Bandit Trail
The Bandit Trail is based on the biography of the famous “bandolero” Joan Sala Serrallonga, the Catalonian Robin Hood. In north-east Spain, the bandit Serrallonga wandered around the mountains of Guilleries and Garrotxa during the 17th Century. This vast pathless area of woodland offered good hiding places to outlaws. Canyons, table mountains and volcanoes rise up in this wild landscape. Rivers, lakes and waterfalls provide pleasant refreshment. In the picturesque villages there are still stories told about the gangs of thieves and the Catalan rebels. Today we find an incredible riding paradise where outlaws once hid.
The Bandit Trail is an extremely diverse horse riding trail through massive canyons, table mountains and volcanoes. You should be an experienced rider fit enough for between 5 to 7 hours in the saddle each day. The total distance ridden is about 180 km/110 miles.
Please note that this ride may not be suitable if you have a strong fear of heights. Please also note that it is necessary to lead your horse on foot on some sections of the trail. Sometimes the ground can be rocky and uneven and most of the time it will be downhill. On the Bandit Trail you normally need to get off and lead on three days. Each stretch is for about 30 minutes, although on day three you get off and lead twice.
Highlights of the trail include:
- Accommodation at Jordi’s remote horse farm
- Gallops on ancient bandit trails
- Picnic at the foot of the Table Mountain
- Stay in the village of Tavertet at the edge of the Table Mountain
- Ride through a diverse, fascinating landscape
- Experience sunrise & sunset at the monastery «El Far», at the highest point of the Table Mountain
- Picnic with a view on extinct volcanoes
This trail is different depending on when you go:
In Spring: the soft green of the deciduous forests
In Summer: a comfortable climate on the high plateau
In Autumn: see the changing spectacular colour of the leaves and enjoy an «Indian Summer»
In Winter: perhaps ride in the snow
The following is the proposed itinerary but please note that changes are possible due to weather and local conditions. On occasions the itinerary may run in reverse.
Day One
Transfer from Girona or Barcelona directly to the mountains. Deep in the Spanish Pyrenees, at the foot of the mountain range of Cavallera, there is the small mountain village called St. Joan de Abadeses. This is the starting point of the Bandit Trail. Over dinner you get to know your guide and chat about the week ahead.
Day Two
Meet your horses, saddle up and set off for a long days riding. The trail weaves through a marvellous mountain landscape which appears rugged or soft depending on the season.
The air is pleasantly aromatic and there is peacefulness with only the sounds of nature. High above on a mountain range a small Roman church enjoys an incomparably beautiful position and invites you to stop for a picnic. Stay overnight in a little mountain village in a cosy guesthouse.
Day Three
Ride to the high plateau of Collsacabra, where the merging of the north and south Mediterranean Sea and high mountains is a very special sight.
Lush meadows and dense beech forests cover the land. Ferns spread, the forest thickens and seems to be impassable. The temperatures are pleasantly cool, with springs and calm brooks refreshing you on the way.
After a long mornings ride you will stop for lunch in a little restaurant (payable locally) and then continue on your way for a shorter afternoons ride.
In the heart of the valley you find the remote but comfortable guesthouse accommodation of Jordis horse farm. Here you can only hear the wind in the trees, the singing of the cicadas and the splashing of the brook. In the evening perhaps have a «bandit’s menu» and a glass of wine with your hosts, who may be persuaded to tell old Catalonian stories of the desperados.
Please note that bathrooms will be shared at this unique guesthouse.
Day Four
Brilliantly the agile Andalucian horses climb over an overwhelming landscape. In Spring and Summer the deep green beech forests blink through grey rock mountains and in the ‘Indian Summer’ days of Autumn the forests shimmer like gold. Vast cattle meadows give amazing views over valleys and mountains and you stop for a picnic in the open air. At a fast trot and canter you approach the abundant table mountains.
The small village of Tavertet is located majestically, like an eagle’s nest, on the edge of a table mountain. From here enjoy the beautiful view looking down at a canyon lake that shines in a deep green hue below you.
Day Five
Today you will ride along the edge of the table mountain with its breathtaking views to the mountains of Guilleries, home of the bandit Serrallonga, the Catalonian Robin Hood.
The view from the ‘roof top of Catalonia’ over the green mountains is unique. Marvel at the evergreen landscape as it contrasts to the red, brown and silver grey rocks of the table mountains.
At a clearing you rest and feel like the ‘Outlaws’ from long ago, then continue your trek through a hidden mountain village. You will enjoy a picnic lunch somewhere near here.
At the highest point of the table mountain the monastery ‘El Far’ rises up majestically. It is one of the most beautiful viewpoints of Catalonia. You stay in the area overnight and wake the next morning to the sun rising up over the sea.
Day Six
Today is a long mornings ride, leaving the Guilleries behind you and emerging into the land of extinct volcanoes. The landscape is well cultivated but also has a wilderness about it. The last eruption was some thousand years ago and only the black lava and some craters remind you of the explosions. Stay overnight in the mediaeval village of Santa Pau.
