Picos de Europa 'Cares Gorge' Trek

The Picos de Europa is Spain's third highest mountain range, lower only than the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada ranges. It is a spectacular range of limestone peaks, narrow ridges and deep valleys.

The rocky peaks and ridges are barren and imposing whilst the lush green valleys and passes (locally known as 'Green Spain') are full of beautiful wild flowers and many wild rodents and animals. This remote and wild landscape makes the Picos a firm favourite with both trekkers and nature lovers alike.

An abundance of wildlife can still be found here and thanks to a total hunting ban, Bears, Wolves, Chamois and Boars all still survive here. Golden Eagles and Griffon Vultures are all often seen, along with many other species.

Our Trek will take in one of the most celebrated and most beautiful gorges in the world, the stunning 'Cares Gorge'. 12km of breathtaking trail and walkways through a 1000m deep chasm, carved out of the valley walls, the Cares Gorge path was built to access the nearby hydro-electric plant, it now serves to convey trekkers the length of one of the most popular treks in Europe.

We will also climb to the top of one of the parks principal summits, 'Pena Vieja' (2613m) where we will be able to witness fantastic views all around and really get a feeling for the beauty of the National Park.

This trek is suitable for anyone with average fitness and a good head for heights, some gentle scrambling will be encountered and participants should be capable of trekking for 3 consecutive days carrying a small rucksack

Trip Information

Dates & Prices: View Prices
Price Rate: £500
Charity Rate: £1000
Grading: B (more info)
No of People: 8

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Itinerary

• Day 1 – Arrive Santander airport Thursday afternoon and transfer to 'Arenas de Cabrales' evening meal and accommodation in local hotel, a full trip briefing will also be conducted.
• Day 2 – Today will start our trek, we will take a short ride to the small hamlet of 'Vega de Sutra' where we will walk to the Refuge ' Hotel Aliva', once we have booked into the refuge we will continue our trek the short distance to the panoramic viewpoint of 'Fuenta de' before returning to the refuge for dinner.
• Day 3 – Today we will climb the majestic peak of 'Pena Vieja' (2613m) before descending down the exposed but adequately protected path into our nights lodgings in the stunningly located refuge of 'El Naranjo' here we will be in the shadow of the dramatic limestone monolith of 'Naranjo de Bulnes' a 2450m high piece of limestone that attracts climbers from around the world.
• Day 4 – A leisurely start will be taken as we trek down the mountain paths to the famous village of 'Poncebos', this is a unspoilt village at the start of the 'Cares Gorge' which still has no vehicle access, only a small funicular railway.
• Day 5 – The 'Caras Gorge' will be trekked today; a 12km trek along a spectacular man-made path through a 1000m deep gorge. We will trek the length of the Gorge at a leisurely pace arriving at the village of 'Cain' for a well-earned lunch stop. We will then reverse the trek and return to our first nights accommodation for a well-earned celebratory meal and a few local tipples before retiring for a good nights sleep.
• Day 6 – An early start will see us catch the midday flight from Santander returning to the UK and the end of our mini adventure.

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Whats Included

• Professional Leadership by an experienced and qualified International Mountain Leader whom is a current mountain first aider.
• Quality Hotel accommodation and Alpine Refuges whilst trekking on a B & B basis, and half board whilst trekking.
• Transport to and from Santander Airport and throughout the trek.

Not Included

• Travel to and from Biarritz from UK
• Meals other than stated
• Clothing and Equipment

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Other Information

Accommodation

Accommodation will be in guesthouses and Alpine refuges throughout, including breakfasts and evening meals.

Equipment

Normal summer hill walking clothing and equipment will be required as per the website kit list. (A lightweight sleeping bag or hut liner will be required)

Transport

A local taxi will be utilised throughout the trip.

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