Walking The Picos De Europa

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Matthew Tett

  WALKING THE PICOS DE EUROPA

  

  Written April 2013

  A superb walking holiday, with great daily walks - and a brilliant guide! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  It's difficult to say one inspirational moment.  I think it was all of the walks, each dealing with varied terrain - but, always led by Alvaro, a guide that couldn't be better.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Superb!  Alvaro really loves the Picos de Europa; he knows a lot about the area and was always happy to share his excellent knowledge of local flora and fauna.  Also, he had a very good sense of humour so there were a lot of laughs!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Going in late March can result in inclement weather.  It was forecast to be wet all week, on and off.  However, we did have 4 excellent, mainly dry (and quite warm) walking days.  Our 'day off' in Llanes was very wet - and our last walking day - lots of snow!  Potential travellers should be aware that walks are not always as advertised; they have to change due to weather, particularly early or late in the season.  The optional activities for the day off may change, too, according to the weather - for example, our only (and preferred) option was a day trip to Llanes on the coast.  If you are likely to get travel sick, avoid the back row of the minibus - the winding mountain roads are likely to bring on nausea if you are susceptible.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  A really good trip and the hotel provides very good food.

   
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  David Baxendale

  WALKING THE PICOS DE EUROPA

  

  Written September 2012

  This was my first trip with Exodus.  It was an excellent walking holiday in a beautiful and undiscovered part of Spain.  The weather in early September was ideal: sunny and warm but not too hot for walking in mountains. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Undoubtedly, the walk through the Cares Gorge.  24 Km with 300 m of ascent but worth every footstep.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Alvaro was a superb leader.  He knew every footpath - and they are not all easy to find in the Picos - he was knowledgeable about the mountains and about the history and culture of his native Asturias, about where to go for refreshments, and he spoke good English. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you like walking in mountains, go!  The Picos are "Spain's Dolomites" but far less visited by tourists.  Best to learn a bit of Spanish, as few people speak English in this area.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The food in the hotel was superb.  If you think of Spanish food in terms of buffet meals in coastal resorts, think again!  It was freshly prepared every day, there was a good choice with generous portions, and the menu was based on local Asturian cuisine and often locally produced food.  The wine was also highly recommendable, at a fraction of the price in most hotels.

  The only drawback of this holiday was the early morning departure from Stansted Airport, very inconvenient for many people.  Consider flying independently to Bilbao or Santander.

   
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  Ian Dunbar

  WALKING THE PICOS DE EUROPA

  

  Written September 2012

  This was a great walking week. The scenery in the Picos is spectacular and the walks a good variety building up over the week. This lesser-known area of Spain was very rewarding and Arenas was an excellent base. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The highlight of the week had to be walking the Cares Gorge with its ever-changing views of cliffs and peaks. It contrasted nicely with the mountain walks up Pena Main and Manciondiu which both offered great views across the rest of the Picos and down to the coast.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Pilar was excellent, knowing the area and its nature well and with good English (our group Spanish being limited). She looked after us well keeping an eye on both front and back markers and her close connection with the hotel made for a very pleasant stay.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you like mountain walking this is an area you should visit. The scenery and walking are spectacular and different and it is not too busy.

   
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  nick hindley

  PICOS PEAKS & GORGES

  

  Written July 2012

  I'd taken the challenging option for this - well worth the extra effort.  The accomodation was really good and the food excellent 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The walk upto covadonga lakes was probably the best of the walks we did - varied and spectacular scenery before the final push.

  again well worth the effort

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Both the guides were on form and put in a lot of effort to keep things going

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Challenging means just that. 

  Please check before you do this and be ready for the extra effort

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  please make sure that your third parties sell this tour correctly

   
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  Annabel Ions

  PICOS PEAKS & GORGES

  

  Written July 2012

  Excellent walking for a comfortable hotel. Our guide Alvaro was very attentive to safety 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The most inspirational was reaching the Col before Pandescura - there is an amazing view up to the Eastern Massif and still snow on the peaks in July!

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Very good and attentive to weather and safety

  He had to change our walks due to weather but this meant that we got the best views

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  It is challenging with a total of almost 80Km in the 6 walking days

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Enjoy the local food in the village when you can

   
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  Frances Anne

  PICOS PEAKS & GORGES

  

  Written June 2012

  An excellent week's walking amongst stunning mountain scenery. 

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  What did you think of your group leader?

  As well as being a very welcoming host at the hotel, Pilar was a wonderful, experinced leader with extensive knowedge of the local area and a great sense of fun.  She coped spledidly with everything we threw at her, including having to organise a helicopter mountain rescue!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Flower lovers should go at the end of May, as we did, for an abundance of colourful wildflowers. 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The hotel serves THE best gin & tonics, made with Tanqueray gin, masses of ice and plenty of freshly squeezed lemon Juice. The flower filled terrace with a spectacular view of the mountains is the perfect place to drink them. We spent many a happy evening after dinner doing just that.

   
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  Nicola Dyke

  PICOS PEAKS & GORGES

  

  Written April 2012

  A wonderful, wonderful holiday. The scenery is stunning and the walks allowed us to explore a variety of locations within the national park. The hotel is in a great location for access to the peaks. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The scenery cannot be rivalled! There were plenty of 'wow' moments where the camera just wouldn't do it justice! The location of the hotel is great - breakfast is with a view!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Alvaro was lovely. He became one of the group, he was relaxed and friendly. His knowledge of the area was fantastic and he shared lots of information on each walk. Alvaro allowed us to walk at our own pace and he moved within the group to spend time with everyone.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  In April, be prepared for all weathers, a little like walking in the UK at this time. Obviously it is a mountainous region so the weather can change quickly. The sun was hot at this time of year.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Go!

   

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