A really enjoyable week’s hiking with a fabulous group of people. Sometimes the accommodation can be questionable on Exodus trips, but on this occasion the small family run hotel was lovely, clean, great location in the town and the staff/owner’s could not do enough for you.
The hike’s were varied and some days the views breathtaking. The town of Arenas Las Cabrales is ideal an a base to explore the area; and has a good selection of bars and restaurants. Which was a little frustrating, as the evening meals provided on the trip were usually at the same restaurant, which was okay, but it would have been better to experience other places. On the day off we did the kayaking, which was good fun, the days guide was careful to manage our safety; especially as we capsized a few times in the small rapids!! The other choice was a coastal walk and a visit to a small town. The photo’s we saw from other group members suggested that this was a really good option as well!
Picos De Europa Walking Tours
Picos de Europa
5 of The Best Walking Trails on Picos de Europa Walking Holidays
Pandescura Peak: From the village of Canales, head through open farmland up to Collado de los Buitres before beginning the ascent to the base of Pandescura Peak. This distinctive limestone peak stands inside the western massif and during the walk you’ll ascend on goat tracks and through pretty meadows before tackling the summit. The final push to the top is worth the effort in return for the views across the valley and the western massif. This is one of the more tranquil and quieter treks in the Picos de Europa, where the only sounds you’ll hear are goat bells, and griffin vultures soaring overhead.
Main Range: Tielve village is the starting point for this walk. To reach the summit of the Main Range, where you’ll find one of the best viewpoints in the entire Picos de Europa, you’ll walk through peaceful woodland where you’re hugged by ancient hazel and beech trees. The track gradually steepens as you ascend to the summit of the Main Range. From this classic vantage point, you’ll be greeted with uninterrupted views of the central massif and the valleys below.
Lakes of Covadonga: This is one of the more challenging hikes in the national park, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. En route, it’s worth visiting the Covadonga Sanctuary, which consists of a holy cave built into the mountains, a grand basilica, a museum and a church. Continuing your walk, the trails are enveloped by awe-inspiring scenery that lead to the glacial lakes of Enol and Ercina. These natural wonders form the Lakes of Covadonga and in the warmer months when they thaw, a third lake named Bricial is created. Framing each of the lakes you’ll find dramatic peaks and lush landscapes covered in wildflowers.
Twin summits of Mancondiu: The trek to the twin summits of Mancondiu is one of the most demanding in the Picos de Europa mountains and they stand at 2,000 metres high. Much of the route follows old mining tracks that wind through dramatic scenery dominated by the western massif which looms over verdant valleys below. On reaching the summits of Mancondiu, the most arresting vista of the eastern and central massifs open up. Although there is the opportunity to cross between the two peaks, there is a steep drop below the exposed ridge which can be extremely daunting for anyone that doesn’t have a head for heights.
Cares Gorge Walk: Also known as the Divine Gorge, the Cares Gorge walk follows an engineered track around the rockface and is considered one of the most spectacular in the Picos de Europa. As well as the beautiful scenery, there are thrilling adventures around every twist and turn. During the walk you’ll be blessed with immense views of the limestone peaks, and you’ll cross over impressive bridges along the river trail. There’s also the opportunity to explore the mountain caves and tunnels, and you might even encounter a wild goat or the rare creeper bird on your journey.
Exodus Extraordinary Adventures in Spain
Hotel Torrecerredo – with Exodus Travels
Lee Brooks Hike Spain’s Picos de Europa
Erica Kaplan Hike Spain’s Picos de EuropaI loved the hikes on this trip, especially the gorge walk and the hike on day 6. Really enjoyed the week in the mountains with our group and spending the week in Arenas de Cabrales. Most hikes we did not see anyone so it was nice feeling we had the trails to ourselves. The gorge walk is very popular so there are other hikers, but it is a long walk so did not feel crowded. Really impressed with the hikes on the itinerary. I feel I could not do these hikes on my own and find some of these trails so being with an experienced guide with Exodus was the way to go.
Jane Fox Hike Spain’s Picos de EuropaThe location was so close, only 1.5 hour flight, so no long haul. The small town where we stayed was unspoiled and on the hikes themselves we hardly saw anyone else. The scenery was dramatic and the hikes made the most of that. There were some tricky conditions because of previous heavy rains, and our guide needed to adapt the order that we did two of the walks in and he checked on the weather conditions during the hikes and did make a couple of changes (to get down to a lower altitude when rain threatened). His support of everyone in the group and his decision making was excellent. He was professional, friendly, well informed on the terrain and its history. Also, away from the hikes, he ensured the two non-gluten guests and the one vegetarian (me) were well catered for.
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