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The Picos are a lovely range, split in to 3 sections, and set in northern Spain mostly in Asturias and not far from Santander. The walking is spectacular with stunning views from higher up over the plains to the south and the sea just to the north. Some of the local villages have been developed a bit but many retain their rustic mountain character. Typically we would stay in pleasant local hotels and bed and breakfasts, though camping is possible.
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A typical easy to moderate walking itinerary in the Picos de Europa is:
- Day 1: Meet in the evening in Arenas de Cabrales, northern gateway to the central Picos de Europa.
- Day 2: Walk from Arenas rising along an old Roman path across to arrive in hill hamlet of Camarmeña with a picnic lunch enroute.
- Day 3: We walk from Camarmeña up to the old picturesque village of Bulnes. From there we ascend to the lovely mountain pastures (full of wild flowers in spring) for a picnic lunch on the Col de Pandebano to arrive for the evening at Sotres, the highest village in the Picos de Europa.
- Day 4: From Sotres we walk along mountain tracks and again have a picnic lunch. We continue walking to Espinama where we take private transport to the pleasant village of Cain on the Cares valley.
- Day 5: We walk the famous and spectacular Ruta de Cares to lunch at Poncebos, from where we arrive by private transport back to Arenas de Cabrales. There is an option of a short afternoon walk.
- Day 6 (Optional): Travel by private transport to Los Lagos de Covadonga from where we do a pleasant day walk along the lakes and surrounding pastures.
A typical harder walking itinerary in the Picos de Europa:
- Day 1: Meet in the evening in Llanes, a pleasant medieval fishing village and resort.
- Day 2: Walk from Llanes over the Sierra de Cuera to Arenas de Cabrales, with spectacular views along the coast and southern section of the Picos de Europa.
- Day 3: Walk from Arenas rising along an old Roman path across to Sotres, the highest village in the Picos de Europa, at over 1000m.
- Day 4: Trek from Sotres into the high Picos at Refugio Uriellu at the base of the famous 500m cliff of Naranjo de Bunles.
- Day 5: Trek across the high Picos passing Refugio Veronica to descend on the funincular to Fuente De.
- Day 6: Trek from Fuente De to Cain, a pleasant village in the valley of the Rio de Cares.
- Day 7: Easier day walking along the famous Ruta de Cares to Poncebos and up to Camarmeña with spectacular views back towards Naranjo de Bulnes.
- Day 8: Walk up to the western Picos arriving in the Refugio Vegaredonda.
- Day 9: Half day walk out from the Refugio to Los Lagos de Covadonga from where we return to Llanes by private transport.
Please get in touch for further details and quotes. In Arenas de Cabrales a very pleasant place to stay with friendly people is Casa Florentina. |