Day Seven
Today you will have your final long mornings ride. Trot and canter along the brook «Ser» and leave the area of Garrotxa. The brook leads into the river «Fluvia» which leads in turn to the Costa Brava. Oaks and pines are the dominant trees here and under their pleasant shade you enjoy a bandit’s picnic. After a siesta, you and your horses will be transferred back to the farm. Later, enjoy your last farewell dinner.
Day Eight
After breakfast transfer to Barcelona or Girona or stay for another riding trail.
Herdsmen’s Trail
The Herdsmen’s Trail is a challenging and exciting trail ride from the Mediterranean Costa Brava to the alpine mountain peaks of the Pyrenees. Herdsmen still pass along the so called «Camino Real» through the north eastern part of Catalonia. In winter the herds stay in the mild coastal areas and in summer they make their way up towards the Pyrenees. Round polished, soft, high mountain hills are a contrast to the wild and bizarre rock formations of the Garrotxa Mountains.
You should be an experienced rider fit enough for between around 4 to 7 hours in the saddle each day. The days can be quite long and on some occasions you may not reach your accommodation until c.8pm. The total distance ridden is about 200 km/125 miles.
Please note that it is necessary to lead your horse on foot on some sections of the trail. Sometimes the ground can be rocky and uneven and most of the time it will be downhill. On the Herdsmen’s Trail you will need to get off and lead your horse each day (except normally not the first riding day) for up to 50 minutes at a time. On days five and six there are three different sections where you get off and lead.
Highlights of the trail include:
- Fantastic views
- Swimming breaks at turquoise natural pools
- Alta Garrotxa mountains
- Mountain pastures of the Pyrenees
- Accommodation in the picturesque mountain village Beget
- Ride through medieval villages
The following is the proposed itinerary but please note that changes are possible due to weather and local conditions. On occasions the itinerary may run in reverse.
Day One
You are collected in Barcelona (5pm) or Girona (6.30pm) and transferred to the horse base, Mas Alba. This is a typical Catalan farmhouse where you stay overnight with views of the surrounding horse meadows and forests. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting. What a great place to start your exciting horse riding adventure into the Pyrenees Mountains.
Please note that the usual accommodation is at Mas Alba, but on occasion you may stay in a nearby guesthouse.
Day Two
After meeting your horses you set off through the foothills of the Pyrenees and follow the river Fluvia in the direction of the mountains – a route taken by old herdsmen like Juan the Shepherd.
The pretty villages of the Alt Empordan are impressive witnesses of an amazing past. In a glade near the river, the friendly «Catalan Buffalo» meets you with a glass of Cava and a beautifully set table. After a siesta you can set a fast pace on the soft loamy paths. When you have finished riding you will be taken to your comfortable accommodation.
Day Three
You ride on to the wild hilly countryside of Garrotxa, passing through the medieval town of Besalu and crossing the romantic Llierca bridge. This is a long mornings ride.
You may find some sparkling turquoise rock pools suitable for a refreshing swim.
The agile and fit Andalucian horses will carry you safely over the Santa Barbara pass. From the top you have fantastic views of the bizarre rock formations. Your destination is a small mountain village where you stay overnight.
Day Four
Today you will have a shorter and more relaxed mornings ride. The Llierca valley with its strong lime rocks lies in front of you. Only the clattering of the hooves, the splashing of a stream and the calm sounds of the cow bells interrupts the deep quietness of this secluded area. You should see spectacular birds of prey, reptiles and butterflies and with a bit of luck maybe even a wild pig or a badger.
Depending on the weather, you stop for your picnic under a two thousand year old oak tree or the turquoise water of the streams invites you for a refreshing dip. Later, reach the picturesque mountain village of Beget, where you stay the night.
Day Five
Your ride deeper into the Pyrenees on an ancient medieval merchant’s path which takes further into the mountains. Beech, oak and chestnut forests cover the hills and beyond the forests are the alpine meadows (the endless realm of the herdsmen) where Buffalo prepares a picnic on the river side. The view of the surrounding 9000 feet high mountains is tremendous. You ride through the little mountain village of Mollo with its romantic church and later arrive at your destination, the mountain village of Espinavell, at the foot of the magnificent mountain Costa Bona.
Day Six
It’s an early start to ascend to the high regions of the Pyrenees. The horses carry you over the immense cattle fields where you meet cows, sheep, goats and the occasional wild Pyrenean horse. These high regions have an alpine character, with narcissi, iris, gentian and alpine roses transforming the meadows into carpets of flowers.
When you reach the high plateau of the Costa Bona (7000 feet) you are rewarded with a magnificent view. To the west you can see the highest peak of Catalonia and to the east the Mediterranean glistens a deep blue.
