SJP - Pico’s Mountain Challenge - 2016 Challenge Overview Straddled across the twin provinces of Asturias and Cantabria in Northern Spain, the Picos Mountains are nothing short of breath- taking. Thousands of years of erosion and geological activity have created soaring limestone towers, and plunging cavernous gorges. This really is and awesome part of the world and well worth a visit. From the tip of Torre Cerredo the range’s highest peak (2 648m), to the raging Rio Cares, this amazingly compact range of mountains offers everything we are looking for in a ‘mountain getaway’. Also known as a fine reserve of wildlife it will certainly be possible to see a great variety of birdlife including broad winged vultures, eagles and certainly mountain goat, and possibly wild deer, but other sightings are strong possibilities. The under- growth in summer is alive with wriggling lizards. Your trip will be an unforgettable introduction to Adventure in this inspiring high mountain environment. How To Book!! Please Visit: www.fullonsport.com/event/sjp-picos- mountain-challenge/profile Password: sjptrek2016 Adventure Itinerary Adventure Itinerary cont Day 1 3rd June 16’ - Meet Bilbao Airport latest by 12:00. Day 3 Cont…. Transfer to Poncebos. Begin trek down the famous Cares gorge for afternoon drinks in Cain. From Cain we will trek Arrival into Sotres is expected by 18:00 allowing time to relax back to Poncebos and transfer back to the fascinating before you evening celebrations that are sure to go late into the mountain village of Poncebos our base for the evening be- night. fore departing high into the Picos the next day! Day 4 - 6th June 16 - Depart Sotres 09:00 transfer back to Day 2 - 4th June 16 - Depart Hotel 08:30 and transfer to Bilbao Airport for your journey back to the UK Poncebos where we will begin our trek into the Picos. Your first coffee stop will be in the beautiful mountain vil- lage of Bulnes, which is only accessible by foot or funicular Weather railway. From Bulnes you start your climb towards your Most likely is glorious hot temperatures and warm sunshine, overnight accommodation, Refugio Vega Urriellu Located although rain and overcast conditions are surprisingly common high in the mountains (1903m) for an estimated arrival by here for Spain. This is due to the proximity of the Atlantic. Be 17:00. You arrival should be just in time to watch the sun prepared for all weather conditions especially if heading into the set over the magnificent Limestone cliffs of the Naranjo de mountains.. Bulnes. There may also be time for an optional short walk to explore these beautiful mountain surroundings before Accommodation the sun go’s down. Expect to be trekking to high passes of 2250m - with epic views across incomparable mountain Night 1 - Hotel in the mountain village of Poncebos. scape. Night 2 - High Adventure in the mountains - wild and away Day 3 - 5th June 16 - Depart Lodge 08:30. Further trek from it all at the Vega Urriellu mountain refuge in the heart of into high Picos mountains, climbing to over 2250m beneath the Picos. Simple standard, and simple food. the stunning & awe inspiring Picu Urriellu - before departing back to the village of Sotres for the evening! Night 3 – Hotel in the Mountain Town of Sotres with hot showers and great food. www.adventure-café.com Adventure Café Challenge - Trip Joining Instructions Trip Notes Document SJP - Pico’s Mountain Challenge - 2016 What is the Picos Mountain Challenge Like? The Picos Mountain Challenge will take you deep into the heart of this spectacular limestone mountain range. Expect to hiking up to 9 hours each day on uneven mountainous terrain. The trails that we will be using are good quality well defined trails. During the trek you will experience a variety of different trails from rocky steps, loose scree, muddy trail through alpine meadow as well as wood- land trail. We strongly recommend the use of walking poles to as- sist with moving over this terrain. Pack light to help with your ascent. You will need to be more resil- ient - due to simple living conditions - ie using the same clothes for two days, using basic washing facilities and eating simple food - this forms an integral part of the challenge. How Fit Do I need to be? You need to have good endurance for these events. You must be used to doing very long walks in the countryside - 7 Medical Issues hours + . You should be doing regular exercise - possibly with some running. Your running speed will be around 11-12 min- Please note, it is extremely important for this physical chal- ute miling, and you should be able to run a minimum of 4 lenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre- miles. If you do not run, you should be concentrating on existing medical