Straddled across the twin provinces of Asturias and Cantabria in Northern Spain, the Picos Mountains are nothing short of breathtaking. 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 undergrowth in summer is alive with wriggling lizards.
Your trip will include an introduction to Adventure in this inspiring mountain environment…
Itinerary
Thurs
Meet Santander Airport 14:50 Short Trek to Village of Tresviso 18:00 Tresviso Bunkhouse
Fri
Trek to Sotres 09:30 16:00 Via Upper Urdon Gorge—Spectacular steep sided gorge 16:00 Sotres—Lodge
Sat
Trek into High Mountains 09:00 16:00 Climbing to almost 2000m beneath the stunning and awe inspiring Naranjo de Bulnes—a great but tough day! 16:00 Mountain Refuge
Sun
Return Trek to Poncebos 09:00 17::00 Descent of steep, scrambly gully down to Bulnes—for lunch. Optional late afternoon trek into the Cares Gorge. 15:15 Stay Arenas—last dinner out in town...
Mon
Easy Day—Chill Out Morning Return to Santander Airport. Trip ends
Accommodation
Night 1— Simple Rustic Bunkhouse in Tresviso—with hot showers and great food. The Lodge owner looks after us well when we visit the tiny village of Tresviso
Night 2 —Sotres—slightly more comfortable accommodation tonight—and a restaurant oozing with character
Night 3—High Adventure in the mountains—wild and away from it all at the mountain refuge in the heart of the Picos. Simple standard, and simple food.
Night 4—Down in Arenas - great food, friendly accommodation. The home of good strong cheese in the North of Spain.
Medical Issues
If you suffer with a severe phobia of heights or Vertigo—do not enter the Cares Gorge. It is extremely spectacular and very exciting, but also contains some very steep sided cliffs.
Ensure you are adequately protected against dehydration (take plenty to drink), against sunburn and sunstroke, and against exposure (hypothermia) - take enough warm clothes with you… mountain weather can change very rapidly…
Special Notes
This is a point to point trek—which will not see us retracing our steps. Hence we shall be carrying everything we need for the main part of the trip.
You may leave a small bag after the journey—which can be transferred to the end for the last night out.
Food will be available each day. We shall buy packed lunches each day before the trek begins. We shall always stay somewhere where we can get food for an evening meals, and breakfast...
Visas / Redtape
When travelling abroad you may require a Visa. Please check the Travcour website (www.travcour.com) for up to date Visa information. Here they can advise you on the best action to take. If you require further information please don't hesitate to contact the Café.
Included In Trip
Hire Car, All Accommodation (B&B), Open Canoeing, Guide and information Pack as prepared by Adventure Café
Excluded From Trip
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), Meals, Fuel for Hire Car.
Equipment Required
Medikit
Water Purification Kit
Suncream
Blister Repair Kit
Plasters
Vaseline
Rehydration Salts
Painkillers
Sunbloc
Insect Repellant
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 bottles 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
Long Cotton Trekking Trousers
1 Pair Tracksuit Bottoms
Comfortable Trekking Shirts (long/short sleeved)
Walking Boots (broken in with ankle protection)
Walking Socks
Liner Socks
Underwear
1 Change of Casual Evening Wear
Waterproofs
Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (Gore-tex, E-vent)
Outer Waterproof Bottoms
Other
Toilet Roll / Pack of Travel Tissues
Spare Lace
Camera
Film / Memory Card / Spare Battery
Travel Documents
EHIC Travel Card
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Passport
Wallet
Credit Cards
Cash
Sunglasses
Spare Comfortable Shoes
Penknife
Mobile Phone (packed in a plastic bag deep inside your day pack!)
Emergency Rations (energy foods - for the tough days on trek)
Head Torch with spare batteries and bulb
Transport / Transfer
Hire cars are included from the airport.
All transfer maps are included.
Safety Information
By nature all activities contain an element of risk.Your leader will be first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the activity, such as mountain safety shelters, walking rope and from time to time mobile radios. Safety equipment carried will be appropriate to trip. The leader's primary role is to ensure your safety, but it is your responsibility to listen to their guidance and instructions.
Weather
Most likely is glorious hot temperatures and warm sunshine, although rain and overcast conditions are surprisingly common here for Spain. This is due to the proximity of the Atlantic.
Be prepared for all weather conditions especially if heading into the mountains…..