Horse ride beside the Sella from Arriondas

What it involves

It is a guided horse ride around Arriondas, in eastern Asturias: meadows, woodland, hills and the banks of the Sella, with the mountains and, on clear days, the Picos de Europa in the background. There are two formats, one hour and two; on the two-hour ride there is a short stop at a cider house halfway. You don’t need to know how to ride: the horses are calm, used to inexperienced riders, and a guide stays with the group the whole time.

You go at a walk, in single file, with no galloping. It is an activity for seeing the landscape from a different height, not a riding lesson.

Who runs it

The rides leave from the Cangas Aventura estate, on the banks of the Sella in Arriondas, the same company that hires out canoes for the Sella descent and runs buggy tours. The estate has free parking, changing rooms and a picnic area.

Price and times

• 1-hour ride: €25 per person. Departures at 16:00, 17:00, 18:00 and 19:00.
• 2-hour ride, with a stop at a cider house: €40 per person. Departures at 10:00 and 12:00.

The company does not publish a seasonal calendar. In summer the slots fill up; outside it, confirm that there is a departure on the day you want.

Requirements and age

• Minimum height: 1.30 m. This is the condition the company sets, rather than age.
• Minors: those over 16 who are not yet 18 need an authorisation signed by a parent or guardian, which can be downloaded from the activity’s own page.
• Equipment: they provide a safety English saddle. A helmet is optional for adults and compulsory for children. If it rains, they lend you a waterproof cape.

There are no experience requirements. If you have any fear or back problem, tell the guide before mounting: they will assign you the calmest horse.

When to go

Spring and early autumn are the most pleasant times: the meadows are green and there are fewer people than in high summer. In July and August the afternoon ride avoids the hottest hours, although in Asturias it rarely gets oppressive. In the rain the activity usually goes ahead, but the ground gets muddy.

Getting there

Arriondas is next to the A-64 and the N-634, about 65 km from Oviedo and a quarter of an hour from Cangas de Onís. The company publishes a map of how to reach the estate on its website; open it before setting off, because the base is not in the centre of the village. Arrive ten minutes early to sign and adjust your helmet.

How to book

On the Cangas Aventura booking page, by phone or by WhatsApp. Say how many of you there are and the children’s height. If you are a large group, book several days ahead.

What to bring

Long trousers, which prevent chafing on the legs, and closed, comfortable shoes; sandals won’t do. A light jacket for the return and water. Leave what you don’t want to lose in the car: there is nowhere to keep anything on the horse.

With children

It works very well with children who are already over 1.30 m; measure them before booking. The one-hour ride is the most comfortable for them; two hours on horseback feels long for a child, although the stop at the cider house helps.

Where to sleep nearby

Towards Cangas de Onís you have the Camping Picos de Europa and the El Lleráu motorhome area.