SUNDAY 27 JUNE • ARRIVAL IN SANTANDER & LLANES
Arrive in Santander and transfer to Llanes. After checking in at Hotel Finca La Mansión, meet the team for a briefing on the week’s routes, practical arrangements and walking options. Dinner and overnight accommodation are included at the hotel.
MONDAY 28 JUNE • COVADONGA LAKES
LEVEL A · LAKES OF COVADONGA & MIRADOR DE ORDIALES · 16 KM · +650/−650 M
This classic walk through the Western Massif begins at Lake Enol and continues to Lake Ercina, the national park's best-known lakes. From there, the route crosses a beautiful beech forest to Pandecarmen and climbs towards the Vegarredonda refuge. As the trail gains height, the massif's higher peaks come into view, and chamois are frequently seen. Beyond the refuge, a rockier but well-defined path leads to the Ordiales refuge and the Mirador de Ordiales, the burial place of Pedro Pidal, who founded the national park in 1918. The viewpoint looks across the Angón Valley from the edge of a dramatic 1,000-metre drop. Return to Llanes for dinner and accommodation at Hotel Finca La Mansión.
LEVEL B · THE ROUTE OF THE MAJADAS · 12 KM · +400/−400 M
From Lake Enol, this moderate circuit enters the high mountain meadows known locally as majadas. The route follows paths past La Reblagas and the Toyeyo majada before continuing towards Vega de Ario, with changing views across the Picos and, on clear days, towards the Cantabrian Sea. It also passes through Belbín, an important summer grazing settlement associated with Gamonéu cheese production. The combination of open pasture, limestone scenery and traditional livestock culture gives this route a distinctive Picos character.
LEVEL C · AROUND THE COVADONGA LAKES · 10 KM · +250/−250 M
The walk starts at Lake Ercina in the heart of the range and climbs gently to La Reblagas before reaching the beautiful Bricial majada. These summer meadows are still used for horses, sheep and other livestock. The route continues towards Vega de Enol through a beech forest, where the group can pause for a packed lunch with views of Las Peñas Santas, then finishes at Lake Enol. In the afternoon, visit Covadonga’s basilica and the Holy Cave, home to the Virgin of Covadonga, before returning to Llanes.
TUESDAY 29 JUNE • CENTRAL MASSIF & MONTE CAMBA
LEVEL A · NARANJO DE BULNES ADVENTURE · 13 KM · +900/−900 M
Drive to Sotres and continue to the hamlet of Pandébano, where the walk begins. The ascent reaches Collado Vallejo at around 1,500 metres and reveals the first close views of Naranjo de Bulnes, also known as Pico Urriellu (2,519 m). The trail continues to the mountain’s base at approximately 2,000 metres, where the refuge provides a privileged viewpoint over one of Spain’s most legendary climbing peaks. After a packed lunch, retrace the route to Pandébano and return to Llanes.
LEVEL B · MONTE CAMBA CIRCULAR TRAIL · 14 KM · +530/−530 M
Tielve and Sotres are two villages closely linked to Cabrales cheese and to livestock traditions maintained over many generations. This circular trail loops around Monte Camba, the mountain separating the two villages, and passes through the surrounding grazing areas. It is a varied mountain day combining open viewpoints, rural paths and a direct insight into the pastoral landscape of the Picos.
LEVEL C · MONTE CAMBA LINEAR TRAIL · 10 KM · +200/−530 M
Starting in Sotres, this gentler route opens onto broad views of the Duje Valley and the peaks of the Central Massif. The path descends through beech forest, with chances to see eagles and vultures, and reaches the viewpoint at Majada Tobaos for a commanding perspective over the valley. Return to Llanes for dinner and accommodation at Hotel Finca La Mansión.
WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE • DAY OFF IN LLANES
Relax in Llanes or enjoy an optional activity.
Optional guided activities
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Guided coastal path · €50
A guided version of the coast walk through beaches, cliffs and the Pría blowholes.
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Guided visit to Oviedo · €50
A cultural day in the Asturian capital with a local guide.
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Kayaking on the Sella · €50
A recreational descent on one of Asturias’ best-known rivers.
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Independent day
Enjoy Llanes and the coast without joining an organised excursion.
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THURSDAY 1 JULY • THE CARES GORGE
THE CARES GORGE PATH
Walk through the heart of the Picos de Europa on the celebrated Cares Gorge path. The trail follows the Cares River from Poncebos in Asturias to Caín in León, crossing bridges and rock-cut tunnels while dramatic limestone walls rise on both sides. After the walk, transfer to Espinama. Dinner and overnight accommodation are at Hostal Remoña.
FRIDAY 2 JULY • FUENTE DÉ & THE ÁLIVA VALLEY
LEVEL A · HORCADOS ROJOS SUMMIT & CABAÑA VERÓNICA · 12 KM · +800/−800 M
After breakfast, take the Fuente Dé cable car to the trailhead. The route climbs through the high limestone landscape of the Central Massif to the summit of Horcados Rojos (2,506 m), with extensive views across the surrounding peaks. On the return journey, visit the distinctive Cabaña Verónica hut before descending again by cable car. Dinner and overnight accommodation are in Espinama.
LEVEL B · GLACIAL VALLEY OF ÁLIVA · 14 KM · +150/−950 M
Take the cable car to the upper station and walk through the broad glacial valley of Áliva. High pastures stretch between the Central and Eastern Massifs, creating one of the week’s most open landscapes. Stop at a mountain refuge for refreshments, then continue the long descent to Espinama for dinner and accommodation.
LEVEL C · GLACIAL VALLEY OF ÁLIVA · 10 KM · +250/−250 M
From the upper cable-car station, follow an easier out-and-back route into the Áliva Valley. The walk takes you through high pastures and offers views between the Central and Eastern Massifs, with time for refreshments at a refuge before returning to the cable car. Dinner and overnight accommodation are at Hostal Remoña.
SATURDAY 3 JULY • LA VIORNA & POTES
LEVEL A · CRUZ DE LA VIORNA & RETUMBIA WATERFALL · 12 KM · +600/−750 M
A scenic route combining waterfalls, woodland trails and wide mountain views. The walk reaches the summits of La Viorna and Alto de San Martín, where the panorama extends towards the Ándara Massif and other prominent landmarks of the eastern Picos. The descent continues through varied terrain before the return to Espinama for dinner and accommodation.
LEVEL B & C · CRUZ DE LA VIORNA CIRCULAR ROUTE · 8 KM · +400/−400 M
This shorter circular route also reaches the viewpoints of La Viorna and Alto de San Martín. From the high ground, enjoy clear perspectives over the Ándara Massif and the surrounding valleys before following the circuit back. Return to Espinama for dinner and accommodation.
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A shared cultural stop
All groups will also visit the medieval village of Potes.
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SUNDAY 4 JULY • DEPARTURE
RETURN TO SANTANDER
Enjoy breakfast before the transfer back to Santander for departure.