Enjoy a picnic and siesta and maybe observe a vulture family rising into the sky on the thermals. Then later ride on secluded paths through this wonderful mountain paradise down to the small town of Camprodon. Today is a long days riding.
Day Seven
The horses’ hooves make quite a noise as you ride through a mountain village. You now follow the mountain stream of Ter and ride through a glowing beech forest before arriving at the endless rolling mountain meadows of the high Pyrenees. Up here you ride with breathtaking views over the snow capped mountains. After a delicious picnic you continue along forest tracks that bring you to the edge of the valley. Your final destination of this unforgettable trail is St. Joan de Abadeses, near another charming mountain village with its Roman bridge and a magnificent monastery.
Your horses tonight will enjoy a lovely rest in a big meadow, well deserved for sure.
Day Eight
After breakfast those who must leave will transfer to Barcelona or Girona. Some fortunate people will stay on to join the Bandolero Serrallonga trail (Bandit Trail) riding through canyons, table mountains and volcanoes and take the horses back to the horse base.
Outlaw Trail
The Outlaw Trail is a challenging trail following a circular route into France and back through the Pyrenees mountains. It is a 7 night trail ride with 6 days riding. The area you ride within used to be frequented by legendary bands of outlaws, the so called Trabucaires. The Trabuc is a firearm with a trumpet shaped muzzle and fired tiny pieces of iron at its target. The bandits who used the Trabuc were nicknamed the Trabucaires.
You should be an experienced rider fit enough for between 5 to 8 hours in the saddle each day. This trail is approximately 200km in distance.
Please note that it is necessary to lead your horse on foot on some sections of the trail. Sometimes the ground can be rocky and uneven and you will be required to hike both up and downhill whilst leading your horse.
The following is the proposed itinerary but please note that changes are possible due to weather and local conditions. On occasions the itinerary may run in reverse.
Day 1
You are collected in Barcelona (5.30pm) or Girona (6.30pm) and transferred to the horses’ base at Mas Alba (on some rides you stay at Bordils, or other accommodation of equal standard). Mas Alba is a typical Catalan natural stone house dating from the 16th century. Since that time, this wonderful farm has been run by the same family. From here you overlook green meadows, forests and the horse pastures. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting. What a beautiful place to begin your holiday.
Day 2
After meeting your horses in the morning you set off and the path you follow soon turns into thick forest. Your trail will move in loops through the hills and around the edges of fields, occasionally clattering through villages built of natural stone.
Later you cross the river taking you nearer the mountains of the Pyrenees.
Tonight you stay at a little schoolhouse where Marta and Victor’s family welcome you (or similar).
Day 3
The journey from your accommodation takes you through varying landscape that changes from rocky and steep to downhill and soft.
Picnic lunch beside a freshwater pool provides the opportunity for a cooling dip.
After lunch you ride onto the beginnings of the mountain landscape, ending your day’s ride with a steep descent into a medieval village. This evening you stay at a little hostel by the river and a ‘gourmet chef de cuisine’ will cook you some delicious Catalan cuisine for supper.
Day 4
This morning you ride towards the lake climbing past the durmast oak and cork oak trees. Once at the lake you should be able to enjoy some faster canters before your picnic lunch stop.
After lunch you will really start to feel like you are getting closer to France and following a rustic path you eventually cross the border. This pass was often used as an escape route by both the outlaws and the Catalan Republicans during the Spanish Civil War of the 19th century. The thick forest of beech and chestnut trees creates a feeling of mystery and intrigue along the way.
Tonight you stay at a simple but cosy guesthouse (Hostal de Trabucaires ) which in years gone by was the preferred meeting point for the outlaw.
Day 5
You look onto the Canigou mountain, which at 2,700 metres is the highest point in the north and the peak is considered to be sacred in Catalan folktales. Your ride will then pass through the Albera mountains and take you back into Spain.
Magically somewhere between the mountains and valleys, a stunning castle rises from the forests. Even today nobody knows who occupied this castle and so over lunch you may ponder this question, and dream of a time where knights lived and rode the same paths as yourself with their trusty steeds.
This afternoon takes you to the foot of the Albera mountains and into the lowlands of the Emporda. Eventually after a long days ride you are rewarded with a glimpse of the Mediterranean coast and the sea.
Day 6
Today’s ride takes you through the grasslands containing large estates and rich medieval stone villages. The Trabucaires often raided these markets stealing goods on their way to France back in the 19th century. As you venture further south you start to ride through the wetlands. Maybe now is the time for a canter alongside the rice paddy fields before reaching the coast.
Day 7
An early start rewards you with a beach gallop, miles of sandy beach ahead to enjoy in the morning sea air.
Eventually you leave the sea air behind and the back country awaits with its hills and fields. This ride takes you through beautiful villages built from cobbled and natural stone.
Eventually you reach your final destination of Mas Alba, having ridden a full circle into France and back.
Day 8
After breakfast transfer to Barcelona or Girona or stay for another riding trail.
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