It was probably the most challenging trip that my wife have done together and despite being in... Alan Gelson, 2018 See more reviews
This was a very interesting walking holiday with spectacular views, wildlife, flora and fauna.... Janet Milne, 2018 See more reviews
This was a week in the hills that I will never forget! The scenery was absolutely stunning -... Eleanor Freckleton, 2018 See more reviews
Excellent holiday in a beautiful area for walking. The walks were well organised and gave us a... Mike Hackney, 2018 See more reviews
The Picos are a beautiful part of Spain, lush and green with limestone peaks and very quiet.... Gill Jacobs, 2018 See more reviews
This was our second trip to the Picos de Europa as we enjoyed it so much last time in 2014. It... Steven Adcott, 2018 See more reviews
These mountains are not well known outside Spain but are well worth a visit. Verdant valleys of... Clare Cheeseright, 2018 See more reviews
This was a lovely trip! The 'Picos De Europa' area in northern Spain is vast but little... Karen Morrow, 2018 See more reviews
Itinerary Include flights Expand all Day 1 Fly to Bilbao; transfer to Arenas de Cabrales. Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Visit the Arenas de Cabrales valley; pastures of Vanu and spectacular views- Moderate departure (level 3) The walk begins directly from our hotel. After leaving the village, a path leads us up to the pastures of Vanu with the most famous peaks of Picos de Europa visible on sunny days. We continue onwards where the scenery changes and we are able to view across the main valley of Cabrales. During Spring time, it is possible to see a large variety of flowers. Looking skywards it is also possible to spot some vultures soaring above. For lunch we will approach the village of Inguanzo before completing the final part of the walk. This section of the walk is more undulating and provides us with fresh views and a comfortable last mile takes us back to Arenas de Cabrales. Most of this first day’s walk follows wide easy tracks for warming up with some steep ascents. There is only a short section of downhill walking during today's walk. Walking approx. 16km/ 10 miles; duration 7 hours; ascent +730m; descent -730m. Highest point (Los Fresnos col): 720m. Classic Cares Gorge Walk, one of the most popular walks in Spain- Challenging departure (level 5) See day 4 of Moderate (level 3) itinerary description for further details. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Ascent to Pandescura peak with superb views of the Western Massif- Moderate departure (level 3) A short transfer takes us to the village of Canales. The first part of the day follows farm tracks before a short climb up to the 'Collado de los Buitres'. If you are lucky you may see Griffon vultures soaring above. We then follow open terrain, slowly ascending to the base of the Pandescura peak. A simple ascent to the top will lead us to an ideal lunch spot with superb views of the Western massif peaks. We then descend through green hills to the village of Bovia. Walking approx. 14km/ 9 miles; duration 6 hours; ascent +550m; descent -580m. Highest point (Pandescura peak): 1000m. Up to the high pastures of Nava; on to the summit of Juan Robre; descend back to Arenas de Cabrales- Challenging departure (level 5) The walk begins directly from our hotel. After leaving the village, an ancient Roman path leads us up to the high pastures of Nava, which in the months of May and June are alive with a sea of flowers. We continue up where the scenery changes to one more reminiscent of the Yorkshire Dales, with limestone outcrops jutting out of the landscape. Looking skywards it is possible to spot a variety of eagles and vultures roaming the thermals. The path leads us to the summit of Juan Robre, which rewards us with commanding views of Arenas de Cabrales far below and the jagged peaks of the central massif in the distance. The descent is via the Juan Robre ridge, which brings us back to Arenas de Cabrales and an opportunity to sample a refreshing glass of cider to cool us down. This walk may be done in the opposite direction according to the weather conditions. Walking approx. 14km/ 9 miles; duration 7 hours; ascent +750m; descent‐750m. Highest point: Cabeza Juan Robre 871m. