This holiday was so much more than I expected. More challenging, more fun, more mountainous! Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
This trip was amazing - the hotel is great, food incredible (even for non meat eaters), generous hos Anonymous, 2016 See more reviews
The Picos is a fantastic area with wonderful scenery and mountain terrain. Anonymous, 2016 See more reviews
A haven for wildlife set in stunning scenery; sheer peaked mountains, deep rocky gorge, green pastu Anonymous, 2016 See more reviews
Well planned walks. Lovely scenery. First class leader. Comfortable hotel - excellent food Anonymous, 2016 See more reviews
An extremely well organised trip in a delightful hotel on the outskirts of a small but busy village. Anonymous, 2016 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 view a large variety of flowers. Looking skywards it is also possible to spot some vultures roaming 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 that requires some previous experience today. 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. 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 surounded 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, 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, 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 Show map
Hotel Torrecerredo Our base for the week is the lovely Hotel Torrecerredo, a small family-run hotel in Arenas the 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).
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Reviewed July 2017 Oliver Miles Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Walking the Picos de Europa - Challenging week This was my first walking holiday and first trip with Exodus. I would highly recommend it to anyone reasonably fit (Challenging week). Accommodation was great and food amazing - lots of options for veggies and good selection at breakfast. All the staff in the hotel are very helpful - for example the owner, Jim, went out of his way to drop two of us in central Bilbao on the day of the return flight, instead of having to kill time at the airport. Other trip members were very sociable and friendly and made it an incredible week. Our guide, Alvaro, was superb - lots of interesting local knowledge about the wildlife and region. He also ensured that the walks avoided crowded times/cloud. The Picos itself is a beautiful region to visit. Day off allowed a trip to the coast, Llanes, which has good restaurants and lovely beach. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The view of the Narnjo de Bulnes in the valley in the last day, between Sotres and Tielve. What did you think of your group leader? Excellent
Reviewed June 2017 Judith Beresford Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Great trip, thoroughly recommended Exodus for me works on word-of-mouth and recommendations. So mine is, go! It's a fabulous location with moderate-to-challenging walking, spring flora and fauna fascinating, and so unexpected: like a slice of Switzerland. Our guide, Alvaro, is one of the best - Exodus I'm sure should be very sorry to lose him - but there is such a commitment to quality from the hotel that the team will always be a good one. Excellent food, comfortable beds, lashings of hot water... a very homely home base. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Many, but I guess Alvaro's love for his home and his understanding o the mountains was pretty inspirational. Is there anything else you would like to add? Like the previous reviewer, I would definitely do it again! Which, I suppose, is the highest recommendation..
Reviewed May 2017 Lisa Edwards Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa I would do it all again... This holiday was so much more than I expected. More challenging, more fun, more mountainous! I don't know why but I didn't equate a mountain region with so much ascending. I am a regular hiker and was surprised to find that I could walk for up to two hours uphill and still maintain a conversation. Alvaro the guide was inspiring and motivational, and the group were encouraging and fun to be with. We really bonded over the tough uphills and the shared experiences of the magnificent scenery. I was sad to leave the group at the airport and I think part of me is still in the mountains. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing around ten vultures flying around the top of a mountain - a bird I'd thought would be ugly, but it's actually quite beautiful. Our group had experts in flora and fauna who brought the whole thing to life for me. I learned so much. What did you think of your group leader? Alvaro. What can I say? We all thought he was amazing and were sad to hear that he's leaving Exodus in August. He will be a great loss to the team. He was like a sheepdog taking care of his flock, scampering up and down mountains to make sure we were ok. I can still here him say, "slowly as you like!" as we ascended yet another dizzying height. He imparted so much knowledge about the area from history to wildlife and he was just the right amount of encouraging to all of us, individually. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't go before mid-May because you'll have cows wearing cowbells outside your bedroom window at 1am (lovely as they are). They go up to higher pastures in mid-May. Have the G&Ts in the hotel bar - the fishbowl glasses and the measures are amazing. Take your own hairdryer. Is there anything else you would like to add? A friend has already booked this holiday off the back of my Facebook and Instagram posts. It's a winner and I would recommend it to anyone who is fit enough to take it on. It was definitely not 'moderate' in my book - I found it challenging. I've had to reassess my idea of my own fitness but I ended the week feeling like a butcher's dog.
Reviewed October 2016 Karen Jones Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Splendour in the Picos! This trip was amazing - the hotel is great, food incredible (even for non meat eaters), generous hospitality, excellent location. The walks vary, all are magnificent. The area is so untouched by modern life and tourism, it is a real treat for the senses. The location of the hotel is lovely, pretty shops, bars and restaurants - all only about 3-4 minutes away. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Every day was different - from breathtaking high peaks, stunning meadows, dramatic gorges to unspoilt villages. What did you think of your group leader? Alvaro is fabulous and a real credit to Exodus - he is passionate about his homeland, willing to share the history, challenges and beauty of the area, he was well aware of everyones ability, considerate and always ready with a smile and encouragement! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't hesitate - book the trip! Is there anything else you would like to add? The evening meals are incredible, always a choice of 3 main courses, tasty soups, delightful desserts and an appetiser to start! This is a real value for money trip...
