the mira atlantic trail

trail summary

Aimed at capable riders who want a flexible riding adventure. Ideal for groups and individuals alike. The location of the riding centre was chosen for its natural beauty and because of the variety of riding available on its doorstep! Including riding along the Mira river valley, through the Cercal mountain range and across the “Thousand Springs” coastal plain and dunescape. The riding clubhouse overlooks the Cercal ridge. Included in this program is a special, 2 day progressive trail incorporating the remote Alentejo Atlantic coast.

facts

8 day program / 6 days riding
16-24 miles / 20-30 km riding per day
Total hours on horse +/- 25
Accommodation: At the farm in one of our spacious ensuite rooms. Take a look here for more information.
Breakfast and lunch included and two evening meals (first and last night)
Option: classical instruction, 3 lessons spread through week.

Itinerary *

Day 1

Transfer to the farm, Samoequerinha (“The small Fig Tree”), near Milfontes either by minibus, taxi or hire car. Enjoy a complimentary evening meal and drinks and get to know the team and the other guests.

Day 2: Cela Valley Trail Ride

Breakfast is followed by a talk on riding in Portugal, Lusitano horses & a summary of the trail. Allocation of the horses followed by a familiarity ride. This ride gives everyone the chance to get to know their horse and get used to riding in the group. We follow the Cela Valley Ride Route - leaving the base in a North-Westerly direction heading into the Cela Valley and following its overgrown stream Northwards; oak forest lanes – eucalyptus forests – secluded springs. Then out onto the plains for a long, steady canter on a sandy open track - mud walled farm - veer North-East along the edge of the Cercal Ridge - view towards the Atlantic and South of Monchique mountains - then South and home followed by lunch and a presentation on the local wildlife and the protected parkland. (3.5 hour ride)

Day 3: Eagle Rock Ridge

Breakfast at the clubhouse, then riding South-East along the foot of the Cercal Mountains - climbing steadily on a firm sandy track - trot and canter - then steeper track through pine forest and finally into a rich valley with the town of São Luis at the bottom. Wind your way into the town by the old church and enjoy the ambience of this old-world town. This inland area is full of ancient, tiny subsistent farms, rolling hills and forest. Continue in a Northerly direction climbing to the top of the Javili pass, with spectacular views over the coastal plain and the Atlantic ocean. Fairy tale setting - wind down onto the plain followed by a late lunch and a short presentation on the Lusitano horse and its origins. (4 hour ride)

Day 4: Hill Top Adventure

Breakfast, then riding out in a North-Westerly direction, climbing the Cercal ridge (max altitude 324m or 1062 ft), following the small tracks through the eucalyptus forests, crossing grassy plains and stopping at rocky outcrops to enjoy the spectacular views of the countryside and Atlantic Ocean and feel the ocean breeze. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to watch the Bonelli Eagle circling overhead, searching for it’s lunch! Remote and beautiful. (3.5 hour ride)

Day 5: Sunset Beach Ride

Take a relaxed morning off in Milfontes - enjoy a swim or choose one of the alternative activities available - pick up and drive to the centre in the late morning in time for for lunch. Begin riding in a Westerly direction into the Mira Valley and up through steep cork forest on the other side. Water stop at the Bamboo well. Cross onto the sandy coastal plain and enjoy a long canter before reaching Milhão beach - no construction, no asphalt roads - unspoilt beauty - paddle horses in the Atlantic against the setting sun. Finish the ride in a pine forest near the beach and enjoy glass of Vinho Verde while the horses graze alongside. Guests are returned to the farm to sleep. (4 hour ride)

Day 6: Roman Coast Ride

Breakfast in the forest beside horses, then continue riding North on the coastal plain to the Moorish fort at Porto Covo. Enjoy the view of the island of Pessegueiro with its Roman Ruins dominating the landscape. Turn South onto the beach, then land inwards into the rolling hills, past a pig farm to enjoy lunch in the open in a magic, enchanted Cork Oak forest. After lunch, cross the plains, take some more canters on the seemingly endless sandy trails and then back to base. (5.5 hour ride)

Day 7: Mira River Valley and Ridge Ride

Breakfast at the farm, ride South-West through a Cork Oak forest, following a winding trail down to the Mira river valley, one of the cleanest estuaries in Europe. Ride through the beautiful river valleys and meet the river where it meanders through mud flats full of bird and animal life and rich vegetation. Climb out of valley onto farmland and back home. Everyone meets up later in the evening for a complimentary three course farewell meal. (3.5 hours)

Day 8

Breakfast followed by transfer to the airport.

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