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Classic Cares Gorge walk, one of the most popular walks in Spain- Moderate departure (level 3) The classic Cares Gorge has been described as the jewel in the crown of Spanish hiking. For 12 km, the engineered path has been blasted into the rock face. Originally built in the 1940s as part of a hydroelectric scheme, it is now one of the most popular walks in Spain. In places, the surrounding peaks rise over two thousands metres above the path and if we're lucky, we may catch a glimpse of the rare and beautiful wall creeper bird. The path eventually emerges in the village of Cain, where we have lunch before our return along the same path to Puente Poncebos. Transport will be waiting here to take us to back to our hotel in Arenas. The walk is relatively flat with a gradual ascent of just 350m from Puente Poncebos to Cain. Walking approx. 24km/ 15 miles; duration 7 hours; ascent +550m; descent -550m. Highest point (Los Collaos): 510m Summit Main range; descend to the area of the Pandebano Col then to Bulnes- Challenging departure (level 5) We start the walk by Tielve village (located 650m above sea level). An ascent of 1000m through hazel and beech woods surrounded by limestone will take us to one of the classic viewpoints of the Picos; the summit of Main range. From the summit, we descend to the area of the Pandebano Col with fantastic views of the Central Massif of Picos de Europa and its northern valleys. From here we start the second part of the descent into the small hamlet of Bulnes, which is nestled in the shadow of vast cliffs and its only communications to the exterior used to be old donkey tracks until 2001, when a funicular railway was constructed. Those wishing to end the walk here can take the train to the bottom (approximately EUR 17 per person), whilst those wishing to continue will follow a small and narrow valley down to the old bridge. Walking approx. 16km/ 10 miles ; duration 10 hours; ascent +1150m; descent ‐1500m. Highest point (Cabeza La Mesa): 1612m Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Free day. Optional activities include caving, self-guided canoeing, canyoning or a trip to the coast- Moderate (level 3) & Challenging (level 5) departures Today is free for you to visit the coast or try a spot of caving, self-guided canoeing or canyoning. Our local staff will be able to help organise any of these activities. Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Summit of Peña Main, one of the classic viewpoints of the Picos; continue on to Pandebano Col- Moderate departure (level 3) Starting close to the village of Tieve, we walk up into the Main range and summit Peña Main, one of the classic viewpoint in the Picos. We walk to Pandebano Col and then begin our descent. Walking approx. 11km/ 7 miles; duration 7 hours; ascent +1050m; descent -740m. Highest point (Cabeza La Mesa): 1612m Lakes of Covadonga; Majada de Belbin & Peak Pandescura- Challenging departure (level 5) Today we head west to the lakes of Covadonga, making a short stop at the Covadonga Sanctuary before following a winding road to the lake. The first part of the day is a loop around the traditional mountain farming area near the lakes. It is a really beautiful part of the Picos and is wonderful to visit during good weather. After walking past the lakes we soon descend into the Majada de Belbin, where cheese is still produced using traditional methods during the summer. After filling our water bottles, we will then join an ancient Roman path that takes us down to the foothills of the Western Massif for an ascent of Peak Pandescura (1004m). From the peak we will walk along the green hills and will descend into the Cabrales valley where we will finish the walk at the hamlet of Canales. The transfer back to the hotel will be around 10 minutes. Walking approx. 17km/ 11 miles; duration 7 hours; ascent +550m; descent ‐1250m. Highest point (Majada Las Bovias): 1270m Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Walk up to the twin summits of Mancondiu offering fantastic views of the Central and Eastern Massifs- Moderate departure (level 3) At 2000m, the twin summits of Mancondiu are the highest point we reach during the week. Most of the walking apart from the last 200m is on disused mining tracks. The top offers fantastic views of the Central and Eastern Massifs and is a fantastic end to a diverse week of walking. Walking approx. 