Across the Picos and Torre de Cerredo • Summit Peña Vieja • Europe’s best gorge walk • Spectacular mountain scenery TREK OVERVIEW stay at the base of El Naranjo de Bulness (2519m) the The Picos de Europa lie just 15kms from Spain’s northern Picos’ most celebrated peak, the summit of Peña Vieja coast; a region of beauty and steep sided valleys scattered (2613m) a superb viewpoint and a final picturesque walk with small settlements and attractive old stone buildings. to Potes. The Picos has some of Europe’s rarest and most The highlights of the trip will be an exciting four day impressive wildlife including wolves, bears and golden traverse including the dramatic Cares Gorge, an overnight eagles. This is a great rugged mountain experience. Participation Statement Adventure Walks recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement. Adventure Travel – Accuracy of Itinerary Although it is our intention to operate this itinerary as printed, it may be necessary to make some changes as a result of flight schedules, climatic conditions, limitations of infrastructure or other operational factors. As a consequence, the order or location of overnight stops and the duration of the day may vary from those outlined. You should be aware that some events are beyond our control and we would ask for your patience. 101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0DB Tel: 01539 433794 www.adventurepeaks.com [email protected] OUTLINE ITINERARY is cut into the rocks with sheer rock faces soaring high Key to inclusions (H-hotel, G-gîte, R-refuge, B- above us, a truly spectacular sight and one of the best breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner/evening meal) walks in the whole of the Picos de Europa. We walk to Puento Poncebos our destination for a night in a hotel. Day 1: Fly to Santander Airport transfer to Cangas (H,B,L,D) de Onis We will organise one pick up and transfer from Santander Airport to Cangas de Onis. This will be scheduled for the early evening to allow for mid afternoon flights. The journey takes about 2 hours. (H,D) Day 2: To Pico Cotalba After breakfast we take a short transfer to Lago de Enol (1063m) for the start of our trek. The well defined path starts by the lake and continues through meadows with a short ascent which brings us to Collado Gamonal. From this viewpoint we can see our overnight stop, Vegarredonda Refugio. From here we can take an afternoon walk to Mirador de Ordiales, with its stunning views, and ascend to the summit of Pico Cotalba (2026m). Overnight in refuge. (R,B,L,D) Day 5: To Naranjo de Bulnes Day 3: To Refugio Marques de Villaviciosa via Jultaya After breakfast, our day begins with a descent to the Cares We begin by retracing our steps of yesterday and turning river before beginning a gentle climb alongside the river, west to Lago Ercina. The well worn path begins to gently through fertile meadowland to the medieval village of rise and then climb more steeply with magnificent views Bulnes. Leaving Bulnes we enter a pleasant forest and of the Cuvicente chain (2000m). Once at the collado we then begin our 1300m ascent through the dramatic scenery have superb views of the Macizo Central. Following a of the Collado Cambuero. Our climb brings us to high series of cairns we arrive at the summit of Jultaya plain of Vega Uriello and our refuge for the night. The (1940m). From here we have spectacular views straight Naranjo de Bulnes is just beyond. Directly translated as down into the Cares gorge. In the other direction you can the ‘orange of Bulnes’, it gets its name from its colour in make out the sea, and in the middle of a meadow a small the setting sun. (R,B,L,D) dot - the Refugio Villaviciosa. We might be lucky enough to spot vultures and possibly a golden eagle Day 6: Across the Macizo Central soaring on the thermals created by the huge limestone We head southwards across the strangely lunar landscape walls. We descend via limestone boulders to the Refugio passing the Jou sin Tierra along the way. Turning Marques de Villaviciosa. (R,B,L,D) eastwards we make an ascent of Peña Vieja (2613m) which provides stunning 360 degree views of the Macizo Central with its limestone peaks, impressive Jous and forested hillsides. We begin a long descent into the Rio Duje valley and reach our overnight stop at the Hotel/Refuge Aliva (1670m) with splendid views across the Eastern Massif. (H/R,B,L,D) Day 7: To Potes After breakfast we begin our descent on a good path. After crossing the Antigua Morena, an ancient road dividing the Central and Eastern massifs, we take the easy climb to the Collado de Camara (1706m). We may well see wild cats, pinemartens and deer. From here, if the weather is fine, we can take a short diversion to the summit of Picos de Camara (2070m), with brilliant views back over the Central Massif. The last part of the day takes us over high land through a series of small Day 4: Into the Cares Gorge settlements to the pretty village of Potes. Overnight in a We start with a fairly long and steep descent of around guesthouse/hotel. (H/R,B,L,D) 1200m through the Canal de Trea, with a rest stop along the way. As the path becomes more defined we drop Day 8: Potes and transfer to Santander through woodland of beech and oak and onwards to the We enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a free morning to bed of the Cares gorge. The path, first built in the 1940s, explore the bustling market town of Potes where we can 101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0DB Tel: 01539 433794 www.adventurepeaks.com [email protected] sample the local speciality ‘cidra’. We will arrange the ACCOMMODATION transfer to arrive in Santander mid afternoon for late We will use a combination of hotels/guesthouses and afternoon international flights. (H,B) mountain refuges, each varying in standard and facilities. In the valley we aim to provide twin rooms (occasionally PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE/FITNESS triples). Couples will always be given twins or doubles. This is a real mountain trek, with continuous days trekking In some hotels there maybe en-suite facilities, but in others mainly along well defined tracks but also on some sections the bathroom may be shared. Singles may not be available of scree and rock. There will be a good amount of ascent and our flexibility reduces during the high season. Whilst and descent and we will walk for an average of 5 to 8 in the mountain refuges, sleeping arrangements will be hours each day. You should be a regular hill walker with a mostly in mixed dormitories, often sharing with other good level of fitness for multiple day walks. Although you members of the public, which is standard for this type of will be carrying your own personal belongings, sleeping accommodation. Restaurant facilities are available with bags and mats are not needed so your rucksack should shared toilet and washing areas. Bedding is available, but weigh no more than around 7-9 kg. recommended that you bring a sleeping bag and liner for the mountain refuges. TREK LEADER This trek will be lead by one of our regular experienced MEALS Mountain Leaders. All meals are provided on the following basis: Breakfast is continental and will normally include tea, coffee or hot chocolate, bread or toast and jam with fruit or yoghurt. Lunches are picnic style and will include supplies of bread, cheese, cold meats, fruit and snacks (you are welcome to buy alternative snacks, not included, at conveniently located refuges on some days). Evening meals are taken in the hotel or refuge and will be a set menu for the group as a whole. In the refuges this tends to be soup and a hearty casserole. If you wish to order separately it will not be possible to reimburse you for any set meals not taken. Drinks other than at breakfast are not included with meals and you will need to pay for these. ALTITUDE This trip takes you to moderate altitude where you may experience shortness of breath for the first few days until you acclimatise. Once on trek, you should adopt a slower walking pace and keep well hydrated. EQUIPMENT A detailed equipment list is provided on booking but you will require normal walking clothing. A sheet sleeping bag is recommended but a sleeping bag is not required as bedding is provided at each overnight stop. During the walk you will be required to carry your own gear but with careful packing you should be able to keep your sac to 8kg: a 40litre sac would be suitable. Spare clothing etc can be transported by road on days 1, 4, 6 and 7. For equipment purchases Adventure Peaks offers a 15% discount from our shop in Ambleside or online. WEATHER CONDITIONS The mountains and proximity to the coast mean that the weather can be changeable, with rain possible at any time of the year. From July to September, the weather is usually good, with lots of clear, sunny days. Valley daytime temperatures range from 20-27°C dropping to around 14ºC at night. Night time temperatures in the HEALTH highest refuges might fall to 5°C. You should be able to All our leaders hold first aid certificates and carry a fully trek in shorts and short sleeved shirt but there is always a equipped first aid kit for medical emergencies.