Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago, or ‘Way of St. James’ is one of the most infamous pilgrimage routes in history, and this holiday offers the chance to cover the most popular route from the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela on horseback. Split into 4 one-week programmes covering the whole route, you can choose to do one stage at a time or combine several weeks as your schedule allows to complete the pilgrimage. With plenty of time in the saddle, each stage follows the traditional route through beautiful countryside, ancient villages and historical sites, beginning and ending at strategically important locations and staying in comfortable hotels and guesthouses along the route.

The first stage travels from Roncesvalles in the Pyrenees, across mountainous terrain and into the fertile plains of Rioja, finishing at Santo Domingo de la Calzada. As well as the stunning scenery, you will also see many examples of masonry and architecture from medieval to Roman times and beyond. Highlights include the gothic “Puente de la Rabia” bridge, Irache monastery on the hillside and Santo Domingo de la Calzada, named for a monk who set up hotels, hospitals and even a bridge to ease the journey of pilgrims passing through.

The second stage leaves the mountains behind as you travel into the plains of Castilla. The landscape opens out, dotted with medieval villages such as Belorado with its lovely 16th and 17th century churches. You will pass ancient battle markers and the picturesque ruins of Convento de San Anton as you ride through fields of wheat, barley and sunflowers to Leon and on to Burgo Ranero.

The third stage joins the famous regions of Castilla and Galicia together, riding from Burgo Ranero to O Cebreiro along open country tracks that are great for long canters and up challenging mountain paths around Irago. The route takes you into Hospital de Orbigo via the restored stone bridge, through Astorga with its Palacio Episcopal, museum of Caminos and Santa Maria Cathedral, and to the beautiful stone village of Castrillo de los Polvazares. The ride finishes riding through mountains and hills with superb views of Galicia to O Cebreiro, 1300m above sea level.

The fourth and final stage passes some of the most significant locations of the Camino de Santiago as all routes start to converge in the approach to the cathedral. You will pass a Benedictine monastery, a pilgrim’s cemetery at Ligonde, and Monte do Gozo where pilgrims cry with happiness for finally seeing towers of Santiago Cathedral. Riding through forests, along country roads and small tracks which display the heart of Galicia you reach Santiago de Compostella, entering Obradoiro square on horseback, and complete the pilgrimage.

The horses are all Pure Spanish (PRE), forward-going and very responsive and ridden in Spanish style saddles. The food is typical of the region, lovingly prepared and freshly cooked. Your host on this route has bred these beautiful horses for many years and is knowledgeable and passionate about the history and culture of this area.

This Spanish horse riding holiday will appeal to riders who are interested in a combination of scenery and culture with comfortable hotels, good company and beautiful horses.