Walking the Picos de Europa

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Varied walks in the beautiful Picos de Europa

Spain’s third-highest mountain range, the Picos de Europa is a region of dramatic limestone peaks and lush valleys. Carpeted in beautiful wildflowers in spring, this area is also known as ‘Green Spain’. Its terrain, tranquillity and inaccessibility make the Picos a walker’s paradise. Chamois, Griffon vultures, Golden eagles and many other species are regularly seen, and, although more rarely spotted, bears, wolves and boars still survive in this incredible wilderness. We base ourselves at the friendly, family-run Hotel Torrecerredo, positioned in the heart of the region and offering breathtaking panoramas of the highest peaks from its welcoming bar and restaurant.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Diverse walks in and around Spain’s oldest national park
  • Incredible wildlife including Chamois, Golden eagles and Griffon vultures
  • Traditional mountain villages in the valleys of Green Spain
  • Family-run hotel with stunning panoramic views

Itinerary

Day 1
Start Arenas de Cabrales.
The trip starts in Arenas de Cabrales this afternoon. Those on the group flights will be met at Bilbao Airport and transferred to our hotel, which has views up to the highest peak in the national park.

Day 2

Visit the Arenas de Cabrales valley; pastures of Vanu and spectacular views- Moderate departure (level 3)

Classic Cares Gorge Walk, one of the most popular walks in Spain- Challenging departure (level 5)

Day 3

Ascent to Pandescura peak with superb views of the Western Massif- Moderate departure (level 3)

Up to the high pastures of Nava; on to the summit of Juan Robre; descend back to Arenas de Cabrales- Challenging departure (level 5)

Day 4

Classic Cares Gorge walk, one of the most popular walks in Spain- Moderate departure (level 3)

Summit Main range; descend to the area of the Pandebano Col then to Bulnes- Challenging departure (level 5)

Day 5

Free day. Optional activities include caving, self-guided canoeing, canyoning or a trip to the coast- Moderate (level 3) & Challenging (level 5) departures

Day 6

Summit of Peña Main, one of the classic viewpoints of the Picos; continue on to Pandebano Col- Moderate departure (level 3)

Lakes of Covadonga; Majada de Belbin & Peak Pandescura- Challenging departure (level 5)

Day 7

Walk up to the twin summits of Mancondiu offering fantastic views of the Central and Eastern Massifs- Moderate departure (level 3)

Twin summits of Mancondiu; on to San Carlos Peak- Challenging departure (level 5)

Day 8

End Arenas de Cabrales.

KEY INFORMATION

  • 7 nights at the Hotel Torrecerredo
  • 5 days centre-based walking; 1 free day
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Min age 16 yrs
  • Altitude maximum 2214m, average 1000m
  • Challenging departures available
  • Reasonable fitness required
  • Countries visited: Spain

WHATS INCLUDED

  • All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 6 dinners included
  • All accommodation
  • Transfer for group flights

Images courtesy of Exodus Travel 

EXT – TSQ

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