Hiking & Adventure Trips

Exploring the Majestic Somiedo and Fuentes del Narcea Natural Parks

calendar_month 8 days trip
trip Group trip
location_on Trip to know Spain, Cordillera Cantábrica
Exploring the Majestic Somiedo and Fuentes del Narcea Natural Parks
from 1.350 €
I want to know more
public Cantabrian mountains
public Spring
public Autumn
public Hiking trips
Viajes de Senderismo
public Easy Level
Baja
public Moderate Level
Media
public Guided Inn-based hiking tours
De hotel en hotel
public walking clubs

Exploring Somiedo and Fuentes del Narcea

An eight-day walking adventure through the land of the Cantabrian brown bear.

Recommended walking level: The full programme is designed for hillwalkers with a good level of fitness and recent experience of Grade A or Grade B walks.

Discover the wild heart of Asturias

Embark on an unforgettable journey through two of northern Spain’s most remarkable protected landscapes: Somiedo Natural Park and Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias Natural Park.

This adventure combines spectacular mountain walks, peaceful glacial lakes, ancient routes and remote villages with the traditions, gastronomy and cultural heritage of western Asturias.

Walk through high mountain pastures, deep valleys and extensive oak forests in one of Spain’s most important areas for the conservation of the Cantabrian brown bear.

Highlights of the journey

  • Somiedo’s glacial lakes
    Walk through magnificent glacial landscapes and discover the celebrated Saliencia Lakes and Lago del Valle.
  • Traditional brañas and teito cabins
    Explore ancient summer grazing areas dotted with distinctive stone cabins roofed with broom.
  • Mountain summits
    Take on rewarding ascents to impressive peaks such as Cornón and Muñón.
  • Remote valleys and ridges
    Follow mountain paths through peaceful valleys, open pastures and panoramic ridgelines.
  • Ancient paths
    Walk along historic routes that reveal the region’s Roman, pastoral and rural heritage.
  • Local wine traditions
    Discover the distinctive winemaking heritage of Cangas del Narcea, with an optional wine experience.

The forests of Fuentes del Narcea

Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias Natural Park is the largest natural park in Asturias and one of the wildest landscapes in northern Spain.

Its rivers and ancient glaciers have shaped a remote territory of mountains, valleys, oak and beech forests, providing an important habitat for the Cantabrian brown bear and many other species.

At the heart of the park lies the Muniellos Integral Nature Reserve, home to Spain’s largest oak forest and one of the most extensive and best-preserved oak woodlands in Europe.

Nature, culture and pastoral traditions

Throughout the journey, you will discover a landscape shaped by centuries of mountain life.

Traditional brañas, teito cabins and summer grazing areas preserve the story of the communities that have lived and worked in these mountains for generations.

Each walk offers a different combination of natural beauty, rural heritage and peaceful surroundings, providing an authentic introduction to western Asturias.

Stay at the Parador de Corias

Part of the journey includes a stay at the Parador de Corias, situated in the historic monastery of San Juan Bautista near Cangas del Narcea.

Known as the “Escorial of Asturias”, this remarkable building combines history and modern comfort in a privileged setting overlooking the Narcea River.

After a day in the mountains, guests can relax in its comfortable surroundings and enjoy the option of visiting the hotel’s spa.

Choose the right level for your group

Depending on your group’s requirements, the walking programme can be adapted to different abilities and interests.

  • A — Challenging
    More demanding mountain routes with longer distances, sustained ascents and summit opportunities.
  • B — Moderate
    Shorter walking days with reduced ascent, rewarding viewpoints and achievable mountain routes.
  • C — Leisurely and cultural
    Comfortable walks through valleys, villages and places of historical, cultural or natural interest.

The choice is yours

Tell us in advance about your group’s walking experience, preferred level and interests. We will adapt the programme to create the right Asturias experience for your group.

Day 1. Arrival in Santander

Arrival in Santander airport. Transfer to Pola de Somiedo stopping along the way in some interesting place. Check-in and briefing at Hotel Miño. Dinner and accommodation.


Day 2

LEVEL A. SOMIEDO LAKES – ALBO PEAKS – LAKE VALLEY. LINEAL ROUTE. 16KM +700m/-1.100m

Transfer to Somiedo Natural Park. First, we start walking the glacial lakes of Somiedo and its meadows of historical transhumant use; then, we undertake the ascent to the Albos massif. After a short but steep climb, we will reach the eastern summit, from which we will get a unique view of the lakes and the mountain range. Now, we will descend to the hill to climb to the next summit, the western Albo peak. Here, a new landscape opens with the Lake Valley. After lunch, we will descend through the beautiful glacial valley, enjoying the landscape surrounding us until the town of Valle de Lago. Transfer to Pola de Somiedo. Dinner and accommodation.