Reviewed October 2016 Mary Palfreyman Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Totally amazing week spent in the Picos The Picos is a fantastic area with wonderful scenery and mountain terrain. To walk in the Picos was a great way to see the area and get up and close to the peaks. The hotel was great with a lovely terrace bar over-looking the valley and peaks and it was a great way to end the day with a beer in hand here (who needs telly). The food at the hotel was amazing and the staff at the hotel went out of their way to ensure that all guests had a memorable experience - I know I did. I am vegetarian and did not struggle at all for food, the hotel caters for vegetarians and there was always a veggie option available - even packed lunches. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Cares Gorge - it took my breath away.... What did you think of your group leader? Alvero was just great, he has a kind, considerate and passionate attitude to everything that he does. He was always there for everyone in the group, from the slowest walker to the fastest walker. He knew the area and plants, animals, birds that lived there and would go into details explaining this. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Do this trip, do not hesitate...I had an amazing week and could not find fault in anything. Everything was just perfect. Is there anything else you would like to add? If I could do this trip again....I wouldn't change a thing :-)
Reviewed October 2016 Rosalind Deer Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Walking the Picos de Europa A haven for wildlife set in stunning scenery; sheer peaked mountains, deep rocky gorge, green pastures. Exceptional Leader. Well organised walks. One free day. Homely hotel and friendly, helpful staff. First-class evening meals, freshly cooked by proprietors, Jim & Pilar. Generous breakfasts and varied packed lunches, Fantastic shower. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? From mountainside watching two enormous Griffon Vultures silently riding the thermals. Spotting a Short-toed Eagle flying above us carrying a snake in its beak. What did you think of your group leader? Alvaro is an exceptional leader and natural teacher; passionate about the Picos, with a special interest in wildlife, he shared his knowledge appropriately not only with our group but with each individual, making time to get to know each person's interests. Breakfast briefings by Alvaro each day regarding weather, suitable clothing and water quantities to take were very useful. Each walk was carefully planned according to weather and trail conditions and pace managed; Alvaro gently encouraged those 'flagging' and directed those 'eating up kilometres' when necessary, moving quickly along our procession to ensure everyone was happy and had a sense of achievement at the day's end. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Not 'a walk in the park' because, at times, the terrain was challenging. Risk of vertigo at a few points. Pack for changeable mountain weather. Is there anything else you would like to add? If you love wildlife & mountains, what more could you want? Go for it!
Reviewed September 2016 Penelope Gray Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Picos de europa Well planned walks. Lovely scenery. First class leader. Comfortable hotel - excellent food What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? All walks were very good. Gorge walk, high level "balcony" walk in particular. What did you think of your group leader? First class. Knowledgeable. Enthusiastic. Put real effort into planning walks according to weather forecasts. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for a variety of weather in the mountains. Good quality waterproofs including boots were needed on the week I went. Is there anything else you would like to add? Hotel owners and staff were welcoming and really helpful.
Reviewed September 2016 Anne Taylor Murray Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Walking the Picos de Europa What is it about a range of mountains that is so inspiring? Their nobility, their grandeur, their immutable timelessness? All this and more is to be found in los Picos de Europa. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Just sensing my own insignificance in the face of the enormity of those mountains. One gains a whole new perspective on life. What did you think of your group leader? Alvaro is passionate and knowledgeable about his own region of Spain. Amongst his exceptional qualities as a walking guide is human compassion. My 76 year-old body was not always up to the challenge of those magnificent mountains. Alvaro knew exactly when to give me encouragement to go the extra mile. As a consequence I return home with a sense of accomplishment and very, very happy memories of my week Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Go for it!
Reviewed September 2016 Angela Milne Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Walking in the Picos de Europa An extremely well organised trip in a delightful hotel on the outskirts of a small but busy village. The trip was fully catered apart from the day off and the standard of cuisine was exceptionally high.Transport was provided to the coast on the day off and advice given on a walk along the coast and where to eat.The bar and outside terrace of the hotel provided an excellent place to end the day and sit outside enjoying drinks and sun. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The Carres gorge is a fantastic walk and we did it on the last day as this was forecast to be cooler and less crowded as many of the Spanish visitors were on their way home. The two scrambling summits we did were also highlights. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader Alvero was brilliant, he was full of enthusiasm, organised the programme to suit the walks to the weather conditions and even carried 8 litres of water for group use on very hot days.Jim the hotel owner and cheif cook was also extremely helpful and very interesting to talk to. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? We spent a couple of days in Bilbao before the trip and one after to enable us to go Easy jet from Manchester. Exodus booked us the flights so we had a package.It is a fantastic compact city and the Guggenheim is an amazing piece of architecture.The town is well worth a visit. Shortage of plugs for charging devices so if you have a two way charger take it. Is there anything else you would like to add? Would thoroughly recommend it.
Reviewed August 2016 Michael Cowling Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Picos de Europa This was an excellent holiday. The walks were well planned, the scenery was fantastic and the hotel is pleasant and relaxed with outstanding food. The only problem was that it was too hot. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Being in the most beautiful scenery but with no one else around most of the time apart from our group. What did you think of your group leader? Alvaro is just the best leader. Every day he adjusted the programme according to the weather. His knowledge and love of the mountains is outstanding. He worked so hard going from the front of the group to the back many times on each walk to encourage us and ensure that everyone was OK. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The walks are not easy but definitely worth the effort.
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