The Contraviesa Ride -----------------------

The Contraviesa mountain range lies between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Mediterranean sea. Due to the proximity of the coast the climate during the spring and late autumn is very mild, rarely dropping below 15º C and during May reaching the mid 20º C. The main industy of the area is the cultivation of almonds, figs and vineyards. Little has changed here over the centuries; on many small holdings the mule and ox still pull the plow and the horse and mule still provide the transport.

On the Contraviesa and the lower slopes of the Alpujarra spring can start as early as February with the wild flowers blooming right through to May. The early winter months are another lovely time to visit this area and are rarely cold. This ride offers an extraordinary range of scenery, vegatation and climate. We follow old Roman and Moorish bridlepaths, dirt tracks and dried-up riverbeds. Here you can literally ride from winter to spring and spring to summer and back again in a week. The pace of the ride is determined by the terrain: on days 3 & 7 the paths are very narrow and there is a lot of climbing, on the other days there are opportunitues to trot and canter. Where the paths are steep is is necessary to dismount and lead the horses.

Day 1	Collection from Malaga airport not later than 16.00 hours. Transfer to the village of Bubion where you will be met by the trek organiser and guide. Supper and accomodation in a comfortable village hotel.
Day 2	Heading east we set off for the village of Trevelez, at 1,476 meters this is the highest village in Spain. During the morning we follow the old mule paths through open countryside and woodlands to the village of Pitres and then Portugos where we have lunch.. After lunch the path climbs approximately 800m to join a broad forestry track through pines and oaks to Trevelez. The afternoon offers many opportunitues for canters if desired. The evening is spent in a comfortable hotel offering twin-bedded rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Day 3	Today the path takes us south east. For approximately 15 minutes it is necessary to lead the horses through the village. Once across the river we will mount up and follow the moorish path bordering the 800 year old irrigation channel. This path climbs through evergreen oak woods and pines forests to approximately 2,000 meters elevation. Riding down across open pasture lands we have a wonderful panoramic view of the Contraviesa range of mountains, the Almeria coast and on a clear day as far as Africa. After a picnic lunch we climb again through gorse, lavender and thyme to join the path as it winds its way down through the small terraced farms to the village of Berchules. The evening is spent in a comfortable family run hotel. At the end of the day we have approximately a 25 minute walk leading the horses from the top of the village down to the stables.
Day 4	Today as yesterday the first 15 or 20 minutes is by foot, following the old bridlepath through almond groves and small terraced cultivations down to the river Guadalfeo. Mounting up in the riverbed we follow the narrow path east through the green terraces of Narila. After Narila we have to join the road for approximately 20 minutes to pass over into the next valley. Here the landscape changes abruptly to dry lands, deeply erroded by the winter and spring rains. Early picnic by the river. After lunch the trail climbs steeply through almond groves and eventually leads us back down to the river bed, where there are plently of opportunities for some good canters and gallops. Tonight we stay in the Morayma, without doubt the most charming hotel in the area. Built amongst almond and fruit groves overlooking the river Guadalfeo, this hotel has been designed and furnished with alot of care and good taste.
Day 5	We will spend a second night in the hotel Morayma. Today is a short ride, approximately 3 hours with an early picnic lunch before returning to spand a relaxing afternoon at the hotel. The trail will take us through almond and fig farms and higher up the vineyards, during the early Spring the whole mountain is an amazing carpet of flowers. Marvelous views across the whole of Sierra Nevada to the north and the Mediterranean to the south. The Morayma boasts a swimming pool as does Hotel Berchules, however, they only open July to October.
Day 6	Today we return to the village of Bubion, a long climb for the horses. Crosssing the river Guadalefao we follow a steep bridle path west to the villages Lobras and Timar. From here the route follows a small local road for approximately 7 kilometers before beginning the descent into the spectacular gorge of Trevelez. This descent is on an ancient Roman path cut into the sides of the gorge and must be made on foot leading the horses. It is approximately a 30 minute walk down to the bridge from which we will ride up past the pretty village of Busquistar and on to Portugos for a well earned lunch. In the late afternoon we continue north west to Bubion where we spend the final 2 nights of the ride.
Day 7	The final days ride follows a mix of bridle paths and goat tracks high into the Sierra to the base of the Mulhacen. Picnic lunch by one of the mountain streams with amazing views across the whole of the Sierra and on a clear day all the way to Morroco. After lunch we ride along the ridge and then commence the descent through pine wood to the stable. Probably one of the most beautiful days of the whole week!!. Farewell dinner and final night in Bubion.
Day 8	Transfer to Malaga.

PRICE: See dates 2010

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: 160 Euros (Payable on arrival in Spain)

INCLUDING: Transfer to and from Malaga airport at agreed time. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, the evening we return to Bubion dinner is not included. 7 nights accommodation, horses, guide and backup vehicle for luggage.

NOT INCLUDED: Airflight costs and taxes, personal and medical insurance,
wine and spirits. Dinner on one night.

DATES 2010:

Please find a full list of 2010 dates here.

HOW TO BOOK:

For details of how to book please click here.