Spent a glorious week walking the unspoilt, peaceful and beautiful Picos. The weather was perfect... Kerry Clough, 2019 See more reviews
Our Third trip with Exodus and certainly our best. Magnificent scenery and some great walking.... Colin Spence, 2019 See more reviews
We all think that Spain is an arid country with every town heaving with tourists, music blaring... Malcolm Duesbury, 2019 See more reviews
We spent an amazing week in the Picos de Europa from 25th May to 1st June 2019 and both enjoyed... David and Jennifer Douglas, 2019 See more reviews
What a fantastic trip, loved it. Probably the best group I've ever walked with, stunning... Mark Brookes, 2019 See more reviews
An amazing trip assisted by the complete gelling of the group...everyone put in 100% from day 1... Rachel Speight, 2019 See more reviews
Food was well above the standard I expect. Well presented and varied menu. Lovely views and... Matthew Butcher, 2019 See more reviews
The Picos de Europa is a great National Park to experience wonderful mountain ranges at a... Dave Johnson, 2019 See more reviews
This would be a 5* PLUS trip for me, but it has to be mentioned that it does lose a star because... Terry Brown, 2019 See more reviews
Excellent walking in the mountains. I loved the fact that it wasn’t crowded and on one day we... karen lane, 2019 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
Spain No visa required for British passport holders. For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers
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 August 2019 David Bennett Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Good This was our first trip with Exodus and was excellent in some ways and a little disappointing in others. The hotel was excellent, clean if small rooms, superb staff and food of the highest quality. Arrangements at the beginning and end of the trip were smooth with no transfer problems. The disappointment of the trip was the walking which for three days lacked any inspiration as we trudged through rolling hills or woods with very little views. The Cares Gorge walk was excellent as was our final day where we actually walked in the high mountains. More of this was needed. We cannot understand why we were not actually in these high mountains more. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The Cares Gorge walk which was not only long but also spectacular. The food every night was of the highest quality but the salmon dish stood out. What did you think of your group leader? Our leader was very pleasant with good knowledge of the local area. He catered for the diverse walking abilities of the group very well and I always felt safe with him. His English whilst adequate was not fluent and so frequently he misunderstood us or took rather too long to give us information as he searched for the correct word. We thought it rather poor that he did not eat with us on the first night when information could have been imparted. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Choose your walking grade carefully. We spent 7hrs walking 7miles one day which was ridiculous! Is there anything else you would like to add? We will be going with Exodus again but will research the walking grades and itinerary a lot more before booking.
Reviewed August 2019 Anthony Dickinson Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Walking trip feedback Stunning limestone scenery and whilst we got close to the highest mountains we were a little dissappionted we could not get closer and maybe stay a night in one of the Refugios as part of a linear route. Not sure our trip merited a 'challenging' rating. The hotel staff were helpful and the food was superb throughout. Could do with fans in the rooms and/or flyscreens on then windows to keep out the nasty biting bugs. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The walk over Pene de Main to Bulnes with views to El Narranco and Torre Cerredo and the wonderful walk down Canal del Texu. A good day out. The wlak of the Carres Gorge on day 1 was also a highlight. What did you think of your group leader? Friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? We did the trip in July but maybe the weather would be less mixed in September of early October. The downside is you would see less flora than in June or July.
Reviewed July 2019 Kerry Clough Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Beautiful and peaceful Picos Spent a glorious week walking the unspoilt, peaceful and beautiful Picos. The weather was perfect for walking with only 1 day of light drizzle, breaking the otherwise dry and sunny week. We did a mixture of walks ranging from summiting twice at just over 2000 metres above the tree line through to a coastal walk to Llanes. Alfonso our guide was a true man of the mountains, born in the Region and with a real love and passion for the Picos as well as having a really calm and peaceful persona. The hospitality and home cooking at the hotel was excellent throughout the week and each day you can admire the glorious views of the Picos over breakfast and dinner, cloud cover permitting. I felt throughout the week that I was off the beaten track as the area is so large and un-touristy that on most days you don’t come across many other walkers, with the exception of the Cares gorge which was busier, but not in an unpleasant way. I loved the whole week. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Summiting at 2000 meters on a warm sunny day and admiring the glorious 360 degree views of the Picos. The only sound was the wind blowing and we sat there watching vultures and buzzards high above us searching for prey down below. What did you think of your group leader? Alfonso was superb. He was born in the Region and his love for the mountains shone through. He has a calm and peaceful nature and his knowledge of the local wildlife, trees and flowers was excellent. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you love unspoilt mountain walks away from the crowds, good food in the evening, a well run and friendly hotel with excellent views of the mountains, then go. Everything is made so easy for you and being based in the same hotel all week makes for a really relaxing, stress free week. Walks start at 9 and finish by 5 so there’s plenty of downtime before dinner at 7:30 to do your own thing. It’s a 5 minute walk into the quiet town if you want to do more walking and absorb the local way of life.
