Exodus Walking the Picos de Europa

• Walks in Spain’s oldest national park
• Wildlife: Chamois, Golden eagles and Griffon vultures
• Traditional mountain villages in the valleys of Green Spain
• Family-run hotel with stunning panoramic views

• All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 6 dinners included
• All accommodation
• Transfer for group flights

Day 1: Fly to Bilbao

On arrival, transfer to Arenas de Cabrales.

Day 2: Arenas de Cabrales valley

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.

Day 3: Ascent to Pandescura peak

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.

Day 4: Classic Cares Gorge walk

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.

Day 5: Free day

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.

Day 6: Summit of Peña Main

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.

Day 7: Twin Summits of Mancondiu

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.

Day 8: To Bilbao; fly to London.

• 7 nights at the Hotel Torrecerredo
• 5 days centre-based walking; 1 free day
• Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Min age 16 yrs
• Altitude maximum 2214m, average 1500m
• Challenging departures available
• Reasonable fitness required

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.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.