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This was a lovely holiday- an excellent, short escape to a part of Spain that I was curious about. Cantabria and Asturia- the Spanish regions where the Picos are located- were beautiful and really untouristy, even in the middle of August. We also lucked into great weather; it was largely sunny, but not too hot (mid-high 20s celsius, but with a breeze). The hotel is cozy and beautifully located; the owners, Jim and Pilar, were very welcoming and helpful. It’s small but generally has everything you need, including a bar and patio area, and this was important because after a long day’s walking we didn’t often have the energy to stray far. The hikes are varied and seemed an appropriate length for a moderate level holiday. The break day was much appreciated to allow us a change of activity.
I most enjoyed walking the higher peaks and high pasture areas of Picos. Our evening meals together as a group were always really fun.
Alvaro, our group leader, was excellent. He is friendly, well-informed about the region ecologically, historically and culturally, and was very good at managing our group so that everyone got the most out of the experience.
Bring your own hair-dryer if you use one regularly.
Fantastic holiday at great hotel with really varied walks in amazing scenery.
Thurs. (second last) doing the ascent and walk across the ridge - twin summits of Mancondiu
Alvaro was excellent. He conveyed his love of the region's culture, geology, geography really well.
We had a fantastic week in terms of sunny weather but it can be varied - it is the Atlantic coast of Spain. Fortunately the only poor weather day was during the transfer when we arrived but rain was torrential, so be prepared!
Other than the timing of flights to/from Bilbao everything was excellent. We were very lucky with the weather but the walks, food (both in the hotel and on our free evening), the walking company were excellent.
The views were amazing , all the walks produced great sights and if you were fortunate and got a first floor room facing South at the Hotel, that was a amazing thing to wake up to. The number of birds circling high above looked fantastic
Our guide not only knew all the routes, kept us safe but has a fantastic knowledge of the local flora/fauna. Great man
If the weather is good, you might not want to come home
I have just returned from an August trip walking in the Picos de Europa; I feel as if I have been on the top of the world! I very rarely give anything more than four stars but this trip really was five star from beginning to end. I had several reservations whether I could manage the ascents, as coming from the Chilterns I am used to a few hills, not steep mountains. But our guide, Alvaro, was outstanding, and really sensitive to the needs of the whole group – and I made it to the top every time! Sometimes he led from the front and sometimes, where appropriate, he let the faster walkers go at their own pace and ran between the front and the back of the group to make sure we were all ok and felt supported…and all this whilst carrying up to 10 litres of water in case we ran out. His passion and enthusiasm for the area were infectious and it really is a spectacular area to walk in.
The food at the hotel was excellent, especially the evening meal which was a four course affair, beautifully served and with a good range of choice for the mains. The hotel owners Jim and Pilar and their staff are all very friendly.
We were blessed with great weather which certainly helped and my fellow walkers were a great bunch. As always with Exodus, single travellers should have no reservations about coming on their own.
Can't really single out any highlights - all the walks were in awe-inspiring landscapes and led to fantastic views.
As above, the leader Alvaro was a fantastic guide and I have nominated him for the Leader Awards.
The rooms at the hotel vary in size and some of them are quite small. Views to the mountains from the bedrooms are better at the front of the hotel than the back. However you're not going to spend much time in them and on return from the walk you can always relax by the bar and have lovely views.
Great walking, good company, top notch leader, stunning scenery and a lovely hotel.
Hard to choose, if pushed I'd have to say the walk taking in the summit of Macondiu peak and San Carlos peak. The Cares Gorge walk was also a highlight.
In short, Alvaro is an excellent leader with a passion for the Picos.
This was the challenging week and is highly recommended.
A moderate – graded walking experience which gave time to take a relaxed pace, if needed. We were lucky to gel immediately as a group who adored the outdoors and the views with just enough physical exertion, while all had he ablility to push on if time was short. The weather is very variable, from sticky to thundery to burning hot to fresh and sunny. Every valley may have a different weather experience, therefore every day was a surprise.
Evenings at the hotel were relaxed with great cooking, a full bar and extremely friendly hosts.
My favourite walk, for range of surface underfoot, range of gradient and stunning views was the Tielve village at 620m to La Mesa peak in Main range of mountains at 1612m. The sun, fun and camaradarie were all perfect on that day.
Álvaro was amzing. He took a personal interest in every member of the group and showed great pride in his area of Spain, while trying to cater for the needs of everybody with great humour. If he had any fault it was striving for a perfect experience every day - in the Picos weather, this can't happen.However, he adapted the itinerary accordingly each day, and even managed to salvage what would have been a thunderous disaster of a day by finding a riverside walk the was not on the agenda. He had a suberb instinct and excellent reflexes if a member was having some bother. He managed to be both rear and front leader at the same time, thanks to his mountain-goat qualities!
Be prepared for any terrain, any climatic conditions. Be flexible.
Spectacular scenery. Excellent guide. Good accommodation with lovely view from dining room. Great food.
Summit of Pena Main, summit of Mancondiu, Cares Gorge
Lovely chap. Always helpful. Full of enthusiasm. Handled a difficult situation well. Could have a career in meterology.
Itinerary subject to change with weather
I wasn’t sure what to expect given that this was my first solo trip and the first time with Exodus. I shouldn’t have worried though, it was a most excellent walking holiday. The scenery was stunning, the hotel lovely, the walking varied, the wildlife and flora beautiful, the fellow walkers splendid company and the tour guide just perfect (see below).
Lunch stops in the most breathtaking of locations at (or near) the tops of mountains, with views to die for (and the anticipation of mostly downhill afterwards!).
Alvaro made a good trip fantastic. His enthusiasm and passion for his country, his knowledge of all things plant and animal were great. However, what really stood out was his care for the whole group. Whether a bit slower than others, wanting a shorter walk, a fear of particular situations, Alvaro respected everyone as individuals and treated us all according to our needs and interests. And then when the going got really hot and tiring, Alvaro pulled out 5 two litre bottles of water that had been in the freezer overnight and were now beautiful iced water for all to share.
Do it.
Wow – what a great place, Northern Spain is beautiful – the locals treat it as a separate country and in effect it is.
There were a lot of great moments in the week: Alvaro our guide: what a star, the hotel food: lovely, the location and scenery: spectacular. The group of people who went on this trip were also fantastic...
If you wanted to know "anything" Alvaro had the answer, I have very rarely met a more committed individual. All this knowledge was also delivered with sincerity - a very genuine person.
Go!
My sixth, my wife’s third, exodus trip, and the best by some distance. Think fabulous walking, excellent food, rustic but carefully caring accommodation and staff, and most of all a guide who makes everyone feel an individual not a member of a pack.
Taking the scramble to the summit of Mancondiu on the last day, and the Cares Gorge in fantastic weather (OK we were lucky there!).
Alvaro is a true star. A local, with a fantastic knowledge of the Picos mountains, and a true dedication to protecting and preserving an area he truly loves. The only guide I've met with the ability to treat each of 16 people as an individual rather than just another visitor, Combine that with a great sense of humour and what more can you wish for?
Watch the weather. It can be very variable and changes rapidly.