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Traverse of the Picos de Europa - Private Jack

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Holidays

Traverse of the Picos de Europa - Private Jack

Spain

Available Departures: Aug

8 days from

US$1,640

without flights

View Dates & Prices

Walk & Trek

Guided Group

CHALLENGING

Complete a challenging west to east traverse through the massifs of Picos de Europa, one of Spain’s finest landscapes

Trip Code: SPEX

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays

4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays

10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Section:

Traverse of the Picos de Europa - Private Jack

Highlights

Follow our unique route specially devised by our expert tour leaders - Sergio and Rosana
Stunning views from the summit viewpoint of Torre de los Horcados Rojos (2500m)
Walk the dramatic carved path down the limestone Cares Gorge
Stay in remote, cosy, mountain refuges and quaint traditional villages

At a Glance

Group Size 5 to 12
6 Days trekking
Max altitude - 2500 metres
Join In Santander

Accommodation & Meals

All meals included
4 nights Mountain Hut / Refuge
3 nights Hotel

Overview

Close to Spain's northern coast, the Picos de Europa is a region of stunning steep-sided valleys, isolated villages and picturesque limestone peaks. Under the expert direction of our knowledable local guide, this fantastic walking holiday makes a continuous west to east traverse passing through the separate massifs that comprise this dramatic mountain range. From the pretty country town of Cangas de Onis, we hike by way of the Vegarredonda Refuge to our first objective, Pico Cotalba (2026m). We then descend the 1500 metre-deep Garganta del Cares, following a spectacular cliff-side path that is one of the great Picos walks. Climbing back up into the central massif, we overnight at a refuge beneath the awe-inspiring Naranjo de Bulnes and continue walking across a lunar landscape to the superb viewpoint summit of Torre de los Horcadas Rojos (2500m). A picturesque final day's hike to down into Espinama concludes this gem of a walking holiday. Don't settle for walks on the periphery; mountain lovers will adore the Picos, and by making use of the charming mountain refuges, we're really able to get out there and enjoy the very best of the region and complete a real mountain journey.

Is this holiday for you?

This is real walking mountain journey with significant amounts of ascent and descent on most days. The trails are predominantly good but there are large sections on scree, over bare rock and across boulder fields. We will be walking for between 5 and 8 hours each day, with over 800-1000m of ascent and/or descent each day and up to 2000m on some days! This holiday is suitable for experienced hillwalkers, looking for an excellent week's mountain walking holiday in a quiet region relatively untouched by tourism. Three of the refuges that we use during the holiday are not accessible by vehicle and this means that group members will need to carry minimal personal equipment for the first 5 days of the trek, with access to yourmain luggage at the hotel in Puente Poncebos after the first 3 days. In reality, since sleeping bags and camping mats are not needed, you should be able to keep the weight of your daysack down to no more than 7 or 8 kgs. The fact that this walking holiday is not vehicle supported does affect the overall difficulty.

Why KE?

Brendan Daly a journalist writing for the Irish Independent, recently joined us on this Traverse through the Picos: Take a look at his article.

Itinerary

Download Trip Notes

Day 1

Meet at the group hotel just outside Cangas de Onis. A single timed transfer from Bilbao Airport is provided.

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Meet at the group hotel in Soto de Onis, just outside Cangas de Onis. A single timed transfer from Bilbao airport is provided. The transfer will take around 2.5hrs. The small farming town of Cangas de Onis is our gateway to the Picos de Europa.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

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Day 2

Summit Pico Cotalba (2026m) and return to the Vegarredonda Refugio (1460m).

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We have breakfast at our hotel and pick up packed lunches, before making the transfer to Lago de Enol (1063m) and the start of the day's walk. We set off on a good trail through fertile meadows, passing shepherds' cabins, until a final short climb leads to Collado Gamonal. Here, we have our first view of the Vegarredonda Refugio (1460m), our overnight accommodation. Used as an explosives store during the Spanish Civil War, it was rebuilt as a mountain refuge in 1987 and occupies a unique position for those wishing to explore the high peaks of the Macizo Occidental (Western Massif of the Picos). Chamois (locally known as rebecos) are a common sight here. Reaching the refuge, we can leave our overnight gear before setting off on an afternoon walk to the Mirador de Ordiales, which offers breathtaking views. From here, we will be able to easily reach the nearby summit of Pico Cotalba (2026m), before returning to the refuge.

Accommodation

Mountain Hut / Refuge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1100 M

Descent

700 M

Time

6 - 7 hrs walking

Distance

13 KM

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Day 3

Trek to the Refugio Marques de Villaciciosa (1630m).

