mounting back up to ride back towards Barajas de Gredos all the while with breathtaking views of the Sierra de Gredos mountains.

Friday - Day 6

NAVARREDONDA DE GREDOS – BARBELLIDO MOUNTAIN GORGE
Today’s ride is a spectacular one with exceptional views! You will ride toward the peaks of the Sierra de Gredos mountains and all around you will be incredible views of the countryside unfolding through mountain passes to quaint villages in the distance.
The trail climbs to the Covacha Gorge and then descends toward the gorge of Barbellido. Relaxing by the river, a wonderful lunch is prepared and riders may again go for a swim before the afternoon ride which leads to the Siete Fuentes and then through the pinewood forest of Hoyos del Espino before arriving to the stables and saying goodbye to your horse.

Saturday - Day 7

NAVARRENDONDA - AVILA
After breakfast the group will be driven to the ancient walled town of Avila, where you will have a day at leisure (lunch is independent on this day). Avila is one of the World Heritage Cities of Spain and one of the 660 cultural sites in the world that the World Heritage Committee considers as having an outstanding universal value.
It is a medieval town, surrounded y walls constructed in the 11th and 12th centuries to protect the Spanish territories from the Moors. The walls are still complete today. It is the “City of Saints and Stones”. The birthplace of St. Theresa and the burial place of the inquisitor Torquemada. Avila has kept its medieval austerity and its purity of form can still be seen in the Gothic cathedral and the fortifications which are the most complete in Spain.
Recommendations for visits, tours and restaurants in Avila will be provided and you are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes as the town is great for walking. Of particular interest is the chance to walk a good 2-3 miles of the town wall and view the town as well as the surrounding countryside in all directions.
Your accommodation on this night will be at the National Parador of Avila, a 4**** hotel which is a 16th century Palace in the historical center of the town.

Sunday - Day 8

AVILA TO MADRID
After breakfast you will be transferred to Madrid, arriving there around 12:00 noon. All riders will be transferred at the same time, so if any rider needs to arrive in Madrid prior to noon, all riders will depart earlier - or we will arrange an alternative transfer (at an extra cost).

The pace of this ride varies with the terrain. Overall it is a moderate pace, with some slow parts due to the mountainous terrain. There are open areas through the valleys where it is possible to canter.