Reviewed July 2019 Colin Spence Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Wonderful trip to the Picos Our Third trip with Exodus and certainly our best. Magnificent scenery and some great walking. Combined with a hotel with a beautiful setting and Michelin star quality food. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The final walk with a spectacular summit What did you think of your group leader? Nachos was excellent with great knowledge of the local environment. He took great care to ensure we were all safe and ensured everyone in the group was made welcome. Also a great sense of humour! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Try and incorporate some Hill walking in your preperation! Is there anything else you would like to add? Don’t hesitate book this trip and you will not be disappointed
Reviewed July 2019 Malcolm Duesbury Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Walking the Picos de Europa - a very special part of Spain We all think that Spain is an arid country with every town heaving with tourists, music blaring from every club, drunks roaming the street !! Well think again. The Picos de Europa is the northern mountain range in Spain, with lush flora; fantastic gorge and mountain views; small villages and hamlet, and a so very different part of Spain. We spent the last week of June on this trip and enjoyed every minute. The hotel may only be 1 star, but is comfortable, has fantastic buffet breakfasts (cereal, fruits, drinks, meats, cheese, bread, etc), ample packed lunches (with choices of baguette filling, chocolate and muesli bars), and sublime 4 course evening meals (with 3 choices of main course). The tour leader Nacho (Ignachio) was extremely proficient and friendly, ready with useful information and, very much, part of the group. The variety of landscape, local flora, long gorges, wonderful mountain peaks lead to some great experiences and unbelievably beautiful views. One of our best Exodus trips so far, and so close to the UK What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Scrambling up to the peaks on day 7 to the summits of Mancondiu, meeting Chamois enroute, and taking in the unbelievable views in all directions What did you think of your group leader? Nachio (Ignachio) was a great tour leader, kept everyone well informed, gave timely advice on the need for water, appropriate clothing, electrolyte and mineral replacement (isotonic additives), suntan lotion, and the need for 'pacing' the walks to avoid exhaustion. He juggled the programme to suit both the prevailing and forecast weather, and ensured everyone stayed safe. He was very much 'part of the group'. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The weather can be unpredictable, and whilst we did not need to layer up, nor did we need wet weather gear, the humble umbrella can be a useful bit of kit to be used in rain or searing sunshine. The tour leader on both this trip, and previously in Austria, have recommended one as almost essential. Trekking poles, and stout walking boots are very suited to the terrain. There are very few ' mountain huttes' for toilet facilities ( so a 'toilet' kit - hand sanitiser etc. is useful) and few places to buy drinks en route in this part of Spain. There are quite a few opportunities to fill water bottles from springs, and whilst we were assured that the spring water is safe, some people might feel safer using water purifier systems. You do need to make sure that you have sufficient bottle capacity (about 2 litres) so that it will last betwenn refills. We did canoeing on the free day; it was 40 euros per person, includes transport to and from the hotel, a packed lunch, canoe or kayak, double ended kayak paddles (no single blade paddles available, nor left handed paddles) and gives you between 3 and 4 hours of paddling with many opportunities to 'beach' for a break. The river has a few very tame grade 1 'rapids', and you are paddling with the current. The river can be very busy at the launching ramp, usually the school trips, but soon thins out a you progress down stream.