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We re-trace our approach route of yesterday for a little less than an hour, before turning north to Lago Ercina with its superb, often snow-capped backdrop of Peña de Santa Castilla. We'll pass some beautiful small hamlets, where some shepherds still spend the summer with their livestock. From here, a gently ascending path takes us to an excellent spring at the Vega las Bobias. Climbing more steeply now we have views of the Cuvicente (2014m) chain. Arriving at the collado and passing close by the third deepest cave system in Spain, we are rewarded with one of the most impressive views of the Macizo Central. We cross limestone boulders split by water and ice to our overnight accommodation at the Refugio Marques de Villaciciosa/Vega de Ario (1630m), which is perched in splendid isolation in an impressive mountain landscape with splendid views towards the Cares Gorge.

Accommodation

Mountain Hut / Refuge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

660 M

Descent

700 M

Time

7 - 8 hrs walking

Distance

14 KM

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Day 4

Trek through the Cares Gorge to Puente Poncebos.

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The next two days will be the most challenging of the holiday. Today we make a memorably steep descent of nearly 1200 metres taking the Shepherd 's Way and Canal de Culiembro into the Garganta del Cares. The first part of our descend follows an old shepherds' trail, winding through stony lapies formations, until we reach the hamlet and high pastures of Oston. From here, we start a steep but steady and impressive descent through Culiembro gully, surrounded by the impressive walls. The path becomes more defined as we head into woods of oak, walnut and beech, before finally arriving in the bed of the Cares Gorge, at the abandoned hamlet of Culiembro, where we continue our walk, now along the Gorge itself. In places the peaks soar precipitously almost 2000 metres above us and we will be amazed to be able to descend on a path cut through the outrageously difficult terrain. First built in the 1920's as part of a hydro-electric scheme, this path provides one of the most outstanding walks in the Picos de Europa. The gorge links the mountain town of Cain (in the province of Leon) with Puente Poncebos, where we will spend the night.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

300 M

Descent

1500 M

Time

6 - 7 hrs walking

Distance

14 KM

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Day 5

Ascend through the Canal del Tejo to the Naranjo de Bulnes.

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A day of ascent today as we head up to the base of El Naranjo de Bulnes, probably the most famous piece of rock in the Picos de Europa. Leaving our hotel, we descend to the Cares River and begin our ascent through the Canal del Tejo. This old stone path winds up through a gorge to Bulnes, a medieval village that until recently was only accessible by foot. The recent addition of a funicular railway has, in fact, changed very little here. After filling up with water from the village fountain, we leave on a lovely stone paved lane through a forest of walnut, linden and hazelnut trees to emerge in high pastures dotted with shepherds cabins. After stopping at a small hut with great views over the pasture land and the high peaks, we finally emerge into high mountain terrain and our first sighting of El Urelliu (Naranjo de Bulnes). Our refugio nestles beneath this imposing and dramatic wall of orange limestone.

Accommodation

Mountain Hut / Refuge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

2070 M

Descent

325 M

Time

6 - 7 hrs walking

Distance

13 KM

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Day 6

Summit Torre de los Horcados Rojos (2500m), via Collado Horcadas Rojos (2344m). Descend to Aliva.

Show Details

Our journey continues south through a wildly graphic landscape of towers, spires and sheer rock faces that were carved during the ice age and continue to be transformed by rain, ice and snow melt. Meandering gently uphill we will surely be looking over our shoulders in the hope of capturing a few more images of El Naranjo before it goes out of sight. Herds of Rebecco, tiny but nimble deer-like animals, eagles and Egyptian vultures are often sighted in this area. As the terrain steepens we will find ourselves concentrating on a scramble of 300 meters up to Collado Horcados Rojos (2344m). If the weather is good then we will walk the rest of the day to the peak of Torre de los Horcados Rojos (2506m), an outstanding viewpoint for the whole area and a fine place to linger for a while. Reluctantly, we will begin our descent through granite boulders down to an old miners' track, which winds its way past a pretty turquoise-green lake and through a col into high summer pastures, where our overnight accommodation is situated. The hotel / refugio, Aliva, has an unsurpassed mountain location with fine views of the eastern massif.

Accommodation

Mountain Hut / Refuge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

900 M

Descent

1250 M

Time

8 hrs walking

Distance

12 KM

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Day 7

Climb Valdecoro (1841m). Descend to Espinama.

Show Details

This morning we begin our descent into the valley, but not before we have explored the most southern part of the Central massif, culminating in the ascent of Pico Valdecoro (1841m) which has fantastic views. Our route down to the valley gradually changes from high mountain scenery to meander through meadows and forest, a delightful contrast to the terrain of the past two days. We arrive back in time for a dip in the small hotel pool and there will be time to explore the village before our last night celebratory dinner.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

380 M

Descent

1150 M

Time

5 hrs walking

Distance

10 KM

Hide Details

Day 8

Departure day. A single timed transfer to Bilbao Airport is provided.

