My first exodus holiday was fantastic.The picos were simply beautiful, the hotel was great, the... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
An excellent holiday with a lovely group in beautiful surroundings, and a very friendly hotel. TS, 2017 See more reviews
The Picos de Europa is an area of outstanding scenery and has well defined walking paths. Every... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
This was my first walking holiday and first trip with Exodus. I would highly recommend it to... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
Exodus for me works on word-of-mouth and recommendations. So mine is, go! ... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
This holiday was so much more than I expected. More challenging, more fun, more mountainous! I... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
This trip was amazing - the hotel is great, food incredible (even for non meat eaters), generous... Anonymous, 2016 See more reviews
The Picos is a fantastic area with wonderful scenery and mountain terrain. To walk in the Picos... Anonymous, 2016 See more reviews
A haven for wildlife set in stunning scenery; sheer peaked mountains, deep rocky gorge, green... 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 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, 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
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 September 2017 Mary-Ann Preston Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Picos de Europa, Spain A wonderful week walking in the stunning Picos. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Being away from all the noise, polution and demands of daily life, and being able to enjoy such beautiful landscapes. What did you think of your group leader? Nacho was really lovely. Very personable, relaxed and friendly, and knowledgable about the area and it's history. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Just enjoy your escape, the exercise and the views. Is there anything else you would like to add? Apart from the wonderful walking, our hotel, Torrecerreno, was a really great place with a very relaxed atmosphere - comfortable simple accommodation with plentiful and delicious food and such friendly staff.
Reviewed September 2017 wendy clarke Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa excellent first experience My first exodus holiday was fantastic.The picos were simply beautiful, the hotel was great, the company (my fellow travellers) were great fun and my experience was much, much better than I had anticipated. If you are nervous of travelling alone ,like I was, then dont be. It is well worth pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Go enjoy! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Coming down from Mancondui peak, walking through a beautiful alpine meadow, the trail blazers were well ahead and the chatty ones well behind and I had ten minutes of peaceful blissful solitude just to.......be. What did you think of your group leader? What can I say? Alvaro is one in a million. A really nice guy whose passion and knowledge shines through. The holiday would not have been the same without him.
Reviewed August 2017 Tiggy Sawbridge Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Picos de Europa An excellent holiday with a lovely group in beautiful surroundings, and a very friendly hotel. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Too many to mention! What did you think of your group leader? Alvaro is an exceptional leader and he clearly knows the area inside out. He was also able to predict the weather with extraordinary accuracy and I'm surprised he hasn't been headhunted by the Spanish Meteorological Agency! Alvaro was also very encouraging and we all enjoyed his mischievous sense of humour: 'if I return with 80% of you, it's not perfect, but it's not bad...' Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The weather is unpredictable so if you're wondering what to pack, bring everything just in case! However, I didn't wear a raincoat or fleece all week. Is there anything else you would like to add? The food was superb, plentiful and varied, and the hotel is very good at coping with all dietary requirements. I recommend the coastal walk to Llanes on the day off and you will (hopefully) be rewarded with an ice cream van on arrival. I had the best orange ice lolly ever - it was like freshly squeezed orange juice on a stick.
Reviewed August 2017 Stephen Low Trip: Walking the Picos de Europa Excellent walks in a stunning location! The Picos de Europa is an area of outstanding scenery and has well defined walking paths. Every walk during the holiday had it's own distinct 'feel' and all were excellent! The accommodation was relaxed, staff were friendly and the food was very good. Our group got on very well with each other so everything combined to make this an excellent holiday! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The short scramble to the summit of one of the mountains was fun and the views were awesome! What did you think of your group leader? Alvaro was an excellent leader - he had outstanding local knowledge and this was combined with a genuine desire to make sure everyone in the group was comfortable and enjoying themselves. Top marks!!! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Bilboa can be easily reached from the airport by a frequent bus service, so if you have time before or after the trip, it's a nice place to visit! Is there anything else you would like to add? Most of the group participated in a coastal walk on the free day which was very nice - I would recommend it!
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!
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