On Foot in the Picos De Europa, Spain

They may only occupy a small area, but the rugged Picos de Europa are for many, the most compelling mountain range in Spain. The stunning sugarloaf peak of the Naranjo de Bulnes (2519m) dominates a sea of peaks on a dramatic and uninhabited plateau – a miniature masterpiece of karst scenery. Leaving roads and villages far behind, you’ll walk among these peaks and gorges, exploring the Central Massif of Los Urrieles and the Cares gorge demarcating Western Massif of Cornion.

Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1 - Join tour Bilbao

Day 2 - Drive to fuente De; cable car to upper station; walk to Torre de los Horcados Rojos
The cable car trundles up 900 metres before you set off on a hike towards Horcados Rojos, plus an noncompulsory climb of Torre de los Horcados Rojos.

Day 3 - Walk via Majada de Iguedri & Puertos de Aliva to Sotres
Wander through farmland and open fields as you head towards the Puertos de Aliva, and then down into the colossal valley with the chapel of Ermita de la Virgen de Aliva behind you.

Day 4 - In Sotres; walk in the area

Day 5 - Walk via Treviso to Urdon, La Hermida Gorge; drive to Sotres
Start your walk at 1395 metres, venturing through the Valdediezma beech forest and the Sobra Valley to Treviso. After lunch, continue down the Balcon de Pilatos to Urdon.

Day 6 - Drive to Puente Poncebos; walk the Cares Gorge to Cain and back; drive to Sotres
Today you'll experience the gigantic gorge of the Garganta del Cares – over 1000m deep and some 12km long. The trip is around 6 hours long and is without doubt one of the highlights of a visit to northern Spain.

Day 7 - Drive to El Teju; Walk to Caseton de Andara via Aldea Col; drive to Sotres
Today, you'll walk to the Caseton Refuge, starting with a climb of Aldea Col. Later in the day, you'll walk across the Macondiu mountain and travel on towards Jito de Escarandi.

Day 8 - Tour end Bilbao

Is this trip for you?
To enjoy this trek in the Picos de Europa it is recommended you are at a good level of fitness. Consider starting a programme of conditioning well before departure and make sure that you make allownaces for the gradients and inclines experienced in this trip.  Running, hill walking and other more active sports are best suited.

This trip is rated 'Moderate'

Moderate: The walks will generally be around five to seven hours in length, predominantly at low altitudes and along clear pathways. You should also expect certain challenging inclines but expect some fairly demanding ascents and descents of up to around 800m a day. No previous experience is necessary but, as stated above, make sure you have a good level of fitness.