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Rising from the ocean, the Picos de Europa is one of the most striking mountain ranges on the Iberian Peninsula. Just 40km long and 20km wide, the jagged limestone peaks rise to 2600m and contrast sharply with the lush valleys dotted with small hamlets far below. Rich in wildlife such as chamois, hedgehogs and wild boar and an abundance of wildflowers, the national park is a delight. Perhaps the most striking feature of the Picos is the deep gorges and rivers which divide the range into three distinct massifs. The focus of this walk is between the central massif (Macizo Central), home to the highest peak Torre de Cerredo (2648m) and the eastern massif (Macizo Oriental). Highlights include walking in the wide glacier valleys overlooked by the limestone peaks, the authentic villages and the ascent to the base of Naranjo de Bulnes' west face, considered to be the signature peak of the region. At night stay in small family run hotels in Arenas and Sotres with opportunities to sample local specialties such as the famous blue cheese, Queso de Cabrales.
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14kg of CO2-e PP per day
(100kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Arenas de Cabrales
On arrival in Arenas de Cabrales, make your way to your hotel located in the centre of the village. We recommend you try the local cider on one of the terraces, visit the parish church with its Romanesque portal and paintings or head to the “Cueva del Queso” Museum, where you get a brief explanation of how the local blue cheese is made.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Loop walk along farming tracks to Poo de Cabrales (3.5-4hrs)
For a marvellous start to the week, enjoy a quiet walk along farming tracks between Arenas and Poo de Cabrales. If you want to extend your route until Humones Col, you can follow the EXT route and, if you feel up to it, walk a bit further for amazing views of the valley of Cabrales at your feet. Overnight in Arenas with dinner at leisure. Walking: 9.5-12km/5.9-7.5mi, 380-560m/1246-1837ft ascent and descent
Meals: B
Day 3
Transfer to Tielve and walk through beech forests to Sotres (4hrs)
After a short morning transfer, you will start a lovely mountain walk from Tielve, one of the most authentic villages in this part of the Picos. First you ascend to the summer meadows and cabins above Tielve, enjoying magnificent views over the Picos. You then climb steadily through a fairytale landscape of heather, old beech trees and streams to the pass at La Caballar (1240m), then down to Sotres (1050m), one of the highest villages in the Picos de Europa. Today's route also includes a walk to Valfríu, where the local famous blue cheese, Queso de Cabrales, is produced. Overnight in Sotres. Walking: 4hrs, 9km/5.6mi, 575m/1886ft ascent, 250m/820ft descent
Meals: B,D
Day 4
Walk the eastern massif of the Picos (5.5 or 8.5hrs)
Today there is a circular walk of the eastern Andara massif of the Picos, an area exploited by mining industries in the 19th century. After a short transfer to Hitu Escarandi, the walk begins through surprisingly varied terrain. Initially there is a steep ascent along a former mining track and along some rocky paths. You then walk around an impressive limestone peak in the heart of the massif, later following cattle trails through woods, fields of heather and pastures back to Sotres. You can enjoy exploring the strange moon-like landscape of karst, with views to the Cantabrian Sea on a clear day and spot a variety of alpine flora. There is a good chance of seeing chamois, vultures and different species of eagles. There are several options to shorten or extend the walk. Overnight in Sotres. Walking: 5.5hrs option: 12km/7.5mi, 550m/1804ft ascent, 840m/2755ft descent or 8.5hrs option: 18.5km/11.5mi, 1045m/3428ft ascent, 1335m/4379ft descent
Day 5
Choice of walks near Sotres (2.5 or 6.5hrs)
Today you can choose from three walks depending on the weather and your personal preference. There's a 20 minute transfer (included) before a 6.5 hour walk through the meadows and beech woods of the neighbouring village of Tresviso, where the rare Urugallo, or local Capercaille, lives. A technically easy but long option (also 6.5 hours) starts with a short transfer (included) then it's up and down to the summer meadows of Áliva to 1650m through an interesting glacial valley in the shadow of the impressive limestone walls of the central and oriental massifs. Half way you can take a rest at the Hotel Refugio de Áliva, which has extraordinary views from the terrace. Or there's a quiet 2.5hrs walk through woods and fields enjoying the quiet surrounds of Sotres village. Overnight in Sotres. Walking: 2.5 to 6.5hrs, 6 to 18.5km/3.7 to 11.2mi, 300 to 755m/984 to 2477ft ascent/descent
