Horse riding tours along the Merón river in Villaviciosa (Asturias)

Stands out for

  • • Departure from Argüero, about 25 minutes by car from Gijón
  • • Circular route through the trails of the Merón river, among riparian forest and old mills
  • • Basic instruction before departure and monitor accompanying the group throughout the journey
  • • A ride along inland trails, not across the beach sand
  • • Horse assigned to each rider according to their level and weight

Description

Circular rides departing from Argüero, a rural village in the municipality of Villaviciosa, following the trails that accompany the Merón river between meadows, riparian forest and old mills. The route alternates flat stretches by the water with gentle climbs and descents, all at a walk: here what we are looking for is the landscape and calm, not speed.

The short route lasts one hour and covers the river stretch and the surroundings of the mills. The two-hour route extends the journey towards the forests of the upper area, with more elevation change and greater landscape variety. Both start from the same point and are done in groups with a guide leading.

It is worth knowing this before booking: the route goes along inland trails, not along the sand. Horse riding on the beach is restricted in much of the Asturian coast, especially in high season.

No previous riding experience is necessary. Before departure, basic handling instruction is provided and each person is assigned a horse according to their level and weight. The monitor accompanies the group throughout the entire ride, and helmets are mandatory and included. The minimum age is 8 years: this is an insurance requirement, so it is not possible to ride below that age even with an adult accompanying.

Argüero is about 25 minutes by car from Gijón via the A-8 and about 10 minutes from Villaviciosa, so the route fits into a half-morning or half-afternoon from either location. You need to arrive 10 minutes before the departure time.

Key Info

Difficulty

Easy

Setting

Outdoors

Best season

All year round

Recommended Age Range

Ages 8+

Kid-friendly Booking required

Practical Guide

Everything you need to know about Horse riding tours along the Merón river in Villaviciosa (Asturias)

Location
Expert Recommendations

Comfortable clothing and long trousers: on the two-hour route a thin pair of jeans can end up chafing. Closed-toe footwear, preferably with a slight heel so the foot does not slip through the stirrup. In Asturias the weather changes quickly, so it is worth bringing a light rain jacket even if the sun comes out. It is advisable to confirm time and availability in advance, especially on weekends and in summer. If you are going with children, check beforehand that they are at least 8 years old: there is no exception possible because it is an insurance condition, not a centre requirement.

Physical Requirements

moderate physical activity, suitable for beginners

About the Area

Argüero is a rural village in the municipality of Villaviciosa, in the heart of the Sidra region, halfway between the town and the coast. It is an area of meadows, farmhouses and riparian forest, with the Merón river running through it and several water mills scattered along its trails. Gijón is about 25 minutes away via the A-8, making this area the closest countryside getaway for those staying in the city. Nearby are the Villaviciosa estuary, a protected waterway and migration point for birds, the beaches of Rodiles and Merón, the cider houses where sidra is served, and the first slopes of the Sierra del Sueve.

Offers

Best available offers for Horse riding tours along the Merón river in Villaviciosa (Asturias)

2-hour horse riding tour along the Merón river and Argüero forests

Two hours on horseback from Argüero: the Merón river stretch and mills, then climb to the forests of the upper area. At a walk with a guide.

Duration 2 h
Min. 1
Age 8+
View more
Duration: 2 hours
Description

Two hours on horseback from Argüero. The route starts on the trails that accompany the Merón river, between meadows and riparian forest, and then extends towards the forests of the upper area, with gentle climbs and descents and more landscape variety than the short route. You go at a walk throughout the entire journey. No experience is necessary: before departure, basic handling instruction is provided and each person is assigned a horse according to their level and weight. The monitor accompanies the group at all times. The minimum age is 8 years due to insurance requirements. You need to arrive 10 minutes before departure.

Included Services
  • Approved helmet
  • Guide throughout the route
  • Horse assigned according to level and weight
  • Basic instruction before departure
Not included
  • Transport to the starting point
  • Food and drink
  • Riding clothes and footwear
Group size: min. 1
Age: 8+
Languages:
🇪🇸 Español
Cancellation

Availability is confirmed when you book. For changes or cancellations, give as much notice as possible; the specific conditions are indicated in the booking confirmation.

Meeting point: Argüero (33314 Villaviciosa, Asturias). The exact location is sent when you confirm your reservation. You need to arrive 10 minutes before the departure time.
From €35
1-hour horse riding tour along the Merón river trails

One-hour circular route from Argüero along the Merón river trails and mill surroundings. At a walk with a guide, suitable for beginners.

Duration 1 h
Min. 1
Age 8+
View more
Duration: 1 hour
Description

One hour on horseback along the trails that follow the Merón river from Argüero, between meadows and riparian forest, passing by the water mills of the area. It is the shorter of the two routes and the one that works best as a first introduction: you go at a walk, the terrain is gentle and the monitor accompanies the group from start to finish. Before riding, basic handling instruction is provided and each person is assigned a horse according to their level and weight. The minimum age is 8 years due to insurance requirements. You need to arrive 10 minutes before departure.

Included Services
  • Approved helmet
  • Guide throughout the route
  • Horse assigned according to level and weight
  • Basic instruction before departure
Not included
  • Transport to the starting point
  • Food and drink
  • Riding clothes and footwear
Group size: min. 1
Age: 8+
Languages:
🇪🇸 Español
Cancellation

Availability is confirmed when you book. For changes or cancellations, give as much notice as possible; the specific conditions are indicated in the booking confirmation.

Meeting point: Argüero (33314 Villaviciosa, Asturias). The exact location is sent when you confirm your reservation. You need to arrive 10 minutes before the departure time.

Nearby Accommodations

Find where to stay near Horse riding tours along the Merón river in Villaviciosa (Asturias)

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers about Horse riding tours along the Merón river in Villaviciosa (Asturias)

No. Before departure, basic handling instruction is provided and the monitor accompanies the group throughout the ride. You go at a walk, so the route works equally well for those who have never ridden before.
No. The route goes through inland trails and forests, following the Merón river. Horse riding on sand is restricted in much of the Asturian coast, especially in high season.
From age 8, and it's fine if you turn 8 within the year. This is an insurance requirement and not just a recommendation: below that age it is not possible to ride even if the child is accompanied by an adult.
Argüero is about 25 minutes by car from Gijón via the A-8, and about 10 minutes from Villaviciosa. It is the closest horse riding route in a rural setting to the city.
Ten minutes before the departure time. This time is used to adjust the helmet, assign the horses and provide prior instruction, so the group departs on schedule.