Picos de Europa 12-day mountain trek

Arrival in Asturias, on the north side of the Picos, at your hotel in Arenas de Cabrales. Shop for some last-minute trekking supplies or sample the local blue cheese and traditional apple cider on one of the outdoor terraces.

Challenge: Arrival in the Picos de Europa.

Villages along the way: Arenas de Cabrales

Ascent to the summer meadows at Nava, situated 500 m above the Cares River, with excellent views of the Picos. A strenuous but very rewarding walk, especially in early summer when the meadows display a multitude of brightly coloured flowers. Option of doing an alternative shorter walk to Vanu (Banu), through shady countryside at a lower elevation. 

Challenge: 4 / 5 hrs, 10 km / 6 mi, 650 / 380 m ascent and descent.

Villages along the way: Arenas, Nava

An absolute classic from the local repertoire, this stunning route is walked by thousands each year and remains strikingly beautiful. You walk on a good footpath, used to maintain a 12 km channel which feeds the hydroelectric station in Poncebos. Your day starts off with a 10 min transfer to the start of the walk. After a short but steep ascent of 150 m on a zig-zag trail, the path then levels off and you continue the rest of the way to Caín nearly “on the flat” (12 km / 7,5 mi). From there, you have the choice of continuing another 10 km / 6 mi up the valley or taking a taxi to your hotel in Posada de Valdeón.

Challenge: 3.5 / 7 hrs, 12 - 22 km / 7,5 - 13,5 mi, 300 / 800 m ascent, 50 / 125 m descent

Villages along the way: Poncebos, Caín, Posada de Valdeón

After 2 tougher routes, today you do a circular nature walk in wooded surroundings near Valdeón, an area inhabited by wolves and bears. At mid-day you reach a shepherd’s refuge on the north side of the Picos’ western massif: Vega de Llos (1545 m), an excellent place to stop for a rest. If you’re aching for an even better panorama, option of continuing on up to El Frade pass (1785 m), for sweeping views all the way to the sea.

Challenge: 5 hrs, 13 km / 8 mi, 650 m ascent and descent.

                      To reach El Frade pass add: 1.5 hrs, 4 km / 2,5 mi, 200 m ascent and descent.

Villages along the way: Posada de Valdeón

Today's route starts off with an ascent on the historic traders' path, el Camín del Mercadillo, which leads from Posada de Valdeón to Liébana. After 7 km / 4,5 mi walking with 800 m in ascent, you reach the meadowlands at Caben Remoña, situated on the border between the provinces of León and Cantabria. Here you have the choice of walking straight on down to Espinama (9 km, 900 m descent) or taking the spectacular high route via Vega de Liordes down to Fuente Dé (bus or taxi 3.5 km / 2 mi to your hotel). If you have booked luggage transport, there’s the option of riding for the first 5 km / 3 mi with your bags (thus saving 500 m in ascent). 

Challenge: Direct to Espinama: 6.5 hrs, 15.5 km / 9,5 mi, 850 m ascent, 900 m descent

                      Through Liordes: 8.5 hrs, 16 km / 10 mi, 1270 m ascent, 1120 m descent

Villages along the way: Posada de Valdeón, Liordes, Espinama

Option of taking a rest day today, to relax in the hotel garden by the pool, or doing a day-trip to nearby Potes, a lovely village with historic Medieval centre. If you prefer to walk, you first take the bus to Fuente Dé (1100 m) and ride the cable car up to 1835 m. There you begin a spectacular route up to Horcados Rojos, an impressive vista point with splendid views of the Picos and far beyond.

Challenge: 4.5 / 6 hrs, 10 - 14.5 km / 6 - 9 mi, 500 / 550 m ascent, 500 / 725 m descent

Villages along the way: Espinama, Fuente Dé OR Potes

A long but technically easy walk, first along footpaths through woodlands near Pembes, then on farming tracks to Áliva Pass (1645 m). You then follow a glacier moraine down the Duje River valley to reach Sotres. At 1050 m, this is the highest village in the Picos making an ideal base for some excellent walking routes. After a long day, the end of your route is a stimulating 150 m ascent to reach Sotres!

Challenge: 7 hrs, 17 km / 10,5 mi, 925 m ascent, 775 m descent

Villages along the way: Espinama, Áliva, Sotres

After a short transfer, you start a beautiful and extremely varied route in the Eastern Massif known as Andara. The first section follows a historic mining track, into the heart of the massif. You then continue on to reach an elevation of 2215 m. Descent via cattle trails, back down to your hotel in Sotres.

Challenge: 5.5 hrs, 12.5 km, 550 m ascent, 840 m descent.

                      To reach 'Pico San Carlos' add: 3 hrs, 6 km, 500 m ascent and descent.

Villages along the way: Sotres

Today's is a shorter route beginning with a transfer. Then you walk into a landscape with fields of heather and ancient oakwoods to reach the nearby village of Tresviso. Along the way, stunning views down into the Urdón Gorge and a chance of hearing the characteristic laughing call of the rare capercaillie.

Challenge: 2.5 / 6 hrs, 5.5 - 14 km / 3,5 - 8,5 mi, 300 / 500 m ascent, 300 / 700 m descent

Villages along the way: Sotres, Tresviso

The highlight of this trek of highlights, takes you up to the legendary Picu Urriellu – also called Naranjo de Bulnes – a stunning peak and mecca for world-class rock climbers. You first take farming tracks from Sotres up to Pandébano Col. Then you follow a footpath up into the lunar landscapes at the heart of the central massif, home to chamoix and alpine choughs. For your overnight stay here at the refuge, you’ll carry just the things you need for the day, while your luggage in transported to the next hotel.

Early in the season, snow can be a factor. If the event the hut cannot be reached, the alternate program includes a circular walk to nearby Tielve and overnight stay in Sotres.

Challenge: 5.5 hrs, 11 km / 7 mi, 1085 m ascent, 180 m descent

                        Alternative to Tielve: 5.5 hrs, 14 km / 8,5 mi, 480 m ascent and descent

Villages along the way: Sotres, Pandébano, Vega de Urriellu

Your last day of walking explores yet another facet of the Picos as you traverse a steep footpath down Camburero Gorge to reach the remote village of Bulnes (no road access). You then continue in descent through the Teju Gorge to reach Poncebos, coming full circle back to the start of your trek.

Early in the season, today’s descent may be impracticable due to water level from snow run-off. The alternate route goes by way of Pandébano. Short transfer to your hotel in Arenas de Cabrales. 

Challenge: 5 - 6 hrs, 9.5 km / 6 mi, 50 m ascent, 1900 m descent

                      Alternative through Pandébano: 5 - 6 hrs, 13 km / 8 mi, 425 m ascent, 1100 m descent

Villages along the way: Vega de Urriellu, Bulnes, Poncebos, Arenas

Your trek comes to an end today, after breakfast. Taxi transfers can be arranged to the airport (Oviedo, Santander or Bilbao).

Villages along the way: Arenas de Cabrales