11km/ 7 miles ; duration 5 hours; ascent +735m; descent -735m. Highest point: Macondiu peak 2000m Twin summits of Mancondiu; on to San Carlos Peak- Challenging departure (level 5) At 2000m, the twin summits of Mancondiu will be one of the first highest points we reach today. Most of the walking apart from the last 200m is on disused mining tracks. The top offers fantastic views of the Eastern Massif and is a fantastic end to a varied week of walking. There is the option to traverse between the two peaks across an exposed ridge, but this is not recommended for those who are uncomfortable with steepdrops. From Mancondiu, we are able to see the next peak we will climb, San Carlos. This ascent is easier but longer than Mancondiu and we will enjoy views over the next valleys and ranges to the south of Picos.We will then backtrack for approximately one hour before we reach an alternative footpath that will take us back to the beginning of the walk. Walking approx. 17km/ 11 miles; duration 9 hours; ascent +1180m; descent ‐1180m. Highest point: San Carlos or Sagrado Corazon peak 2212m. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 To Bilbao; fly to London. Meals included: Breakfast
Hotel Torrecerredo Our base for the week is the lovely Hotel Torrecerredo, a small family-run hotel in Arenas de Cabrales, It has a pleasant garden terrace attached to the café bar and the panoramic restaurant gives views right up to the mountains peaks. All rooms have en suite facilities along with TV and Wi-Fi. The hotel is situated in a rural setting, five minutes’ walk from the centre of the village, which is well serviced with banks, cafes and shops. The hotel's restaurant serves delicious traditional meals all cooked with locally sourced ingredients. Single accommodation is available (on request). Please note that paying for a single supplement only guarantees a room for single use and does not under normal circumstances mean that a twin or a double for sole occupancy will be provided.
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Reviewed October 2018 Alan Gelson Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Varied walking in The Picosd'Europa It was probably the most challenging trip that my wife have done together and despite being in our 70's we felt equal to challenges with Alvarro's encouraging approach. The walking varied from forest trails to gradual ascents with some sce=rambling on the penultimate day. The Cliff walk on the free day to Llanes was delightful and a contract with the mountains. The Carres gorge was very special and we were fortunate to be there at a cool time of year and with few other walkers, We have been on half a dozen or so trips with Exodus and this was up there with the very best What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Scrambling to the top of a 2000 metre peak What did you think of your group leader? He was conscientious knowledgeable and utterly committed to our safety and enjoyment. He was one of the very best we have travelled with- almost up there with Sarah Bull. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Expect to be challenged but there are many opportunities to opt out if the going gets too tough. The Hotel may appear a bit spartan and basic but the quality of the service and the food and the overall spirit of the place is exceptional. Is there anything else you would like to add? All praise to Jim and Pilar for creating something very special
Reviewed October 2018 Janet Milne Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Spectacular limestone scenery This was a very interesting walking holiday with spectacular views, wildlife, flora and fauna. The trails took us into some very quiet valleys away from the main tourist routes. The hotel was excellent in terms of service, accomodation and meals. The staff were very friendly, helpful and welcoming. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Despite being in September, there were still some orchids in flower. We often saw vultures soaring above. The scenery was quite spectacular. What did you think of your group leader? Our guide Jairo was very knowledgeable of the area and shared with us his passion of the Picos mountains. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? As always in mountainous areas be prepared for all weathers! On the rest day we did the coastal walk to Jannes which was very pleasant.
