QPA WEST COAST RIDE
Day 1. 4 hours riding
First we will suit horses to riders, check everyone is prepared and hope to set off by 10.30. Straight off you are in the hills behind the village of Bensafrim before dropping back down to cross the main road at the edge of the village.
This is the only main road to cross until the last day on the way home again.
Now you will truly set off westwards into the hills. Lunch will be at ‘chicken crossing’ before starting the decent and through the 16 river crossings to the Herdade de Beicudo, the home of Henrique and Deborah Ferro.
You will be staying here for two nights on their lovely Quinta so your luggage will be there before you. The horses all have accommodation here as well. Our trailer will be there to store tack, horse food etc. They also have a handy little bar!
The village of Carrapateira is 3kms on down the track and you will be heading there for dinner at the well known Restaurant Sitio do Rio. Time allowing we will take a pre dinner drive around the stunning coast line before dinner and the return to Herdade de Beicudo for an early night.
Day 2. 5 hours riding
This will be a long day in the saddle. Deborah will provide an excellent breakfast before saddling up and setting off. Back through a few river crossing then heading off south. You will ride through the quaint village of Pedralva, up under the giant wind turbines and then south along the coastline to the village of Vila do Bispo. Here you will tie the horses up in the village square and eat in a local café. Those still hungry can drop into the home made ice cream shop across the square.
The return trip will be along a similar route. Horses will be happy to return for their dinner and you will be well fed and entertained by Henrique and Deborah who provide wonderful home grown food – watch out for their home made ‘medronho’!
Day 3. 4 hours riding
Today you can start a bit later as it is a shorter day – but it is the day when you get to gallop along the beach! Leaving Beicudo you will head down to the amazing beach at Carrapateira. Once you have had enough of the beach you will head northwards. Your destination today is the home of our friend Gudrun who runs a small riding school near to Aljezur. We will provide a picnic lunch in the woods along the way. This countryside is quite different again, pine trees and sandy tracks and less hills.
Once we have settled the horses in her paddocks and stables you will be driven down to the ancient town of Aljezur where you are staying at the Hostel Amazigh. It is right in the centre of the old town, so any shopping can be done easily before dinner at the Restaurant Ponte a Pé which has great local dishes. There are plenty of bars for an after dinner drink……
Day 4. 4 hours riding
Breakfast is do it yourselves in the Hostel before we collect you to head back to collect the horses. Today you start heading back home through yet more diverse countryside, more windmills and more hills. You will cross the road and arrive in the tiny village of Pincho to have a final lunch at our favourite restaurant,, Solar do Pincho where cook Sandra cooks great traditional dishes. It is only one’s ride back to QPA from here the horses know the way – so feel free to enjoy the food and drink!
We hope you will enjoy the horses,countryside and the local hospitality
The cost of this ride is €500 which includes one nights pre ride accommodation, all accommodation on the ride, breakfast and lunches. It does not include evenings or airport transfers.
Early arrival can be arranged for some pre ride orientation. Contact us to discuss
For more information please contact
us.