conditions, please consider carefully other types of exercise - but for longer periods of time (ie whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure sessions in excess of 1.5 hrs.) - these other forms of exercise you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is should be at a moderate to high level. important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabe- tes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you Included From Trip notify us of any allergies or similar. Transfers, All Accommodation (B&B), Guides and information You should be used to walking reasonable distances each pack as prepared by Adventure Café, Packed Lunches x 3 + day to contemplate this trek. It requires stamina and good Dinner x 3 aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - Excluded From Trip that could have serious repercussions on any of our chal- lenges International Airfares - please ask if you require assistance with flights and we should be able to offer well priced flights with good connections. Excludes transfers in UK to airport (Lift Share may be available expect to share costs on Parking at Airport. Location Map of Arenas de Cabrales in Spain Flying in to Bilbao Airport we have approximately a 1.5 hr drive to the small town of Arenas de Cabrales. ‘Arenas’ as it is known is per- fectly positioned at the foot of the highest mountains. Our base hotel has an awesome view of the high range including Mt. Torrecerredo the highest in the region. The region is also home to the tasty ‘Cabrales’ cheese – be sure to sample this and the local Chorizo before returning home! The start of the trek is no more than fifteen minutes drive from our base hotel. www.adventure-café.com Adventure Café Challenge - Trip Joining Instructions Trip Notes Document SJP - Pico’s Mountain Challenge - 2016 Visas / Redtape Equipment Required When travelling abroad you may require a Visa. Please check Medikit the Travcour website (www.travcour.com) for up to date Water Purification Tablets, Suncream, Blister Repair Kit Visa information. Here they can advise you on the best ac- Plasters, Vaseline, Rehydration Salts tion to take. If you require further information please don't Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant hesitate to contact the Café. Washkit Pack Towel (lifesystems recommended), Soap (small bar) Shampoo (not a full size bottle!) Toothbrush, Toothpaste (small size) Hill Walking Items Sleeping Bag - 2/3 season rated to 0° C comfort rating or sleeping bag liner (silk or cotton) Medium Sized Rucksack - lined with waterproof bags Rucksack Liner(s) / Plastic Liner(s) for Rucksack Bladder System (highly recommended - or other water bot- tles e.g. exercise bottle/Nalgene bottle) Walking Poles (highly recommended) Sun Hat (wide brimmed), Neck Scarf Snack Foods - we recommend good slow burning items - nuts, dried fruit, cereal bars etc Warm Clothing Lightweight Fleece, Medium Weight Fleece, Lightweight Gloves Heavy Gloves (mitten type recommended), Fleece Hat Trek Clothing Safety Information Long Cotton Trekking Trousers, 1 Pair Tracksuit Bottoms Comfortable Trekking Shirts (long/short sleeved) By nature all activities contain an element of risk. Your leader will be Walking Boots (broken in with ankle protection) first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the Walking Socks, Liner Socks activity, such as mountain safety shelters, walking rope and from Underwear, 1 Change of Casual Evening Wear time to time mobile radios. Safety equipment carried will be appro- priate to trip. The leader's primary role is to ensure your safety, but Waterproofs it is your responsibility to listen to their guidance and instructions. Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (Gore-tex, E-vent) Outer Waterproof Bottoms 1. Please ensure that you follow leaders instructions at all times. 2. There are some limited sections of scrambling (which could be avoided if the group really wants to) – please discuss this with the leader. It Other may be that the leader uses a rope to assist participants and to keep people Toilet Roll / Pack of Travel Tissues, Spare Lace safe. Camera, Film / Memory Card / Spare Battery 3. When trekking in the gorge there are sections where you must be Travel Documents, EHIC Travel Card fully focused. It is a very exciting trek – but needs to be taken seriously. Please listen to your leader for team orders on this one! At these times – Travel Insurance (compulsory) please walk single file only and always remain on the inside of the trail – Passport especially when crossing paths with other walkers. If you need to stop to Wallet, Credit Cards, Cash allow others to pass then please do so… it is safer than pushing past on the outside. Sunglasses, Spare Comfortable Shoes 4.