Show Details

The holiday ends after breakfast. A single timed transfer to Bilbao Airport will be provided.

Meals

Hide Details

Download Trip Notes

The Route

Point

Direction

Trek

Transfer

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

Holiday

General

Equipment

What's Included

A professional and qualified tour leader
Single timed group airport transfers
All accommodation as described
All meals
All land transport required by the itinerary
All baggage transfers required by the itinerary

Joining Arrangements & Transfers

The group will meet at the group hotel in Soto de Cangas.

A single timed transfer from Bilbao Airport to the group hotel is provided on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary. This transfer is timed to meet the arrival of flights from Gatwick with Easy Jet and will leave the airport in the late morning.

On the last day of the itinerary, there will be a single transfer back to Bilbao Airport timed for the check-in of flights leaving at 1000 at the earliest.

Anyone may join the group transfers by prior arrangement. Travelling as a group or on public transport saves energy. If your flight schedules do not fit with these airport transfers, you will need to make your own way to the group hotel/back to the airport. A one-way taxi from Santander airport to Soto de Cangas will take around 1.5hrs and cost about €150. A taxi from Bilbao Airport will take around 2.5hrs and will cost around €250.

Hotel contact details and a contact number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

Meal Plan

All meals are included in the holiday price. A packed lunch will be provided for each day and you will need to allow space in your daypack for 2 picnic lunches.

Food & Water

Breakfasts are usually coffee, tea, cereals, bread or toast and jam with fruit or yogurt. Dinner tends to be served late at the refuges and usually involves soup and a hearty main meal such as bean stew, with or without sausage. Packed lunches are also provided, although you may choose to add to these with chocolate bars etc.. (which can be bought at the refuges).

Accommodation

For our nights in Cangas de Onis, Puente Poncebos and Espinama we will stay in small, comfortable, family-run hotels.

On the other 4 nights we will stay in comfortable mountain refuges, which offer restaurant facilities and dormitory style sleeping arrangements. Toilet and washing facilities are shared at these refuges and in some cases may be outside the main building. Sleeping bags are not required as bedding is supplied. However, you may choose to carry a cotton or silk sheet sleeping bag.

You do not have access to your baggage on days 2, 3, 5 and 6. You will have to carry your overnight things with you during these days as well as your lunches and a set of dry clothes.

Due to the size of the properties we use it is not possible to pre book single rooms, however if you wish to have a single room it may be possible to request and pay for this locally depending on availability.

Group Leader & Support Staff

The group will be led by a professional and qualified tour leader.

Spending Money

We estimate that €100-€150 should be sufficient to cover miscellaneous expenses, including bar bills and snack items, showers at refuges, chocolate bars etc. This will also allow you to pay reasonable tips to the local guide and driver. Money can be withdrawn from ATMs in Bilbao Airport. If you prefer to bring all your travel money with you, we recommend that you carry this in the form of euros cash. Card payments are not accepted at refuges. If you are intending to buy expensive souvenirs, you should budget accordingly (credit cards can be useful in this respect).

Baggage Allowance

Since you will be carrying your personal equipment for several days during the holiday, you should make every effort to keep the weight of your gear to a minimum. We recommend that you have a trial walk with your packed rucksack. With careful planning and considering that you will not have to carry a sleeping bag or a camping mattress, it should be possible to keep the weight of your sack down to about 8 kgs / 18lbs. Your main luggage will be transferred to all overnight stops that are accessible by road. You will have access to this bag on the evening of Day 1, Day 4 and Day 7.

For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline.

Group Size & Holiday Status

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in the ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

Passport & Visas

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders.

A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

For other nationalities, please refer to your own Government website for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel.

Health & Vaccinations

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.

GHIC / Medical cover

UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.

Currency

The currency for part or all of this holiday is the Euro.

Preparing for your Holiday

Getting some additional exercise before coming on an active holiday makes a lot of sense. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience.

You should be aerobically fit and comfortable with walking 7 to 8 hours for consecutive days. Hill walking, with a good amount of ascent and descent, is the best training. Running, cycling and swimming are also good for developing cardiovascular fitness and stamina.

Climate

This region is known for its changeable weather associated with its mountains and its coastal location. Although most of the region's precipitation occurs between November and February, it can rain at any time of the year. From July to September the weather is generally very good, with clear and sunny days predominating. We can expect daytime valley temperatures of between 20°C and 27°C in July and September, dropping to around 15°C overnight. Temperatures will be rather cooler than this at altitude, with daytime temperatures of between 15°C and 20°C above 1500 metres. At night the temperature could fall as low as 5°C. Conditions will generally be comfortable for trekking in shorts and short sleeved shirts (should you wish). As with any mountain area there is the risk of some poor weather, with rain and even fog.

