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The Herders trail - From Empordá to Llanars

This horseback adventure in northern Spain connects you with centuries of pastoral tradition as you accompany herders and their cattle from the plains of Empordà to the Pyrenean valleys of Llanars.
Over the course of the week, you’ll ride through changing landscapes - wheat fields and olive groves and into the wild terrain of the Bassegoda Massif. Some days you’ll ride ahead along forest tracks or river valleys, others you’ll rejoin the herders and their cattle, sharing in the rhythm of this timeless passage.
This trail offers a rare insight into the living culture of Catalonia’s transhumance routes, ideal for those seeking authenticity and a deep connection with nature.
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Trail Riding
8 days (6 days riding)
From £2,041
  • The Herders trail - From Empordá to Llanars
  • The Herders trail - From Empordá to Llanars
  • The Herders trail - From Empordá to Llanars
  • The Herders trail - From Empordá to Llanars
  • The Herders trail - From Empordá to Llanars
  • The Herders trail - From Empordá to Llanars
  • The Herders trail - From Empordá to Llanars
  • The Herders trail - From Empordá to Llanars
  • The Herders trail - From Empordá to Llanars
  • The Herders trail - From Empordá to Llanars
  • The Herders trail - From Empordá to Llanars
  • The Herders trail - From Empordá to Llanars
  • The Herders trail - From Empordá to Llanars

Itinerary

Highlights

- Ride alongside Catalan herders and their cattle for part of their journey to Llanars – gaining a unique insight into Spain’s transhumance culture.

- Learn about Catalonia’s living pastoral traditions and natural heritage.

- Enjoy home-cooked meals and the warm hospitality of this region.

- Experience a different kind of trail - ideal for riders seeking adventure and authenticity.

- Spend two nights camping under the stars in the Spanish countryside.
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  • Day 1 1: Arrival day

    Masia Can Grau
    Fly to Barcelona or Girona airport. Flights are not included but can be arranged upon request. Please make sure to book a flight landing before 5pm (if flying to Barcelona), or before 6:30pm (if flying to Girona).

    Upon arrival, will be transferred from the airport to the masia (country house) - please note that you may need to wait for other participants to arrive.

    In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked dinner with your hosts and other riders.

  • Day 2 2: Foothills of Empordá - 5-6h riding

    Masia La Palma
    Today you'll follow a ridge with sweeping views over Mediterranean forests. The trail descends towards the Fluvià River, and you’ll leave the rolling hills behind as you reach the open plains. Here you will enjoy canters through olive groves and wheat fields, riding past stone farmhouses and country chapels.

    You’ll eventually arrive at your overnight location – Masia La Palma, or Masia Can Grau (availability dependent).

  • Day 3 3: Forests & Plains - 5-6h riding

    Bassegoda Park
    After breakfast, you will start preparing the horses. Earlier this morning, at dawn, the cattle set off with the herder from the farm.

    Today’s route leads you towards Sant Llorenç de la Muga, where you’ll reunite with the cattle and their herder. Along the way, you’ll pass small shepherds’ shelters and remnants of rural architecture. As you approach the shrine of Sant Quirze d’Olmells, the scenery begins to change, giving way to dense Mediterranean forest that stretches across the plains of Palau Surroca and towards the castle of La Roca. You’ll take a short break by the shrine of Sant Sebastià near Terrades, before continuing towards the lunch location.

    After a siesta, you’ll rejoin the cattle and continue down towards Albanyà. Upon arrival, the horses will be settled in a nearby field, while you head to the Bassegoda campsite.

    Dinner and overnight in wooden bungalows.

  • Day 4 4: Massif of Bassegoda - 5-6h riding

    After breakfast, you’ll head out to the fields where the horses await. During the morning you will ride in the mountain, enjoying the fresh air.
    You will eventually rejoin with the cattle that set off earlier in the morning. At this point, you may need to help the team collect the cattle that dispersed along the way.
    Leaving behind the roads and any sign of civilisation, you’ll enter the Bassegoda Massif, a striking natural fortress that dominates the valley. The trail follows the course of the Píncaro stream, winding its way towards the Coll de Bassegoda and the Coll del Principi. Here, in a vast plateau of red pine forests, you’ll meet the herd once more and head together towards La Comella farmhouse for a well-deserved picnic.

