The Grand Alpujarra Trail
8 Days (7 nights, 6 days riding)
The Grand Alpujarra Trail is an fascinating
journey through the area made famous by Chris Stewart in his book "Driving over
Lemons". The actual route we take is a combination of all the best parts of our
previous Nevada Blue and Green Sierra rides and provides an in-depth experience
of this unique part of Spain. The terrain lends itself to varied riding at all
paces as well as some spectacularly panoramic scenery. The architecture of the
beautifully preserved Moorish villages cannot be found anywhere else in Spain.
From mid May until mid September, there are up to six pools on route, so plenty
of opportunities to swim and relax as well.
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Day 1 Meet the People
Collection from airport (16.30) and transfer to hotel in the pretty village of Pitres. Meet the rest of the riders and guides over dinner and wine. If you can't meet the transfer, we can arrange a taxi for you.
Day 2 Ride to the Poquiera Valley
After meeting the horses, we ride along ancient mule tracks through oak and chestnut forests towards the dazzling white-washed walls and flower-decked balconies of Capileira where we spend the night in the beautifully restored Cortijo Catifalarga with its restful views down the valley and out to the Mediterranean beyond (pictured below, right).
Day 3 Exploring the Poqueira
Today is spent exploring the Poqueira Gorge in the shadow of Spain’s two highest mountains. There is much flora and fauna here not found anywhere else in the world, as well as wild boar and mountain ibex. A long canter finds us high in the mountains for a leisurely picnic and some great views.
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Trevelez Riding through oak forests, we make our way to Trevelez - a village famous for its air-cured hams, fresh trout and local cheeses. Day 5 Crossing the Mountain A great day for views as we ascend the 2500m “Stone Window”. From the summit it is often possible to see the coast of Africa. Day 6 River valleys, swimming and rest. Dropping into the lush valleys on the edge of the Aplujarra, we take one of three different routes to the fantastic Alqueria Morayma - a beautiful hotel on the edge of the Contraviesa. On hot days we take a shorter route and there is time to wander around the extensive grounds or relax by the pool which boasts fabulous views of the Sierra Nevada. |
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Day 7 The Ride Home
A long day in the saddle sees us heading back to the farm through constantly changing scenery. Riverbeds give way to rolling hills of open grassland, until we finally arrive at the pretty mountain villages of La Taha for our final night at the splendid Hotel Maravedi.
Day 8 Transfer to Malaga Airport
Arrives 11 am at the earliest. If you have to be at the airport before then, we can arrange a taxi for you.