Donkey family trail, 7 days
In the footsteps of shepherds.
Five days walking as a family, with a donkey, along ancient drove roads... as shepherds have done in Spain since the middle ages.
All this along the northern slopes of the Guadarrama Nature Reserve, an area renown for its wildlife and stunning scenery. We move your luggage between our hand picked hotels, so you can travel light.
"One of the great things about this trip was that we could go for a long walk with two young children, as they can get on the donkey when they get tired. This means you are not limited to paths where a buggy can go, or condemned to carrying them around. Our three-year-old was a little concerned when it was first suggested he get in the saddle on what for him was a giant. When he got up, it quickly became clear he wasn’t going to give up this comfortable mode of travel. He then started to complain about the adjustment of his stirrups and asking for a sword; knowing all mounted knights need to have a sword… "
Simon Lynch, Just Landed.
- Price : 580€ per adult, 363€ first child, 253€ second child. Donkey hire 200€.
- Grade : Leisure
- Recommended time of year : April - end of October
What´s included?
- 6 nights accommodation in family-friendly small rural hotels.
- 6 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 4 dinners.
- Luggage transfers between hotels.
- Detailed maps with your trail clearly marked .
- Itinerary description, full of recommendations for things to do and places to visit, advice and suggestions and information about your accommodation, etc
- Emergency support.
- Activity insurance.
- Donkey hire (5 days).
Options:
- Local transfers.
- Extra night/s in Segovia or Madrid.
Itinerary description
- Day 1 Arrival to the quiet rural town of Prádena in Segovia. This being Spain, you will have time for a swim in the local pool and a walk before dinner.
Accommodation: La Posada del Acebo, Prádena. (www.el-acebo.com) - Day 2 You meet your donkey and are shown how to handle and look after him and then set off along the "Cañada Real Segoviana", ancient drove road towards the village of Arcones (breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included).
8 km walk - Accommodation: Hostal La Cerca, Arcones. (www.tursegovia.com/lacerca/default.asp)
- Day 3 Continue along the Cañada, in the footsteps of shepherds moving their flocks of sheep in search of fresh pastures until you reach the mountain village of Gallegos (breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included).
12 km walk - Accommodation: Centro de Turismo Rural La Data, Gallegos. (www.ladata.es)
- Day 4 One more day of gentle walking with your donkey along the drove road, with spectacular views of the nearby villages and the plains of Castilla to the north. On arrival to your destination, enjoy a swim in the river near your hotel. (breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included).
6 km walk - Accommodation: Posada Mingaseda, Navafría. (www.posadamingaseda.com)
- Day 5 Excursion to the wonderful pine woodland of Navafría and it´s famous waterfall "el Chorro". Activities for the children at “De Pino a Pino” with an obstacle course in the trees. (breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included).
6 km walk
Accommodation: Posada Mingaseda, Navafría. (www.posadamingaseda.com) - Day 6 One last chance to walk with your gentle donkey. On arrival to your destination, enjoy the beautifully preserved medieval town of Pedraza (breakfast and picnic lunch included).
13km walk - Accommodation: Hosteria del Arco, Pedraza. (www.hosteriadelarco.com)
- Day 7 Return (breakfast included).
- Optional extra nights in Pedraza, Segovia or Madrid can be booked for you.
The Hotels:
El Acebo, Prádena:
Typical village house from 1752, restored and decorated in keeping with its original character. It is located in the very village square of this small village. Comprised of eight comfortable bedrooms, common living room and terrace. Run by a friendly local family who don´t speak English but are very willing to understand.
La Cerca, Arcones:
Traditional building in a typical village, on the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains. Renown in the area for its excellent traditional food. A favorite for the locals. Ten comfortable rooms, dining room, bar and terrace. Vibrant hosts do not speak English but manage just fine.
La Data, Gallegos:
Small rural hotel full of character. Eleven comfortable bedrooms imaginatively decorated. Common areas include dining room, living room, terrace and gardens. Excellent host who speaks English.
Posada Real Mingaseda, Navafría:
A mountain village house, renovated in rustic style. 14 magnificent bedrooms decorated with love. Restaurant, gardens, comfortable living rooms. A friendly Spanish family from the village run this hotel very well indeed..
Hostería del Arco, Pedraza:
Located in the beautifully preserved medieval town of Pedraza, this rural hotel combines comfort with old Castilian rustic style. Ten very comfortable rooms and dining room, beautiful inner courtyard and bar. English not spoken, but friendly staff very willing to understand.
How to get there:
Which airport should I fly to? Madrid international airport.
How do I get to the Starting Point? Catch an AVE (High Speed Train) from Madrid to Segovia (9€, takes 25mins). From here book our local taxi transfer to Prádena (45€, takes 45 minutes)
How do I get back to Madrid? Book our local transfer from Pedraza to Segovia (40€, takes 40mins) and catch an AVE (High Speed Train) back into Madrid (9€, takes 25mins).