Day 6
Ascend to the foot of the west face of Naranjo de Bulnes (5.5hrs)
This spectacular route takes you up to the mountain hut at Vega de Urriellu (2000m), at the foot of the impressive Picu Urriellu, also known as the Naranjo de Bulnes. You start from the hotel and first walk quietly along tracks and footpaths through the meadows to the wide saddle Collado Pandebano at 1240m. From here the climbing gets serious. A stone footpath takes you up in 2.5-3 hours to a lunar landscape of outstanding beauty in the heart of the Picos de Europa, home of chamois, vultures and choughs. Overnight in mountain hut. Walking: 5.5-6hrs, 11.8km/7.3mi, 1085m/3559ft ascent, 180m/590ft descent **Note: there is no luggage transfer today so you will need to carry your overnight items including a sleeping sheet in your backpack. **Note: The ascent to Vega Urriellu is quite exposed but a safe stretch of path. If you suffer from vertigo or are afraid of heights, we recommend you book an extra night in Sotres and do one of the walks listed on day 5. **Note: in spring and autumn it may not be possible to ascend to the refuge due to snow. In this case, you will be booked to stay another night in Sotres with walking options as per day 5. At other times you can choose to stay in Sotres tonight and do a day walk to/from the refuge (subject to weather) - 7hrs, 19km/11.8mi. A supplement applies to stay in Sotres. It is also possible to stay one less night in Sotres (becomes a 7 day trip) - discount applies.
Day 7
Descend to Bulnes and walk through gorges, return to Arenas (5hrs)
Your last walking day will be spent on a long descent along various paths. A very beautiful but rather strenuous walk, especially for your knees, will lead you via Pandébano Col to Bulnes, an authentic mountain village with no road access. On arrival in Bulnes (650m) after approx. 4.5hrs of walking, you can either take the funicular (ticket not included), or continue on foot for another 1.5 to 2 hrs down and along the spectacular Texu gorge, to Poncebos. In the afternoon, return to Arenas de Cabrales by public bus. Buses usually run between 9.30am to 1.30pm and 5.30pm to 8.30pm (payable locally in cash, allow EUR2, or a transfer is included only when there are no bus services). Overnight Arenas. Walking: 5hrs: 12km/7.7mi, 335m/1099ft ascent, 950m/3117ft descent Another option that can be arranged locally for today is to book transfers and spend the day walking the Cares Gorge (Ruta del Cares), a long but mainly flat return walk. If you've stayed overnight in Sotres you leave town follow farming tracks up to Pandebano Pass (1245m), before descending along an ancient footpath through natural meadows and low vegetation to Bulnes, and continue as above (5-7hrs, 14.9mi or 24km).
Day 8
Trip concludes
The arrangements conclude after breakfast. Book an extra night in Arenas to undertake the Poncebos - Caín Walk if you chose not to do it yesterday. Catch the bus or we can organise a return private transfer to the start of the walk. Overnight in Arenas.
What's included
What's not included
Six nights will be in comfortable 2-3 star family-run hotels, often with a pool (subject to season/availavility).
One night will be spent in a mountain hut with shared dormitory accommodaton and facilities. For this day there is no luggage transfer so you will need to bring what you need for the night (including a sleeping sheet) with you in your pack.
The walks follow rural tracks, both surfaced and unsurfaced, footpaths and animal trails. Some surfaces might have loose rock or be muddy and slippery in wet weather.
GRADE 3 - This is a self guided walk with average daily stages of 4 to 5.5 hours, sometimes longer. The trip is graded moderate as it is mainly on well defined mountain trails, with a few off path sections only. At times you will walk through areas of low vegetation (heather and gorse, which might make leg protection necessary). You will also be doing some steep ascents or descents (paths may be muddy and slippery). The use of a trekking pole(s) is recommended. For those who suffer from vertigo there are some walks which may not be suitable, and we have provided alternative routes where necessary. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
Per Person, Twin Share
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