    The final stretch of the day leads you to Morató, where you’ll set up camp. The tents and crackling campfire create a cosy base for the evening, while the horses graze freely nearby.

  • Day 5 5: Mountain paths - 5-6h riding

    After breakfast, you’ll gather the horses and prepare for another memorable day in the saddle. Today’s route begins by rounding up the cattle at La Comella House, where they rested overnight. From there, you’ll set off on a gentle descent, following the river’s course through the valley. You’ll continue towards Sant Julià de Ribelles and cross the plains of Morató where you will stop for a picnic lunch.

    After lunch, you will have time to enjoy the riverbank. If the weather allows, you can even go for a swim before returning to camp.

  • Day 6 6: Returning to Civilisation - 5-6h riding

    Can Soler
    After helping to round up the cattle, this morning’s trail follows a narrow path winding through dense forests. To your left, you will see the Pic de les Bruixes (the “Witches Peak”), one of the peaks of the Pyrenees.

    An escarpment will nudge you towards the Coll de les Falgueres before you cross the border into France. You will descend to the river headed to a Manère village, then climb once more, back across the border into Spain. You will pass a cathedral, and then begin a gentle descent to the Can França road where you will stop for a picnic lunch.
    In the afternoon, both horses and herd press on to Rocabruna, a village located in Garrotxa.

    Dinner and overnight in a rural hotel - Can Soler or Casa Etxalde, depending on availability.

  • Day 7 7: Countryside & Village trails - 5-6h riding

    HOTEL CAMPRODON
    After preparing your horse, you’ll gather the cattle and guide the herd along the Rocabruna road, continuing towards the village of Font-Rubí. From there, you’ll start your last descent through the Coll Pregon pass, following the ancient trails down to the village of Camprodon. Here, the cattle trail winds right through the heart of the village, where locals and visitors alike gather to watch your arrival.

    The journey continues through Setcases, towards the final stop in the village of Llanars, where the cattle and horses will stay.
    Back in Camprodon, a well-deserved lunch awaits, followed by a restful afternoon in the hotel.

  • Day 8 8: Departure day

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to Barcelona or Girona airport. Please make sure to book a flight departing after 1:30pm (if flying from Girona), or after 2:30pm (if flying to Barcelona).

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights or transportation to your destination (international/domestic) are not included but can be booked upon request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin/double room or tent.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 2 riders and a maximum of 16 international riders, plus guides.

- There is no single supplement if you are willing to share a room with another guest of the same sex. To guarantee your own room there is a single supplement of €200/£175/$230. Please note that single rooms may be arranged in separate locations but the team will provide transfers, if needed.

- Transfers from/to Barcelona or Girona airport are not included. The rates below are per person (return rate), and are payable locally in cash.

-- Barcelona airport – €140/£120/$160
You should plan to arrive before 5pm and depart after 2:30pm on the last day.

-- Girona airport – €70/£60/$80
You should plan to arrive before 6:30pm and depart after 1:30pm on the last day.

- It is possible to book massages during your stay at the masia. A massage costs around €70 (payable locally in cash).

- Younger riders aged 14+ are welcome to join but they must be accompanied by an adult and meet the riding requirements.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

2 English-speaking horse guide

Logistics

1 cook
1 support vehicle
1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider
4-5 staff members to assist with logistics

Accommodation

Twin/double room and shared tent

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8
Water and wine

Price doesn't include

Meals

Personal extras

Transport

Return airport transfers
International flights

Extras

Tips to the local team
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation
Visas and personal purchase

Optional

Accommodation

Single room/tent supplement
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    30/05/2026 06/06/2026 £2,041 €2,327 $2,633
    Guaranteed departure
    		Book now

Equestrian info

Horses

The herd is made up of around 50 horses and foals, living year-round in large pastures. About 25 of them take part in the trail rides.
Most of the horses are Arabian or Arabian crosses (with Spanish or Thoroughbred horses), which means they are forward going and responsive.

