Trails & Traditions of the Picos de Europa

Arrive into Bilbao and be met and transferred to our hotel in Arenas de Cabrales, Asturias. A small town, nestled into the mountains, it is the perfect place to start your adventure. Depending on your arrival time, freshen up, relax or explore independently before meeting your English speaking Spanish guide in the evening, and enjoying a briefing and traditional Spanish welcome dinner. If you need some ideas on structuring your first afternoon, don't hesitate to let us know.

Hike: 12km, +400m, -400mWe start our adventure with a classic warm up hike, heading out from just beyond Lake Enol; one of the stunning Covadonga Lakes, up to the top of La Reblagas and on to the beautiful Toyeyo Majada. We will pass through several of these scenic ‘Majada’ today; high mountain pastures. The route continues towards Las Bobias Majada and on to Vega de Ario, pausing at a lunch spot with spectacular views of the Cantabrian sea and peaks of Las Penas Santas.  After lunch, our circular route takes us up to the Belbin Majada, famous for Gamonedo cheese and back to Lake Enol. With some free time this afternoon we will visit Cangas de Onis, considered to be the first city of Spain after the Covadonaga battle against the Arabs in 722, and the Sanctuary of Covadonga with its beautiful Cathedral (Basilica de Santa Maria la Real de Covadonga).

Hike: 12km, +800m, -800mThe Naranjo de Bulness (Pico Urriellu 2519m) is the iconic peak of the Picos Mountains, instantly recognisable on the skyline. The mountain refuge at its base (2000m altitude) is our goal today. Driving a short distance to the tiny hamlet of Pandebano, we walk up to Collado Vallejo (1500m) where the huge monolith of the Naranjo de Bulnes comes into view. Reaching the refuge at its base in time to rest and enjoy lunch with an incredible view, we turn and retrace our steps to Pandebano for transport back to Arenas de Cabrales. 

Hike: 12km, +250m, -250mToday we enjoy a walk on easier terrain, with plenty of time to stop and absorb the incredible views of the National Park (and to take photos!). The Cares Gorge, with its narrow passes and gullies, is right in the heart of the Picos de Europa MountainsThe Cares River flows along the valley floor - the sound of water offering a very pleasing background to our walk. Every now and again the trail takes us through small tunnels, carved out of the rock, or across bridges, impossibly positioned, spanning the narrow and deep abyss of the gorge. Following our walk, we transfer to Boca de Huergano, where we stay tonight, first stopping off in the town of Riano, encircled by limestone mountains. A gentle boat trip offers us a new perspective on the serene, majestic views.

Hike: 8km, +700m, -400mTonight we stay high in the mountains (2064m) to sleep in a stunningly situated mountain refuge with modern facilities; restaurant, bar, and hot shower. To give us a good start on our ascent, we transfer to Pandetrave mountain pass and onwards, on the track to Horcados de Valcabao for the start of our fabulously scenic walk. Following trails along the Canal de Pedabejo, beneath a large smooth rock wall, we climb up for spectacular views of the Massif of Llambrion, near the Vega de Liordes (which we explore tomorrow) and along the cliffs of Colladinas (5 small hills hanging towards an abyss) till we reach the Collado Jermoso Refuge. The sunset from here will be fantastic with far reaching views over the Valdéon valley & the Western Massif.

Hike: 11km, +200m, -970mRetracing our steps to explore Vega de Liordes, we take a high trail towards the glacial cirque of Fuente Dé. Our progress from the valley to the high mountains is marked by the oak and beech forests giving way to alpine grasslands at the foot of the rocks of ‘Peñas de Cifuentes’. Our route this morning runs through one of the most ecologically valued areas of the National park, home to the Cantabrian brown bear, wolf, deer, wild boar & chamois. This afternoon, we explore the small medieval mountain town of Potes, famous for its bridges & towers, and idyllically situated.  

Hike: 12km, +800m, -800mLeaving the charming ambiance of Potes behind us, we transfer 30mins to Fuente Dé cable car to ride to the summit (ticket included) - a truly fabulous way to gain some altitude. Starting at 1800m, today is all about experiencing the very essence of the highest mountains of the Picos de Europa, with jagged summits, clear air & alpine plants and wildlife. The summit of the Horcados Rojos is a magnificent balcony inside the Central Massif with breathtaking views. This is an out and back route - we return to Fuente Dé before transferring to Llanes, a charming Asturian coastal town, in time to enjoy a cider factory visit (we get to sample the wares with our evening meal) and a traditional Asturias dinner.

In response to our clients asking how they can offer something back to the local area they have so enjoyed on their holiday with Yellowwood, where possible we link up to an appropriate organisation that we feel is doing its best to support either the ecology and environment or local communities within an area.FAPAS (Fund for the Protection of Wild Animals) is a small non-profit association that run a number of practical and innovative projects in the Picos de Europa. They study and work with local communities to protect some of the most emblematic Cantabrian species: the Iberian wolf, the griffon vulture, and the brown bear.With their HQ based outside of Oviedo, before we leave the beauty of N.Spain, FAPAS offer us the opportunity to hear in more detail about the conservation challenges in the Picos de Europa and to contribute for a few hours, to one of their worthy projects. It is a wonderful way to end our time in the area putting into perspective our travel experience.

After breakfast, you take your airport or port transfer to Bilbao to travel home. Time to plan your next escape!