THE VALLEYS OF GREDOS RIDE . . . . .

23 miles of amazing riding climbing from 1066m to 1730m then down to 1530 m

Probably the most stunning ride of the week, Maria Elena led the long morning trek, through the most amazing scenery and delightful ancient villages, as we climbed higher and higher. Aperitif was at almost the highest point and we stood holding our horses breathing in the pure air and gazing in awe at the scenery and the distance we had travelled. As we moved on we passed herds of cattle ambling around the hillsides and eventually reached the top of the world where we gazed down at the plain below us (our destination lay somewhere down there). Lunch was another splendid picnic, after which Emilio led the afternoon ride through a landscape reminiscent of Dartmoor, until at last we could see our farm and stables in the distance.

The older ones amongst us were so exhausted that we could hardly sit on our horses, so were pleasantly surprised at our ability to enjoy the exhilarating final-fling gallop across the fields to home where the horses were hosed down and we all drank champagne to celebrate a perfect week. Our final evening was back at the stunning Parador where we spent our first night, we enjoyed our final delicious meal and sang our thanks to our hosts, Maria Elena and Emilio.

By the end of the week I was shattered! Partly from the riding, and partly from Charlotte's insistence on talking halfway into the night!  The van and car met us every step of the way each day, so we didn't have to carry swim suits and towels etc. in the saddle bags. If you wanted something out of your case or ruck-sack, it was simple. Bottles of water were provided every morning to put into your saddle bags and there were canned drinks and water available at every stop we made, as well as the wine at lunch time and sherry at noon.

There was a relaxed start to every day with breakfast taken and bags re-packed ready for a 10.00 a.m. start. We simply put our cases somewhere central (almost all the hotels had lifts) and they were moved for us (but I would travel lighter another time!).  After a couple of hours' beautiful riding we would suddenly spy Fernando's brightly coloured t-shirt and the van. Hurray, aperitif time!  We would dismount and be offered locally cured hams freshly carved by Emilio, cheese, biscuits and fresh, cool fruit and sherry, all served by the smiling Fernando. If we needed anything from our cases we could find them in the van, very reassuring. Another 2-3 hours' wonderful riding followed before we stumbled across our picturesque picnic site for the day.  Fernando would be there waiting, holding the head collars and helping the more aged of us dismount, with an encouraging smile. He would help tether the horses and then we would notice the table laden with salads, bread and all manner of delicious food, and as much water and wine as we could drink. The table was set up in the shade, often close to a river, there was a cloth on the table, and chairs to sit on.  The food was different every day, but always delicious and included Emilio's legendary paella, barbecued king prawns and fresh fish, and the equally wonderful gaspacho soup, and cool fresh fruit. Squares of delicious chocolate followed and finally coffee. What a feast!  And best of all, there was no rush. There was time to thoroughly enjoy the meal, to swim in the water, or simply relax and sunbathe. A real siesta could be taken. Thoroughly refreshed we re-mounted and completed the final ride of the day, always ending up somewhere even better than the day before, or so it seemed. The hotels varied from place to place, from rural rustic to village centre, but were always excellent, beautifully located and en suite. A delicious three course meal was taken in the evening and time to talk over the events of the day. 

It's difficult to imagine a more luxurious riding holiday, it was very slick and simply everything had been thought of, amazing attention to detail.  No wonder it was expensive, but we had the best of everything from 5* hotels, food, wine, transport, to the horses.  And it would be difficult to find better hosts than vivacious Maria Elena, quietly spoken Emilio and gentle Fernando. They were wonderful company and usually dined with us and nothing was too much trouble for them. They thought of simply everything to make our holiday perfect. The only thing I rather missed was tacking up the horses and caring for them. But their argument was that this was supposed to be a relaxing holiday for us, and that working would have made it even more exhausting - and I take their point!

It really was a holiday to remember! The weather was perfect throughout the week - due to the altitude the temperatures were ideal, between 20 - 30 degrees depending on the day, with wall to wall sunshine and a gently cooling breeze.  And we saw the real rural Spain. The isolated villages we passed each day were set in a time warp, with elderly women dressed in old fashioned black clothes and men walking, bent-double, with sticks. There were very few young people or cars to be seen, instead we noticed donkeys being used by the villagers for transport and work. We saw one man throw a thick paper feed-sack across his donkey's back as a 'saddle' then jump up on to it and ride off with another animal in tow! There were washing-lines fixed right against the stone house walls and we would ride inches away from drying underwear as we passed through the narrow cobbled streets. The villages all had drinking troughs, but very often the villagers would be arriving there too to fill up containers with water that came out of the tap that filled the troughs. The villagers always came out to look at us and we said 'hola', 'buenas dias' or 'buenas tardes' to them, which they seemed to appreciate.

There were goats, sheep, wild horses and cattle everywhere, just wandering around the tracks and mountains. Once a huge bull blocked the track along which we were hoping to pass!  But he moved for us.

We arrived back at Gatwick in pouring rain, dismal, gloomy and almost dark.
What a contrast . . .

Equitour Worldwide Riding Holidays is pleased to offer Sierra De Gredos Ride, Spain. Click here for full itinerary