 

LEVEL B. FARRAPONA MOUNTAIN PASS – LAKE VALLEY. LINEAL ROUTE. 15KM +450m/-650m

We will begin our route from the Farrapona mountain pass, crossing the Somiedo Lakes and the different sheepfolds around it and the mining remains. Then, crossing large meadows, we will reach "Los Pozos", from where the glacial formation of the Lake Valley can be perfectly observed.

We will go down a path to the lakeshore, a beautiful place to have lunch under the Albos massif and La Sierra de la Mortera. After lunch, we will descend through the stunning glacial valley, enjoying the landscape surrounding us until the town of Valle de Lago. Transfer to Pola de Somiedo. Dinner and accommodation.


Day 3

LEVEL A. ASCENT TO CORNON PEAK (2,125M). ROUND TRIP. 16,5KM +750m/-750m

Today's route begins from the town of Santa María. Then, we will climb the best-known peak of Somiedo el Cornón, from which we can enjoy incredible views of the entire Natural Park and the surrounding mountains, such as Ubiña or El Cabril. On clear days, it is also possible to see the Sea. Between mountain meadows and broom areas, we reach height until the base of the Cornón peak. Until reaching the summit, the last part goes along white quartzites covered with lichens, which, depending on the light and humidity conditions, give it different colours. Finally, we will return on the same path. Transfer to Pola de Somiedo. Dinner and accommodation.

 

LEVEL B. ROUTE TO CORNON PEAK. ROUND TRIP. 12KM +450m/-450 m

It is the same route as Level A but does not reach the Summit.Transfer to Pola de Somiedo. Dinner and accommodation. 


Day 4

LEVEL A. ASCENTO TO MUÑÓN PEAK & ROMAN ROAD “LA MESA”. CIRCULAR ROUTE. 18KM +1.100m/-1.300m 

An Alpine route, which runs through very varied landscapes: lush forests, narrow limestone gorges, aerial ridges, extensive meadows, well-preserved "brañas de corros" and that runs along a road that is more than 2,000 years old, the Via Romana de La Mesa, which preserves still parts of the original cobblestones and the ancient Roman thousands.

We leave the Saliencia car park towards the path that runs through the "Arroxos Gorge" through a beautiful oak forest that is gaining height to reach the alpine meadows of the port of La Mesa. From here, the terrain is steeper, and we will have to help each other in some steps to reach the crest that gives access to the sharp summit of Pico Muñón, with breathtaking views towards the Saliencia Valley, Torrestío, Ubiñas, etc.

The descent will be done through the Puerto de La Mesa, crossing the "braña de Morteras", and from here, we will go down to Saliencia again. Transfer to Pola de Somiedo. Dinner and accommodation.

 

LEVEL B. “BRAÑAS DE SALIENCIA” & ROMAN ROAD “LA MESA”. CIRCULAR ROUTE. 13KM +600m/-600m 

The same route as Level A, but not going to the Muñon Peak. Transfer to Pola de Somiedo. Dinner and accommodation.


Day 5

LEVEL A & B. BRAÑAS VAQUEIRAS & ASCENT TO MICHU PEAK. CIRCULAR ROUTE. 11KM +400m/-400m 

The Brañas Vaqueiras de Teverga route has become one of the most popular walks to enjoy this Asturian council full of environmental and cultural treasures such as its bear forests or its "teito cabins". Furthermore, this circular route that joins several "brañas" adds extra attraction, such as the ascent to Michu Peak, a fantastic viewpoint of this entire Tevergan area and at the same time of a large part of the neighbouring council of Somiedo, which we have travelled during the previous days. Transfer to Cangas del Narcea. Dinner and accommodation in Parador Nacional de Corias.


Day 6

On this day, you can rest in the Parador Nacional of Corias and relax in the SPA of the Parador.

If you prefer, you can do a Guided Wine tour. 

Guided Wine Tour. 3,5 hours.

Discover the rich history and winemaking tradition of the Cangas del Narcea area. We will follow in the footsteps of wine and enjoy a complete visit to the vineyards and wineries, where centuries of culture and the passion of a family dedicated to wine merge. From the old vineyards to the modern ones, we will learn about the different types of grapes, soils and cultivation techniques. We will discover the winemaking processes and the utensils used in the winery. The experience will culminate with a tasting of the winery's wines, paired with local products. Let yourself be carried away by the tradition, enjoyment and paradise each glass of wine contains.