Books

Walks and Climbs in Picos de Europa. Cicerone.
Northern Spain - Picos de Europa. Sunflower Books.

Maps

Picos de Europa 1:25,000. Adrados (2 sheets)

The Picos on two detailed maps, each available either on paper or in a waterproof and tear-resistant edition. Contour interval is 10m (50m for cliff faces), and bold shading and graphic relief, provide an excellent representation of the terrain. Overlay shows hiking routes, mountain huts and refuges. The. map legend is in Spanish and English. Further information on the reverse is in Spanish only.

Equipment List

Please try to keep the weight of your baggage to a minimum. See the ‘baggage allowance’ section for further details.

You SHOULD bring the following items:

Hiking boots
Walking socks (2 or 3 pairs)
Trekking trousers
Lightweight waterproof overtrousers
Underwear
Shorts
Thermal baselayer shirts
Casual shirts and/or T-shirts
Fleece jacket or warm jumper
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Sunglasses
Sun cream (including for lips)
Antibacterial hand wash
Water bottles 1 Litre (x2) (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)
Water purification tablets

Backpack c.40 litres
Headtorch and spare batteries
Washbag and toiletries
Warm hat
Gloves

Sunhat

Dry bags(s) for daypack/luggage contents (to ensure they keep dry)

Sheet sleeping bag (for use in the huts)

Basic First Aid Kit including: headache tablets, treatment for upset stomach (e.g. Imodium or Pepto Bismol), antiseptic cream, plasters (Band aids) and blister treatment.

The following items are optional:

Spare laces

Ear plugs (especially if you are not the one snoring!)

Trainers/sandals for use in refuges (crocs are provided in most)

Swimwear

Small towel / travel towel (towels are not provided at the refuges)
Camera
Penkife (remember to pack all sharp objects in hold baggage)
Trekking poles
Insect repellent
Travel clothes
Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Recommended Outdoor Retailers

Many of the equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive a 12.5% discount with Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need. The discount code can be downloaded from your MyKE account and you can use this code at the checkout, either in store or online.

View Dates & Prices

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

Get in Touch

2025

Wed 20 Aug Wed 27 Aug

US$1,640 per Adult per Adult

US$350

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More Information

Traverse of the Picos de Europa - Private Jack
With Flights

Without Flights
Departure Reference: SPEX/01/25/
This trip departs the UK on Wed 20 Aug returning to the UK on Wed 27 Aug

This trip begins on Wed 20 Aug and ends on Wed 27 Aug
This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
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TRAVEL TO YOUR DESTINATION

If flying from the UK, low cost airlines are available to convenient airports to the start and from the end of your holiday.

To benefit from full financial protection, ease your holiday planning, and avoid dealing with airlines, we can book scheduled flights from the UK as part of a flight inclusive package. Scheduled flights are usually more expensive that low cost alternatives, however potentially less stressful if your flight is cancelled or delayed. If you book flights through KE Adventure Travel we will offset the carbon of your flight.

Trip is Locked

Traverse of the Picos de Europa - Private Jack

Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

1 - 3 LEISURELY

4 - 6 MODERATE

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

10 - 12 TOUGH

Traverse of the Picos de Europa - Private Jack

Highlights

At a Glance

Accommodation & Meals

Overview

Is this holiday for you?

Why KE?

Itinerary

The Route

Essential Information

Vaccinations

GHIC / Medical cover

Picos de Europa 1:25,000. Adrados (2 sheets)

You SHOULD bring the following items:

The following items are optional:

DATES & PRICES

2025

More Information

Flight Inclusive Information

TRAVEL TO YOUR DESTINATION

Download Trip Notes

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KE 2027 Online Reviews

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Trip is Locked

Traverse of the Picos de Europa - Private Jack

Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

1 - 3 LEISURELY

4 - 6 MODERATE

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

10 - 12 TOUGH

Traverse of the Picos de Europa - Private Jack

Highlights

At a Glance

Accommodation & Meals

Overview

Is this holiday for you?

Why KE?

Itinerary

The Route

Essential Information

Vaccinations

GHIC / Medical cover

Picos de Europa 1:25,000. Adrados (2 sheets)

You SHOULD bring the following items:

The following items are optional:

Other Trips You Might like

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High Pastures of the Picos

Secret Sierras of the Costa Blanca

DATES & PRICES

2025

More Information

Flight Inclusive Information

TRAVEL TO YOUR DESTINATION

Download Trip Notes

Get our latest articles and promotions straight to your inbox

KE 2027 Online Reviews

97%

Your Wishlist

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