DAY 18th Sept. ARRIVAL.
Arrive in Santander or Bilbao, with a transfer to Espinama. Check in at Hostal Remoña, followed by a briefing. Enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation.
DAY 19th Sept. Breakfast.
LEVEL A. HIKING TO HORCADOS ROJOS SUMMIT & CABAÑA VERONICA HUT (12KM, +800m/-800m) After breakfast, take a cable car to the starting point of your hike. Ascend to the summit of Horcados Rojos (2,506m) for breathtaking views of the Central Massif and the surrounding peaks. On the way back, visit the unique Cabaña Veronica hut before returning via cable car. Dinner and overnight in Hostal Remoña.
LEVEL B. CRUZ DE LA VIORNA PEAK & SANTO TORIBIO DE LIEBANA (10KM, +400m/-400m) A scenic route that offers a mix of waterfalls, forest trails, and spectacular views from the peaks of La Viorna and Alto de San Martín. Enjoy panoramic views of the Ándara Massif and other stunning landmarks. In the afternoon, we will visit the Santo Toribio Monastery and the medieval village of Potes. Return to Espinama for dinner and accommodation.
DAY 20th Sept. Breakfast
LEVEL A. HIKE TO VEGA DE LIORDES. (11 km, +970 m / -970 m). This route to Vega de la Liordes gradually rises from the head of the Camaleño valley to the high mountain, passing from the oak and beech forests around Fuente De to the alpine meadows at the foot of the cliffs of the Peñas de Cifuentes. The route traverses one of the areas of greatest ecological value within the National Park, with species such as the Cantabrian brown bear, wolf, deer, wild boar, and chamois, to name only the larger mammals. Liordes also offers rich mountain flora in the meadows of this magnificent valley. The route also features significant human elements, such as the remains of the old Liordes mines, which were accessed via the dizzying Tornos path. Return to Espinama for dinner and the night.
LEVEL B: MOGROVEJO VALLEY (10KM, +400m/-400m). The route begins and ends in the village of Mogrovejo, in the heart of the Camaleño valley. The excursion is worthwhile from the very start, as Mogrovejo was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1985. The walk lets you see some of the region's most representative forests, with the added bonus of being at the foot of the eastern massif of the Picos de Europa, in the Ándara massif. Return to Espinama for dinner and the night.
DAY 21st Sept. Breakfast
LEVEL A & B. EL CABLE – ALIVA – SOTRES. 12km +100m/-900m. (SELF-GUIDED). This route offers a good chance to enjoy the gorgeous Aliva Glacier Valley, which is also part of the GR-202 “Route of the Reconquest”. From the Cable, we walk up to Horcadina de Covarrobres, with magnificent views of the Aliva Glacier Valley. From here, we descend continuously, first to the Aliva Hut, then along the moraine of the great Aliva Glacier, crossing the border between Asturias and Cantabria, arriving at “Vegas del Toro”. This area is surrounded by grassland, and we will see cows, goats and herds of sheep. Finally, we reach Sotres. We have lunch in Sotres, and then our guides will take us to Arenas de Cabrales. Dinner and accommodation at Hotel Villa de Cabrales.
DAY 22nd Sept. Breakfast.
DAY OFF. Relax in Arenas de Cabrales, or you can opt for the following optional guided tours:
- Guided tour to Llanes: 50€
- Guided tour to Oviedo: 50€
- Kayaking on the Sella River: 50€
DAY 23rd Sept. Breakfast.
LEVEL A. NARANJO DE BULNES ADVENTURE (13KM, +900m/-900m) Drive to Sotres Village and then on to Pandebano hamlet, where the hike begins. Ascend to Collado Vallejo (1,500m), revealing views of the iconic Naranjo de Bulnes (Pico Urriellu, 2,519m). Reach the base of the mountain at 2,000m, where a refuge offers the chance to witness climbers on this legendary peak. Enjoy a packed lunch before retracing your steps back to Pandebano and returning to Llanes. Dinner and accommodation at Hotel Villa de Cabrales.
LEVEL B. THE CARES GORGE PATH (12KM, +150m/-250m) Experience the heart of the Picos de Europa by trekking through the renowned Cares Gorge. Walk along narrow passes and gorges, crossing bridges and tunnels carved into the rock. The trail follows the Cares River from Cain (León) to Poncebos (Asturias), offering dramatic views along the way. Dinner and accommodation at Hotel Villa de Cabrales.
DAY 24th Sept. Breakfast.
LEVEL A. HIKE TO CUETU TEJAU PEAK (2.129 m). 12KM +800m/-800m
This trek starts in Jito del Escarandi and follows the path past the Ándara mines and the Casetón mountain refuge. It then continues to Pozo de Ándara and then starts the climb up to Cuetu Tejau (2.129 m), which has magnificent views of the entire Eastern and Central Massifs of the Picos de Europa. Packed lunch at the top. After lunch, the route then descends the ridge with views of the Áliva glacier valley below. Transfer to Arenas de Cabrales. Dinner and Accommodation.
LEVEL B. MONTE CAMBA TRAIL. NARANJO DE BULNES AND CENTRAL MASSIF PEAKS PANORAMA ROUTE. CIRCULAR ROUTE. 14KM +530m/-530m
The walk begins directly from Tielve. We ascend softly up to the village of Sotres, with fantastic views of the Duje Valley. At Sotres, we rest and have lunch. After leaving the village, a forest path leads us up to the Cabin of the shepherds of La Caballar. We continue down where the scenery changes, crossing a beautiful beech forest. Looking skywards, it is possible to spot a variety of eagles and vultures roaming the thermals. Finally, the path leads us to a viewpoint at ‘Majada Tobaos’, which rewards us with commanding views of Tielve far below and the jagged peaks of the central massif in the distance. Dinner and accommodation at Hotel Villa de Cabrales.
DAY 25th Sept. Departure
Enjoy breakfast before transferring back to Santander or Bilbao for your departure.