 

Dinner and Accommodation in Parador Nacional de Corias.

 


Day 7.

LEVEL A & B. THE MUAL FOREST. CIRCULAR ROUTE. 10KM +550m/-550m 

To complete this unforgettable week, we approach Mual, the largest oak forest in Spain and one of the best preserved in Europe. We are near the Muniellos forest (Biosphere Reserve), which only 20 people are allowed to visit daily. It is the most protected natural space in Asturias.

To enjoy the immensity of the Atlantic forest and its traditional uses, we will tour a beautiful alternative to Muniellos from the town of Mual, ascending to Montecín and descending through La Collada el Chanu. Transfer to Cangas del Narcea. Dinner and accommodation in Parador Nacional de Corias.

 


Day 8

Transfer back to Santander airport. 

  IT INCLUDES:
  • 4 nights in Pola de Somiedo
    Four nights’ accommodation at Hotel Miño.
  • 3 nights near Cangas del Narcea
    Three nights’ accommodation at the historic Parador de Corias.
  • 7 breakfasts
    Breakfast is included each morning of the programme.
  • 7 dinners
    Seven dinners offering the opportunity to enjoy the traditional food and wine of the towns and villages visited.
  • Transport and airport transfers
    All scheduled transport detailed in the itinerary, including airport transfers.
  • Listed activities
    All activities specifically included in the published tour programme.
  • Professional English-speaking guides
    Qualified, certified or officially approved guides throughout the walking programme.
  • Activity insurance and taxes
    Activity insurance for the walking programme and all applicable taxes are included.
  DOES NOT INCLUDE:
  • Picnic lunches
    Picnic lunches are not included but can be ordered from the hotels or purchased from local shops.
  • Optional guided wine tour
    The guided wine experience is optional and can be booked separately.
  • Flights
    Flights to and from the destination are not included.

Important booking information

Terms & Conditions

Please read these terms carefully before booking your tour. They explain our payment, cancellation, itinerary and insurance conditions.

By booking a tour with Rumbo a Picos, participants acknowledge and accept the conditions set out below.

01

Tour programme and itinerary

Rumbo a Picos reserves the right to make reasonable changes to the tour programme before departure when considered necessary. Whenever possible, clients will be consulted and informed in advance.

Changes may be required as a result of:

  • Weather or mountain conditions
  • Flight or airport connection changes
  • Increased hotel, transport or guide costs
  • Other significant circumstances affecting the tour

Any adjustments will be made with the aim of maintaining the safety, quality and financial viability of the tour.

02

Payments

Deposit €300

Reserve your place

A deposit of €300 per person is required to reserve a place on the tour. It should be paid promptly so that Rumbo a Picos can confirm your reservation and determine whether the minimum number of participants has been reached.

Final payment 30 days

Before departure

The outstanding balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the tour start date.

03

Cancellation policy

Cancellation by Rumbo a Picos

Rumbo a Picos may cancel a tour up to 30 days before departure if the minimum number of participants has not been reached. In this event, participants will receive a full refund of all payments made to Rumbo a Picos. Refunds will be paid by bank transfer within seven days of the cancellation notice.

65 days or more

Full refund

For cancellations made 65 days or more before departure, all payments received by Rumbo a Picos will be refunded in full.

64–31 days

50% cancellation fee

Cancellations made between 64 and 31 days before departure are subject to a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the amount paid. The remaining balance will be refunded.

30 days or fewer

No refund

No refund will be provided for cancellations made 30 days or fewer before departure.

Changes beyond our control

Rumbo a Picos may modify the programme or itinerary due to circumstances beyond its control, including force majeure, severe or unsuitable weather, or any other situation requiring changes to protect participants’ safety.

Leaving a tour early

A participant who decides to leave the tour for any reason must inform the guide of their decision in writing. Any costs arising from that decision will be the participant’s responsibility.

04

Insurance

Travel with the right protection

Activity insurance is included, but every participant must also arrange suitable personal travel insurance.

Included

Activity insurance

This insurance exclusively covers risks arising from the hiking activities included in the tour programme.

Activity insurance does not replace personal travel insurance.

Required

Personal travel insurance

Every participant must obtain personal travel insurance with adequate cover for:

  • Overseas medical treatment
  • Emergency evacuation and repatriation
  • Baggage and personal equipment
  • Travel and tour cancellation costs

Important: Participants must bring proof of their travel insurance. The guides will ask to see it at the beginning of the tour.

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