Old Transhumance

We will welcome you at the hotel in Graus at 8:00 p.m. A short briefing will help us get to know each other and explain how the ride will unfold.Note: The starting area of the ride is very sparsely populated with few lodging options, which is why we begin in Graus (capital of Ribagorza). The next day, riders will be transferred to start the ride near Finestres (45 minutes away).

We begin the ride heading toward the abandoned village of Finestres. There, we will visit a hermitage located in a geological formation known as the Chinese Wall of Finestres, offering great views of the Canelles reservoir. We’ll continue through another abandoned village, Fet, and from there head to Montfalcó Refuge for lunch. After lunch, we’ll visit the Romanesque hermitage of Santa Quiteria, located atop a hill with impressive views. Then, we’ll explore the Montrebei Gorge either by boat or on foot, depending on the water level.

We will ride along a stretch of paved road before entering the limestone mountains of the Montsec range. As it is not possible to ride through the Montrebei Gorge, we will ascend to the base of Montgai to change slopes and descend to the impressive tower of Chiriveta. We will then continue to the Romanesque hermitage of Nuestra Señora del Congost, dating from 1070, located in a spectacular setting: a narrow ledge between limestone cliffs, overlooking the northern entrance of the gorge. We will ride to Chiriveta village to visit the ruins of the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Piedad. Afterwards, we’ll cross the Noguera Pallaresa River, where the ride ends for the day, and have lunch in Puente de Montañana. After lunch, we will enjoy a guided visit to the stunning Romanesque ensemble of Medieval Montañana. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Aren to rest.

We begin the ride in Montañana and ascend a bridle path near old olive, almond, and vineyard fields. From there, we ride to Cajigar, where we’ll enjoy an outdoor lunch at tables next to the Hermitage of the Rosary. After lunch, we’ll admire the impressive views of the Range of Sis. The horses will spend the night in a nearby pass, while the riders will transfer by vehicle to the historic guesthouse of Roda de Isábena. This village is listed among “The Most Beautiful Villages in Spain” and features the smallest cathedral in the country, declared a “Historic-Artistic Ensemble” and “Site of Cultural Interest.” Breakfasts and dinners for the following days will be held in the cathedral’s refectorium.

After retrieving the horses, which stayed in a nearby enclosure, we will ascend through the breathtaking Range of Sis. We take the only passage between rocky outcrops in a steep climb that the horses handle on their own. For safety, riders must walk this 630-meter-long stretch with a 114-meter elevation gain, some steep sections, and loose stones. We’ll then mount again to continue zigzagging up to the highest points. The effort is rewarded with a stunning view of the snowy Pyrenees. We will ride along the high ridges and descend via a traditional bridle path to the village of Denuy, where we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in an oak grove. Afterwards, we’ll drive to visit the Monastery of Obarra for a guided tour.

We resume the ride in Denuy and follow the course of the Isábena River on horseback. In some sections where the river narrows, we ascend via the villages of Pardinella or Biascas de Obarra. We’ll explore the northern face of the Range of Sis and observe traces of Romanesque art. We then descend to Serraduy, where we’ll refresh ourselves at a fountain near an old bread oven. From there, we follow the river to the village of La Puebla de Roda for lunch. Afterwards, we continue toward Roda de Isábena, crossing its fantastic Romanesque bridge.

We end our equestrian journey riding along an old transhumance ride. Midway, we’ll pass a prehistoric monument: the menhir of Merli. We’ll cross the El Chordal range on horseback, enjoying a breathtaking view of the Turbón Massif, known as the magical mountain of Huesca. According to legend, Noah’s Ark came to rest here after the flood, and it was also the meeting place for witches of Upper Aragon to perform dances and summon the devil. We’ll finish the ride at the village of Padarniu, on the southern slope of Turbón, and visit Casa Fumenal —a house dating back to the 16th century— where we’ll have lunch.

Departure after breakfast.