In Viriathus´ footsteps!

Viriathus (Dead 138 BC) was the most important leader of the people that resisted Roma expansion into the regions of  western Hispania. He led the Lusitanians to several victories over the romans between 147 BC and 139BC.

This adventure runs trough the ancient lands of Avila and Toledo and past the amazing places when Viriathus and his army of Lusitanians rebels took shelter in their fight agaisnt the Romans.

    Continouos  vegetation contrasts transport us to ancient times, away  from the constant pressure of civilization.      Now woodlands of oaks and pastures, now oaks and chestnut trees, now junipers so dense that they almost block        our way. From autumn to spring, we want to you to live your footprints as well , in the ephemeral form of the tread    of your horse, on these roads and in your memory.

A trip 4 days to cover 112 kms. to enjoy between October and May.

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Gredos Mountains, the reign of silence

The northern slope of the Gredos Mountains is the reign of silence.  It’s possible to ride for an entire day without seeing a single person.  Years ago, narrow paths connected small towns, however the towns have been abandoned, the trails are grown over and the rider has the sensation, like the conquistadors, of discovering a new world.  Only the cows and horses grazing on Summer pastures give an indication that somewhere, man is managing to survive in this land that is closed off by cold in Winter.  We propose for you to discover Gredos during the explosion of Spring, the vibrant green, the spring melts causing streams to bubble over, the yellow tint of the Piorno flower, the intense fragrance of a perfect silence.

 

Day 1.- We begin by crossing the Gredos Mountains from South to North.  We’ll start at 560 mts. above Sea Level and until we reach 1.200 mts. above sea level we’ll be accompanied by pines, cherry trees and chestnuts.  From here until 2.000 meters we’ll experience Gredos in its full splendor.  Sheer walls of granite, impossible stone figures and the Piorno flower, the only plant species apart from high altitude pastures.  On clear days, we can see the horizon as far as 80 kms. away.  Once on the north face, after a hearty picnic lunch next to the river, we’ll enjoy an easy descent towards Navarredonda de Gredos where we’ll find our lodgings for the night.

Day 2.- Not too many years ago, the trail awaiting us on this day was used by travelling herds of cows and horses on their constant search for the best grazing land.  Today, only an occasional rider like us, possibly escorted by an eagle or Red Kite, evokes these journeys.  The Puerto de Chía mountain pass opens the door to the Corneja River valley where oak forests shade tranquil paths.  Navacepedilla del Corneja is the first of several towns showcasing the rustic granite architecture typical to this region.

Day 3.- In the 21st century, is it possible to cross an entire town without seeing anyone?  Riding through the Corneja River Valley we’ll cross up to four abandoned villages without seeing a soul.  In exchange for our solitude, we’ll enjoy challenging trails which will require true horsemanship and excellent balance with our equine partner.  On days like these, it’s easy to forget that we’re in the 21st century!

Day 4.– Today we’ll change valleys, leaving the Corneja River behind and heading toward the Tormes River.  Here Gredos again shows us the spectacle of her immense rock walls, vertical spaces which climbers use to put themselves to the test.  We’ll test our own ability following ancient paths forged by herds of cattle, the main economic resource of this region, and marked by the slow passing of time.  We’ll traverse continuous slopes and steep ascents in order to arrive at the Tormes River in Navacepeda.  From here, it’s a short ride to Navarredonda de Gredos where our day will come to an end.

Day 5.– Taking our leave of the north slope of Gredos, we’ll ride through an inviting pine grove with trees as high as 30 mts.  Once again, the hoofprints of cattle herds show us the way to the Puerto del Pico mountain pass, located above the Valley of Five Villages.  The Romans were well aware that this was the best spot to cross the sierra from north to south and built a road which even today remains during about 6 kms, and which we’ll follow until we arrive at the town of Cuevas del Valle.  The local architecture is typical of the region, with wooden balconies overflowing with flowering plants carefully tended by residents.  A relaxed and delicious lunch in this picturesque town is a fitting end to this journey to another time, to infinite spaces, to silence.

 

 

Trip summary

 

Trip length: 6 nights-5 days (Sunday to Friday)

 Distance covered: 140 km

Best time to visit:  April to October

Group size: Minimun 2 riders, maximun 8 riders

Riding ability: Intermediate to experienced

Tack:  Spanish work saddle

Time in the saddle: From 6 and  7 1⁄2 hours (one day)

Weight limit: 95 kgs

Price: 

Tietar valley, history and nature

We have a different proposal. Hope you like

Half a day of horseback riding ending with a visit to the Infante Luis de Borbón’s Palace.

In 1780, the Infante D. Luis Antonio of Bourbon ordered the architect Ventura Rodríguez to build this Palace. The palace is characterized by having a neoclassical structure in which the symmetry is a fundamental element in its design.

Winding roads and paths lead us in half a day to the picturesque town of Guisando.

 

The toponym Guisando has its origins in the Germanic ‘Wis’, which means wise or wise men and ‘Sanths’, which means ‘true’. For these reasons, its meaning would be ‘wise truth’ or ‘known truth’. Very probably, this name originated in the establishment of a visigoth or perhaps celtic colony.

 

 

 

Full-time riding on the slopes of the Gredos mountains and visit to the San Pedro de Alcántara Monastery.

In the 18th century, with the patronage of Carlos III and designed by Ventura Rodríguez, the San Pedro de Alcántara Monastery was built. The Royal Chapel is octagonal with marble pilasters that sustain a ledge on which a majestic dome and lantern rest. The convent-sanctuary houses several museums: The Alcantarina room, the cloisters and sacristy and the Franciscan Museum of sacred art.