Reviewed October 2018 Eleanor Freckleton Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Picos de Europs - Stunning Scenery This was a week in the hills that I will never forget! The scenery was absolutely stunning - every day different - and we got marvellous views on all the walks, which were all very enjoyable. Our hotel was a great base - it is billed as the one star hotel with five star views, but I would add to that and say that it also provides five star food and five star hospitality. In addition, the town of Arenas de Cabrales is very nice to wander round, not too big but still a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants. All in all, a great experience and one I would consider repeating in a few years time (I have never had a bad Exodus holiday but this one was particularly enjoyable). What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It is very hard to pick out a single moment, but the walk on our last day was extra special. I picked a challenging departure (grade 5) and on the last day we did two tops - Mancondiu and San Carlos Peak. As well as feeling good at managing the technical challenge (not that difficult really!), we were above the clouds for a lot of the walk and that made it seem extra special. What did you think of your group leader? Jairo was a star. He has a fantastic personality and he really helped to foster a good atmosphere within the group. He was a confident leader on the hills and made sure that we were all comfortable with the technicalities of each walk. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This was a Level 5 departure - you need a good degree of fitness for the walks, but as long as you have done some preparation beforehand then it is definitely achievable. I would also highly recommend using walking poles - I used them for all the walks apart from the Cares Gorge. Our weather in September was really good the majority of the time, without being unbearably hot. However, given the altitude do expect the occasional shower and be prepared for all eventualities. One of our walks had a long muddy section, not helped by the heavy rain experienced just before we arrived. As noted on another review, if you enjoy lazing on the beach, then if you do the coastal walk I would recommend spending more time on the beach at Poo rather than at Llanes itself (we stopped at Poo for pre-lunch drinks but didn't spend any time on the beach as it was slightly overcast that day). Finally, I added on a few extra days at the end of my holiday to visit Bilbao and then up the coast to San Sebastian. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in both places so would highly recommend these if you want a holiday extension. Is there anything else you would like to add? I can't recommend this trip highly enough, for me the best walking holiday in Europe that I have done with Exodus so far.
Reviewed September 2018 Mike Hackney Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa A Fabulous week in the Picos De Europa Excellent holiday in a beautiful area for walking. The walks were well organised and gave us a great introduction to the area. Importantly, the accommodation, the staff and particularly the food was outstanding. I thoroughly recommend this holiday. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The panoramic views of the Picos from the top of the hills we climbed. What did you think of your group leader? Alfonso was an excellent group leader. He was well organised, informative and very attentive. He has a great sense of humour and was a significant reason for the great atmosphere amongst the Group Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Very much a trip worth making and a thoroughly enjoyable holiday Is there anything else you would like to add? I believe that the standard of the food at the hotel and the leadership of Alfonso were key to the overall enjoyment of this holiday
Reviewed September 2018 Gill Jacobs Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Wonderful holiday The Picos are a beautiful part of Spain, lush and green with limestone peaks and very quiet. Apart from on the gorge walk we saw very few people when we were walking. The hotel owners describe the hotel as a one star hotel with five star views and the views certainly are fabulous but I wouldn’t describe the hotel as one star! More as simple, homely and friendly! The food at the hotel was very good. The hotel owners, Jim and Pilar, are very good chefs and spent a great deal of time each day to produce a really tasty 4 course dinner for us which was very welcome at the end of each day. We had a lovely group and a great guide and I would recommend this trip to anyone who likes walking in beautiful scenery. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The beautiful scenery and wildlife - vultures, eagles and chamois! Clear, starry skies at the hotel. What did you think of your group leader? Alfonso was our guide and he was lovely - caring, thoughtful and fun. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Book it!
Reviewed September 2018 Steven Adcott Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Picos revisited This was our second trip to the Picos de Europa as we enjoyed it so much last time in 2014. It didn't disappoint. The walking is moderate so those with basic fitness will have no problems, you don't return to the hotel exhausted, there is sufficient time to relax with a drink or even wander into the town for a browse before the group dinner. The food in the hotel is really good and the owners, Jim and Pilar are hands on, cooking the food and helping with transportation and are a delight to chat with. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The walks are designed to be different and the views will blow you away. To see vultures riding the thermals so close is a real treat that when the odd eagle appears it is easy to be blase. We had a full group and 25% had experienced this trip before, which is testimony to how good it is. What did you think of your group leader? Alfonso was our leader, who was a stand in as the regular leader was away on a break. it is fair to say he was great. His knowledge of the area and the wildlife was astounding and his English was exemplary. His love of the outdoors and enthusiasm for nature endeared him to the group immediately. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be sensible and be prepared for adverse weather. We had a couple of rainy days and it can get a bit chilly when you are high in the mountains. All obvious and common sense really. Hair driers are available to borrow, and don't forget your plug adaptor. Is there anything else you would like to add? We found the bed in room 203 uncomfortable and the pillows hard but exchanged the pillows, some guys brought their own pillows! A minor niggle but still 10/10
Reviewed September 2018 Clare Cheeseright Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa A hidden gem These mountains are not well known outside Spain but are well worth a visit. Verdant valleys of trees and meadows give way to dramatic and soaring limestone peaks. There are lots of walks and the views are always worth the effort. Our days were topped off with fabulous dinners created by Jim and his team at the hotel - four courses each night! The hotel was welcoming and quiet but only a few minutes' walk from the town. There was an amazing view from the bar patio of the distant mountains which I never tired of looking at. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were several - the views from the top of whichever peak or climb we were doing plus sitting in a meadow or on rocks for lunch and loving the scenery. What did you think of your group leader? He was great, friendly and informative. Nachos also took a lot of care to make sure we stopped regularly to have water and rest as the weather was hot. His philosophy of never rushing also helped to make the holiday very chilled.
