Walking in the Picos de Europa Map and Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive Spain / Arenas de Cabrales

Santander is the nearest airport (100kms/1hr20) to Arenas de Cabrales. However, Oviedo (124kms/1hr36) and Bilbao (230kms/2hr21) are other options. All three airports serve flights from London Stanstead.
Arenas de Cabrales is a picturesque village in the East of Asturias. Visit the Romanesque Santa Maria de Llas Church or try the regional dish, Fabada Asturina, a hearty stew made with regional ingredients.
Overnight: Hotel La Rivera
Your hotel for the first two nights is the Hotel La Rivera. This cosy, welcoming hotel is the ideal starting point for  your trek into the Picos de Europa National Park.

DAY 2

Circular Walk from Arenas

Start your trip with an ascent through seasonal meadows. You follow mostly stone paths and be rewarded with outstanding views of the Picos de Europas and down to the Cares River. A challenging first day but well worth the effort.
Walk: 9.5km, 5 hrs, 650m ascent, 650m descent
Overnight: Hotel La Rivera

DAY 3

Walk from Tielve to Sotres

After a short 20 min transfer, you walk from Tielve, one of the most authentic villages of Cabrales onto Valfríu where you can sample the local blue cheese, Queso de Cabrales. Walking through old beech woods and streams you reach an elevation of 1240m , then down to Sotres one of the highest villages in the Picos de Europas. Sotres is an agricultural village where they famously mature Queso de Cabrales in the limestone caves which are abundant in the local area.
Walk: 9km, 4 hrs, 575m ascent, 250m descent
Overnight: Sotres Hotel
Tranquil surroundings with great traditional cuisine. It has spacious and comfortable bedrooms.
In the evening head down to the restaurant and enjoy some wholesome stew, freshly prepared from local ingredients or wander to the local inn and have a chat with the villagers.

DAY 4

Circular Walk to Ándara, Eastern Massif

A day of contrasts awaits you. Firstly, a steep ascent via a disused mining track and rocky paths. You will be rewarded with impressive views of a limestone peak before following cattle trails through woods, heather and pastures back to Sotres. Take time to explore the moon-like landscape and observe vultures and eagles soaring high above. Views of The Bay of Biscay can be seen on clear days.
Walk: 13km, 5 hrs, 630m ascent, 895m descent.
Overnight: Sotres Hotel

DAY 5

Ascent to Vega de Urriellu

A spectacular  walk takes you right into the heart of the Picos de Europas. At the foot of Picu Urriellu (2,519m) you will be at the Vega de Urriellu a small refuge hut. The refuge is well stocked with drinks and snacks which are brought up by horseback each day from Pandébano. The walk takes you through meadows up to the Collado Pandebano (1240m) before a steep ascent to the refuge. Lunar landscapes will compliment your walk as you ascend. Truly beautiful!
Walk: 17kms, 6.5 hrs, 1005m ascent, 1120 descent.
Overnight: Sotres Hotel

DAY 6

Circular walk to Áliva

Inspiring limestone walls of the Central and Eastern Massifs and a magnificent glacial valley keep you company as you wind on up to Áliva. Take a rest at the Refugio de Aliva and sit back and absorb the surrounding scenery before returning to Sotres.
Walk: 18 km, 6.5 hrs, 755m ascent, 635m descent.
Overnight: Sotres Hotel

DAY 7

Walk to Arenas de Cabrales

You start your day descending along an ancient footpath arriving at Bulnes, an isolated village only accessible by foot or more recently, funicular railway. From Bulnes you can take the funicular to Poncebos or continue on foot to the spectacular Texu Gorge. Alternatively, walk the famous mile-deep Cares Gorge with the village of Caín at it’s head.
Walk: 12.5 km, 6 hrs, 335m ascent, 950m descent
Overnight: Hotel La Rivera

DAY 8

Departure Day

Transfers are available from the hotel to your chosen airports. These must be booked in advance, please contact us for details.

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