Their heights range between 14.3hh and 15.3hh.

Guide & local team

Most departures are led by Lucie. She’s a qualified equestrian guide who loves active and lively rides!
Having worked with our local partner for many years, Lucie knows the terrain exceptionally well. She is friendly, professional, and always attentive, ensuring that everyone enjoys their riding experience to the fullest.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

This holiday is suitable for strong intermediate riders and above. You need to be an independent rider and comfortable at all three paces in outdoor settings.

Rider weight limit: 90kg / 198lb / 14st.

Pace

The pace is mostly at walk with trots and canters where the terrain allows it. When riding with the cattle, riding is usually at a walk to keep the animals calm.

Tacking ability and participation

All riders are expected to tack and untack their own horses, however help is always on hand if necessary.

The local team will set up the camp for the group, but those who wish to help with setting up tents / camp tasks are welcome -- assistance is always appreciated.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

A good fitness level is required for this trip.

On this holiday you will accompany the cattle and its herders as they move towards the village of Llanars. The rider’s route isn’t always the same as the one that the cattle follows. This is to ensure everyone’s safety and provide a more scenic experience to the riders. There are some sections where you will need to dismount and lead your horse downhill.

You may need to assist the herders rounding up dispersed cattle throughout the holiday, so you must be an independent rider.

This trip includes a few days camping in very remote areas, without reception.

Equestrian equipment

English saddles with saddle bags.
It is possible to request Western tack - please make sure to inform your travel advisor in advance.

Hard hats are mandatory. We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

The accommodation on this trail is simple. You spend five nights in bungalows and small rural hotels, each offering a proper bed and hot shower.

The two camping nights are more basic, with no bathroom or shower facilities. Please note you must bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat.

Meals

Breakfast usually includes fresh bread, pastries, cheese, cold cuts, jam, and fruit.
Lunch is a picnic featuring a variety of dishes such as pizzas, quiches, tabbouleh, cold salads, tortilla, cured meats, and fruit. On certain days, the picnic will be carried in the saddlebags.
Dinners consist of a starter, a main course, and a dessert.
Anne takes great care in selecting local, seasonal produce and personally prepares your picnics.

Dietary requests can usually be accommodated if mentioned in advance - please inform your travel advisor upon booking.

Climate

This part of Catalonia enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild, sunny weather during spring and autumn (15-25°C) and warm, dry summers (25-35°C). The rainiest months are usually March, September and October, but the showers are usually short.

Tips

Tips are welcome but not expected. You should tip what you feel is appropriate and you are comfortable with.

Packing list

Please pack carefully and sensibly: the following guide is here to give you an idea of what to bring. This list must be adapted depending on the season and individual needs.

You can bring a regular suitcase; however, you will also need to bring a small soft bag (60x40x30cm), which you will pack for the camping nights. This bag, along with your sleeping bag and mat will be carried in a support vehicle during the camping section of the trail.

Head
- Riding helmet
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses
- Buff or bandana

Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and are an extra layer
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm fleece or jumper
- Warm and waterproof jacket
- Swimwear

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs
- Casual trousers for the evenings, such as jeans or tracksuit bottoms

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps.
- Trainers or equivalent light shoes for the evenings
- Socks
- Gloves

Nightwear
- Sleeping bag
- Pyjamas, tracksuits
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat

Other useful items
- Water bottle (the team can provide you one)
- Swiss army knife (or equivalent)
- Wet Wipes or equivalent (for when washing facilities aren't available)
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)
- Microfibre towel

Medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- A soothing cream to alleviate any areas irritated by long days spent in the saddle
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

Our Recommendations
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day ( camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.