Reviewed September 2018 Asha P Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Walking The Picos De Europa - INCREDIBLE! A definitely must- see/do trip! Each day you see the most incredible and breath taking views! Overall it is one of my favourite holidays, thanks to the wonderful tour leader we had, Nacho, and also to the Hotel staff, Jim and Pilar, for giving such a comfortable welcoming experience whilst staying in the hotel......they are extremely kind and warm-hearted people who went the extra mile always to cater for vegetarian meals and providing a comforting atmosphere. Nacho would look after us so exceptionally well that everyday went as nicely as it possibly could and on the days I wasn't as prepared as much as I could be, he always accommodated everything I would have needed and more.....I could not have asked for a better person to lead our group on this trip or a better hotel, as for me it was all perfect! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Everyday was an inspirational day! I was speechless with all the views we were able to experience whilst eating our lunch and everyday I was in beautiful surroundings! What did you think of your group leader? Fantastic! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Just do this trip and you will see and feel like you are in another world....that's how it was for me! Is there anything else you would like to add? Thank you to exodus for organising/creating such a trip, and to the Hotel staff for being so warm and welcoming to make our stay with them truly special, and of course thank you to Nacho who made the experience unforgettable!
Reviewed September 2018 Nada Abdul Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa A refreshing trip A very well organized trip and very good value for money. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The scenery was breathtaking What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader was very professional and friendly Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Do make sure you understand the level you signed for in the case of a hiking trip. Is there anything else you would like to add? Thank you Exodus for a lovely vacation.
Reviewed August 2018 Karen Morrow Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa A beautiful place! This was a lovely trip! The 'Picos De Europa' area in northern Spain is vast but little known and there are very few tourists compared with elsewhere in Spain. It is surprisingly 'Alpine' in feel, with beautiful with high, pointed mountains, interspersed with some lovely, flowery meadows. Goats, wild horses and light-brown cows with big bells wander around everywhere. We very much enjoyed walking in this area, with our friendly, competent leader, Nacho. The lovely, family-run hotel is simple but comfortable and very friendly - nothing is too much trouble. The home-cooked food - a choice of three main courses daily - is surprisingly good and the lunch 'rolls' were MASSIVE with lots of filling! Any fairly fit walker would love this trip and I would highly recommend it. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The panoramic views from the very top of the highest mountains (considerably higher than any in the U.K!) What did you think of your group leader? Nacho was quiet but had a real sense of humour and was a good leader. He had a thorough knowledge of the area. He walks everywhere with a big, black brolly to prevent the sun from getting to him, which seemed a good idea considering the VERY high temperatures we had for the first couple of days! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? We were lucky with almost all dry weather but it can change fast so I would advise anyone to take good waterproofs and plenty of sunscreen, plus a sun-hat too! A walking pole (or two) is very helpful on this kind of terrain. The gin and tonics in the hotel were very large, quite cheap and delicious....! Is there anything else you would like to add? This area should be better known. It is quite idyllic
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