Overview
Enjoy varied walks in beautiful Spanish mountains
Spain’s third highest mountain range, the Picos de Europa is a region of
dramatic limestone peaks and lush valleys. Carpeted in beautiful wild flowers
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 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 Fly to Bilbao; transfer to Arenas de Cabrales.
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Day 2
Visit the Arenas de Cabrales valley; pastures of Vanu and spectacular views-
Moderate departure (level 3)
The walk begins directly from our hotel. After leaving the village, a path
leads us up to the pastures of Vanu with the most famous peaks of Picos de
Europa visible on sunny days.
We continue onwards where the scenery changes and we are able to view across
the main valley of Cabrales. During Spring time, it is possible to see a
large variety of flowers. Looking skywards it is also possible to spot some
vultures soaring above.
For lunch we will approach the village of Inguanzo before completing the
final part of the walk. This section of the walk is more undulating and
provides us with fresh views and a comfortable last mile takes us back to
Arenas de Cabrales.
Most of this first days walk follows wide easy tracks for warming up with
some steep ascents. There is only a short section of downhill walking during
today’s walk.
Walking approx. 16km/ 10 miles; duration 7 hours; ascent +730m; descent
-730m. Highest point (Los Fresnos col): 720m.
Day 3
Ascent to Pandescura peak with superb views of the Western Massif- Moderate
departure (level 3)
A short transfer takes us to the village of Canales. The first part of the
day follows farm tracks before a short climb up to the ‘Collado de los
Buitres’. If you are lucky you may see Griffon vultures soaring above. We
then follow open terrain, slowly ascending to the base of the Pandescura
peak. A simple ascent to the top will lead us to an ideal lunch spot with
superb views of the Western massif peaks. We then descend through green hills
to the village of Bovia.
Walking approx. 14km/ 9 miles; duration 6 hours; ascent +550m; descent -580m.
Highest point (Pandescura peak): 1000m.
Day 4
Classic Cares Gorge walk, one of the most popular walks in Spain- Moderate
departure (level 3)
The classic Cares Gorge has been described as the jewel in the crown of
Spanish hiking. For 12 km, the engineered path has been blasted into the rock
face. Originally built in the 1940s as part of a hydroelectric scheme, it is
now one of the most popular walks in Spain. In places, the surrounding peaks
rise over two thousands metres above the path and if we’re lucky, we may
catch a glimpse of the rare and beautiful wall creeper bird. The path
eventually emerges in the village of Cain, where we have lunch before our
return along the same path to Puente Poncebos. Transport will be waiting here
to take us to back to our hotel in Arenas. The walk is relatively flat with a
gradual ascent of just 350m from Puente Poncebos to Cain.
Walking approx. 24km/ 15 miles; duration 7 hours; ascent +550m; descent
-550m. Highest point (Los Collaos): 510m
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
Today is free for you to visit the coast or try a spot of caving, self-guided
canoeing or canyoning. Our local staff will be able to help organise any of
these activities.
Day 6
Summit of Pea Main, one of the classic viewpoints of the Picos; continue on
to Pandebano Col- Moderate departure (level 3)
Starting close to the village of Tieve, we walk up into the Main range and
summit Pea Main, one of the classic viewpoint in the Picos. We walk to
Pandebano Col and then begin our descent.
Walking approx. 11km/ 7 miles; duration 7 hours; ascent +1050m; descent
-740m. Highest point (Cabeza La Mesa): 1612m
Day 7
Walk up to the twin summits of Mancondiu offering fantastic views of the
Central and Eastern Massifs- Moderate departure (level 3)
At 2000m, the twin summits of Mancondiu are the highest point we reach during
the week. Most of the walking apart from the last 200m is on disused mining
tracks. The top offers fantastic views of the Central and Eastern Massifs and
is a fantastic end to a diverse week of walking.
Walking approx. 11km/ 7 miles ; duration 5 hours; ascent +735m; descent
-735m. Highest point: Macondiu peak 2000m
Day 8 To Bilbao; fly to London.
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