Itinerary

The lower-level walks are generally shorter and more relaxed, with moderate ascents and plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, villages and wildlife. The higher-level routes are longer and more demanding, with steeper climbs, rougher mountain paths and bigger days in the hills.

We’ve included the distances and ascents that we would normally expect to do. Some routes have different options, and the guides may adapt the walk during the day depending on conditions and how the group is getting on.

This is a sample itinerary. The exact walks may change depending on weather, trail conditions and the abilities and preferences of the group. Each walking day we offer two guided options, and you can switch between them during the week.

Day 1 – Arrival in Arenas de Cabrales

We’ll pick you up from Bilbao Airport or Bilbao Abando train station and transfer to Arenas de Cabrales, our base for the first part of the holiday. Once everyone is settled in, we’ll have a welcome briefing about the week ahead, followed by our evening meal.

Day 2 – Cares Gorge

Today both walking options explore the famous Cares Gorge, one of the best-known routes in the Picos de Europa. The path contours dramatically along the side of the gorge, high above the river, with huge limestone walls rising on either side.

Lower-level option: Cares Gorge

The lower-level walk explores roughly two thirds of the gorge before turning back, giving plenty of time to enjoy the views and the extraordinary path cut into the limestone cliffs.

Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles) · Ascent: 300 m (984 ft)

Higher-level option: Cares Gorge to Caín

The higher-level route continues all the way through the gorge to Caín at the far end. It is a long day in distance, but with relatively modest ascent compared with some of the other higher-level walks during the week.

Distance: 22 km (13.7 miles) · Ascent: 400 m (1,312 ft)

Day 3 – Sotres and the Central Massif

Lower-level option: Casetón de Ándara

We begin in alpine meadows and climb towards the old mining area of Ándara and the Casetón de Ándara mountain hut, which was originally used as miners’ accommodation. From here there are impressive views across the surrounding peaks and, on clear days, towards the sea. If conditions are right, we may also see the characteristic mar de nubes — the “sea of clouds” that sometimes fills the valleys below.

From the hut, there are two possible extensions: a circuit around Pico Mancondiú or a shorter route to the small lake of Pozo de Ándara.

Shorter option: 9.6 km (6 miles) · Ascent: 570 m (1,870 ft)
Longer option: 11.8 km (7.3 miles) · Ascent: 750 m (2,460 ft)

Higher-level option: Refugio Naranjo de Bulnes

A superb mountain walk starts from the high col of Pandébano and climbs towards one of the most famous peaks in the Picos, Naranjo de Bulnes, also known as Picu Urriellu. The refuge sits beneath the mountain’s great vertical walls, where we may see climbers tackling its famous rock faces. It is not a particularly long day in distance, but the route involves more than a thousand metres of ascent.

Distance: 13 km (8.1 miles) · Ascent: 1,050 m (3,445 ft)

Day 4 – Covadonga Lakes

Lower-level option: Majada de Belbín

Starting near the famous Covadonga Lakes, we walk through open meadows and traditional majadas — high summer pastures where shepherds still use traditional farming methods. The route passes through beautiful limestone scenery and gives a real sense of the pastoral character of the Picos.

If time allows, we can also visit the Basilica and Holy Cave of Covadonga, one of the most important historic and religious sites in Asturias.

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles) · Ascent: 390 m (1,280 ft)

Higher-level option: Refugio Vega de Ario

From the Covadonga Lakes we pass through the traditional pastures of Belbín before climbing across the high limestone plateau towards Refugio Vega de Ario. The route becomes increasingly mountainous as we gain height, with superb views across the central massif.

Distance: 16.6 km (10.3 miles) · Ascent: 860 m (2,820 ft)

Day 5 – Cabrales Cheese, Potes and Transfer to Cosgaya

Today is our rest, cultural and transfer day. In the morning, we visit one of the famous Cabrales cheese caves, where we learn how this distinctive blue cheese is matured in the cool, humid caves of the area. The visit finishes with a tasting of Cabrales cheese and traditional Asturian cider.

We then make the scenic journey around to Cosgaya, stopping in the medieval town of Potes along the way. Later in the day, we arrive at Hotel del Oso, our base for the second half of the holiday.

Day 6 – Fuente Dé

Both routes begin by taking the Fuente Dé cable car, which climbs 753 metres and gives us quick access to spectacular high-mountain scenery beneath the limestone peaks.

Lower-level option: Fuente Dé and Refugio de Áliva

After the cable car ride, our circular walk heads through alpine meadows beneath towering limestone peaks, passing Refugio de Áliva before returning to the upper cable car station for the descent.

Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles) · Ascent: 500 m (1,640 ft)

Higher-level option: Horcados Rojos (2,562 m)

From the cable car station we climb towards the col of Horcados Rojos, which offers spectacular views across the high Picos. Depending on conditions and the group, there may be the option to continue to the summit of Torre de los Horcados Rojos, a short but steeper and more exposed extension.

We also pass the tiny Cabaña Verónica refuge, a distinctive metal shelter built from part of an old naval gun turret.

Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) · Ascent: 800 m (2,625 ft)

Day 7 – Mogrovejo and the Eastern Massif

Lower-level option: Bajo Picos

This beautiful route takes us beneath the great limestone wall of the eastern massif, crossing beech and mixed woodland and passing through several traditional villages. It is a gentler final walking day with plenty of variety and excellent views.

Distance: 8.5 km (5.3 miles) · Ascent: 400 m (1,312 ft)

Higher-level option: Peña Oviedo

Starting from Mogrovejo, we climb towards the viewpoint of Peña Oviedo for superb views of the cliffs of the eastern massif. The route then passes through several attractive villages before continuing all the way back to the hotel, where we can finish the week with a well-earned drink on the terrace.

Distance: 12.6 km (7.8 miles) · Ascent: 400 m (1,312 ft)

Day 8 – Departure

After breakfast, we leave Cosgaya for the transfer back to Bilbao Airport or Bilbao Abando train station. The drive takes around three hours, so the earliest drop-off in Bilbao is approximately 11:30.

Please do not book a departing flight before 13:30.