Week Rides - El Marquesado- 6 days, 7 nights
This ride circles the Sierra Nevada mountain range following some of the highest bridle paths on the Spanish Peninsula at an altitude of 1,600 to over 3,000 meters. Accessible only by horse or foot we will be riding through some of the most spectacular, varied and often demanding terrain in Sierra Nevada and El Marquesado.
Following a combination of forestry tracks, bridle paths, old droving routes and Moorish irrigation channels we will cover approximately 30 to 40 kilometers per day. Riding for between 7 to 9 hours per day.
During the ride one night is spend in a high mountain refuge, the other 6 nights in comfortable village hotels (3 with pools). Each day there will be sections where it is necessary to lead your horses due to very steep and rough terrain. On 2 days there are downhill walks on foot of up to an hour and a half.
Day 1
Collection from Malaga airport at designated time. Transfer to Bubion where you will meet with your guide. Dinner and overnight in comfortable hostel. Casa la Sevillana.
Day 2
Setting out from the stables we cross the River Poqueira and climb steeply west on little used paths through small terraced farms and wood lands. Wonderfull views of the Mulhacen and the 3 villages of the Poqueira valley. The first part of the afternoon follows an ancient irrigation channel through oak woods to join one of the forestry tracks where we stop for a picnic lunch. After lunch this track leads high into the valley of Lanjaron, where it joins a narrow path leading down and across the river Lanjaron. Horses camp out at about 1,800 mts. and riders transfer by vehicle to the village of Lanjaron (approx. 1 hours drive). Overnight in comfortable 3 star hotel with pool and air conditioning.
Day 3
Continuing west we start the morning with a steep climb to the ridge of El Caballo at approx, 2,500mts. From here we descend cross country on foot and horseback to the head of the river Niguelas where we join a dirt track leading to the source of River Durcal. In the River Durcal we join an old droving route which we follow for the rest of the afternoon. For the first 20 minutes there is a steep climb on foot, the rest of the afternoon we ride until a final descent of approx 30 minutes. During the course of the day the landscape changes dramatically and there are amazing views. Horses camp out and riders are driven to the town of La Zubia on the edge of Granada. 30 minute drive. Overnight in comfortable hotel.
Day 4
To-day we head to the town of Gúejar Sierra, during the morning we follow a very pretty bridle path through pine woods and high summer pastures. After a picnic lunch we join a dirt road where there are some good canters. Late afternoon we have a 6 km. descent on a secondary road to the town. Overnight hotel with pool.
Day 5
Leaving the town way below we climb during the day to 2,300 mts. The path follows the contours of the ridge offering spectacular views to our right of the highest peaks in Sierra Nevada and to the left the plains of Guadix and Zenet del Marquesado. After a picnic by one of the mountain springs the path descends through pasture lands and pine woods to the Mountain refuge of Postero Alto at 1,900 mts. Here we share rooms, you need a sleeping bag or sheets, the refuge provides blankets. Dinner is basic and plentiful.
Day 6
Following the foot and bridle path across the open mountain side, we climb to 3,000 mts. From where the descent starts to the valley of Trevelez on the southern side of Sierra Nevada. Spectacular views of the Mulhacen and the Alcazaba, 2 of the highest peaks. Overnight in the village of Trevelez.
Day 7
A long morning ride following a very pretty path through woodlands, joining up late morning with one of the forestry tracks which offer some good canters. Late lunch in the village of Capileira and a well earned siesta before our goodbye supper. Final night in Bubion.
Day 8
Transfer to Malaga airport.
PRICE: See dates 2012
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: 160 Euros (Payable on arrival in Spain)
INCLUDING: Transfer to and from Malaga airport at agreed time. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 nights accommodation, horses, guide and backup vehicle for luggage.
NOT INCLUDED: Airflight costs and taxes, personal and medical insurance, wine and spirits.
We have now included by request a route map of the ride. Please be aware that this is indicitve only and does not represent the exact route ridden.
View Sierra Trails El Marquesado Ride in a larger map
DATES 2012:
Please find a full list of 2012 dates here.
HOW TO BOOK:
For details of how to book please click here.