 

Over half day to discover two villages, Cuevas and San Esteban, with a lot of history in their streets.

Cuevas and San Esteban, two centenarian villages whose origins go back to simple settlements of shepherds but have evolved over the years into an important part of the history of the Tietar valley. The characteristic microclimate of this Valley favors Mediterranean crops and Atlantic type vegetation, an attractive contrast especially in autumn.

 

Last day to simply ride to enjoy nature, no rush, relaxing our senses.

 

Trip summary:

Trip length: 6 nights-5 days (Sunday to Friday)

 Distance covered: 90 km

Best time to visit:  All year

Group size: Minimun 2 riders, maximun 8 riders

Riding ability: Intermediate to experienced

Tack:  Spanish work saddle

Time in the saddle: From 4 and 1⁄2 to 6 and 1⁄2 hours (one day)

Weight limit: 95 kgs

Price: 830€

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Western Royal Drovers’ Road of Leon

The Cañada Real Leonesa Occidental ( Western Royal Drovers’ Road of Leon) extends over 700 kilometers from León to Badajoz. It starts near the city of León and, before crossing the Duero in the vicinity of Tordesillas, it crosses the moors of Valencia de Don Juan and Sahagun to reach Medina de Rioseco. Once The Cañada leaves the land of Medina del Campo, it goes to La Morana (province of Ávila) through Muñico in the Sierra de Ávila and the Port of Menga in the Serrota. Sierra de Gredos mountains is crossed by the Pico Pass descending towards Valley of Tiétar in Extremadura.

The route proposed by Gredos Ecuestre crosses the Western Cañada Real Leonesa (Royal Drovers’ Road of Leon) from South to North within the province of Ávila. The tracks in this route are impressive with constant changes on the nature and landscapes crossed; forms of traditional architecture adapted to these environments; lifestyles and agro-livestock resources.

Trashumancia

 

 Arenas de San Pedro-San Martín del Pimpollar
The route begins in the foothills of Valley of Tiétar, in the town of Arenas de San Pedro. The microclimate of this region favors all kinds of Mediterranean crops (olives, figs, vines) and plantations of chestnut, oak, cherry and all kinds of fruit trees. The tour crosses the town of Mombeltrán; dominated by its castle (XV century) and the parish church (XIV century). It is the capital of the Barranco de las Cinco Villas Gredos (the Gully of the Five Towns of Gredos) giving access to the Puerto del Pico (Pico Pass). The ascent to this port is done following the path of the Roman Road, which is still in fair condition, after passing through the beautiful town of Cuevas del Valle. Descending to San Martin del Pimpollar, we turn the other cattle route, the track of Barco de Ávila, which runs along grass highlands where nomadic livestock spends the summer months coming from Extremadura.
The landscape changes completely. The lush vegetation disappears, and the slopes are less deep. Many streams cross the meadows and the piorno, typical shrub of this altitude, dominates the horizon.

 

San Martín del Pimpollar-Narros del Puerto

The second day will take us through the course of the newborn Alberche River to the Valley of Amblés. Livestock region per excellence, the tough winters make cattle the only possible economic resource. We find here stunning mountain landscapes with plenty of aromatic, pure, clean air. Amblés valley is reached from the pass of Mengamuñoz.

At the bottom of the vallery is the town of the same name of medieval origin. Its name comes from the legends whose protagonists are the first settlers of the city of Ávila: Menga Muñoz was the wife of Jimeno Blázquez, Mayor and Governor of Ávila , father of the famous knight Nalvillos Blázquez. The village lies strategically within the Royal Road and the Royal Drovers’ Road of Leon.

Alberche River

 

Narros del Puerto-Santo Tomé de Zabarcos
The transition between the Valley of Amblés and the region of Morana is done through the Sierra de Ávila. Small towns like La Torre, Sanchicorto, Sanchorreja and Gallegos de Altamiros are being left abandoned through time by the cease of agricultural and livestock activities. It is a steppe landscape; hard, with lots of granite stones anarchically spread out the horizon.
Horse riders feel like entering into another era in where time did not matter and traveling long distances was done enjoying the colors and scents of chamomile, lavender or thyme.

 

Santo Tomé de Zabarcos-Arévalo
This is the longest and flattest track. The landscape is overwhelming with vast horizons and gentle wavy hills. Depending on the time of year the predominant color varies from cereal to the ochre of the newly plowed land.
In this region of La Moraña, the Drovers’ Road occasionally becomes an infinite straight line; linking towns to another town, a church, a chapel or a dovecote.; sandy soil that gives shelter to many hares and rabbits, resin pines, cereals fields and all kinds of grain, beetroot or sunflower.
Our route ends up in Arévalo, capital of La Moraña. With centuries of history collected within the stones of its walls, churches and chapels. Arévalo needs time to be explored. Thus, we will spend the morning of the 5th day to walk the streets and hidden corners.

Trip summary:

Trip length: 5 nights- 5 days (Sunday to Friday)

 Distance covered: 126 km

Best time to visit:  March to October

Group size: Minimun 2 riders, maximun 8 riders

Riding ability: Intermediate to experienced

Tack:  Spanish work saddle

Time in the saddle: From 5 and 1⁄2 to 6 and 1⁄2 hours (one day)

Weight limit: 95 kgs

Price:  850€

 

 

 

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