Reviewed June 2019 David and Jennifer Douglas Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa An Amazing Week Walking in the Picos de Europa We spent an amazing week in the Picos de Europa from 25th May to 1st June 2019 and both enjoyed it immensely. Even though our fitness levels were different, we were both able to benefit from the varied levels of the walks, some of which had optional climbs at a more challenging level. The scenery was stunning and was further enhanced by our leader Ignacio/Nacho's local knowledge and ability to judge the walk to suit the weather. This ensured we gained the most benefit from the scenery as some walks would have otherwise been spoiled by the mist due to their altitude. We enjoyed the many sightings of vultures, eagles, Asturian Mountain Cattle, goats, sheep, horses and chamois. The family run hotel Torrecerredo was very much understated as the food and service were exceptional with a very homely atmosphere. It is a credit to Jim and Pilar for such a well run hotel. We were presented every evening with a four course evening meal of Michelin Star quality. Picnic lunches were individually prepared to order and wrapped for us ready to take on our walk. The staff at the hotel were extremely friendly and accommodating. The beds were very comfortable and the hotel also offers a laundry service which most of the group availed of. We were very fortunate to be part of a fantastic group of 16 people who got on extremely well together and encouraged and supported each other throughout the week. The hotel bar was great to relax in after a day's walking with a bottle of local cider, beer or gin and tonic. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? For me (David) it would have to be the climb to the top of Mancondiu peak at 2000m as you had to scramble to get to the top where the view was magnificent. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader, Ignacio/Nacho was exceptional in every way and was humerous, informative, patient and helpful. He was genuinely a very nice person who looked after everybody irrespective of their ability. He was able to evaluate everybody's individual strengths and weaknesses and advise accordingly. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? A few weeks practice hill walking with walking poles beforehand would make the whole experience more enjoyable. Don't hesitate to book this holiday as we both found it amazing and thoroughly relaxing.
Reviewed May 2019 Mark Brookes Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Picos de Europas What a fantastic trip, loved it. Probably the best group I've ever walked with, stunning location and not what you would normally associate with Spain. The Hotel Torrecerrado was brilliant, lovely family atmosphere, Jim and the gang were excellent and couldn't do enough for us. The food was sensational, high end restaurant quality, innovative and delicious. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this trip to others. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Tackling my fear of heights, did a couple of scrambles, walked through a stunning canyon with a properly vertical drop, a good few metres down, but the group and guide were great, really looked after me. What did you think of your group leader? Nacho was great, really entertaining, spoke a lot about the history of the area and very considerate to the not so able members of the group, possibly to the detriment of the fitter people within the group as it was hard to walk at our own pace, but this is a minor detail. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The walk is graded as a moderate 3, but in my opinion it was slightly more difficult in certain places, possibly a 3-4, which some of the group struggled with. Oh and take some ear plugs, most of the cows have bells which can get a bit tiresome when your trying to sleep at night, but please do not be put off by this.
Reviewed May 2019 Rachel Speight Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Pico's May 2019 An amazing trip assisted by the complete gelling of the group...everyone put in 100% from day 1 to make it a great success What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Climbing the peaks with the encouragement of the group and the tour leader...….amazing views and sense of achievement What did you think of your group leader? Superb!! Well informed and aware of the local environment - ensured that everyone was safe at all times and answered all questions and queries Nothing was too much trouble Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take ear plugs for the cow bells if you are a light sleeper!!!
Reviewed May 2019 Matthew Butcher Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Food was excellent Food was well above the standard I expect. Well presented and varied menu. Lovely views and good company. Shame we had rain on the gorge walk What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Walking over the snow drifts What did you think of your group leader? Managed the various speeds of the walker well Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take walking sticks. First time i used them but made life much easier
Reviewed May 2019 Dave Johnson Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Fantastic experience! The Picos de Europa is a great National Park to experience wonderful mountain ranges at a moderate hiking grade. We were very fortunate to have an excellent tour guide in Nacho who really looked after us and filled the days with great facts on the local area and wildlife. The walking group was a wonderful mix of ages and backgrounds and we bonded from Day 1. The hotel accommodation was good but I have to highlight the excellent customer service from Jim/Pillar and their team. The food each night was simply fantastic...4 courses which would grace any London establishment. Also, a great bar to socialise in after the walks! Thanks everyone! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Taking in the wonderful mountain range of the Picos. What did you think of your group leader? Nacho was a great group leader...full of wonderful local facts, history and knowledge of the surrounding wildlife.
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