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 1.180
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 Eire
Exploring the Majestic Somiedo and Fuentes del Narcea Natural Parks – A HIKING TRIP THROUGH THE LAND OF CANTABRIC BEARS -

This Tour is ideal for hillwalkers with a good level of fitness & recent experience walking at grade A or B.

 

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the stunning landscapes of Northern Spain, exploring the heart of Asturias' most iconic natural parks, Somiedo and Cangas del Narcea. This adventure combines breathtaking mountain hikes, serene glacial lakes, and ancient Roman roads with rich cultural experiences, including visits to traditional "brañas" and an optional wine tour.

Each day offers a choice between two levels of hiking routes, ensuring an enriching experience for both seasoned adventurers and leisurely explorers. The routes will take you through spectacular alpine landscapes, dense oak forests, and remote villages, where you will witness centuries-old pastoral traditions. You will ascend to majestic peaks like Cornón and Muñón, walk through lush valleys and ridge paths, and marvel at the best-preserved oak forests in Europe.

As you explore, you will be immersed in the region’s cultural heritage, from ancient grazing lands to "teito" cabins and modern winemaking traditions. End your days in cozy accommodations, including the Parador Nacional de Corias, a former monastery turned into a luxury hotel and spa, where you can relax and rejuvenate.

Whether you seek thrilling mountain adventures or cultural relaxation, this trip promises a perfect blend of nature, history, and local charm. Discover the wild beauty and hidden gems of Asturias, where every hike offers awe-inspiring views and every village tells a story.

Depending on your brief, we can facilitate “A” walkers with more challenging options,  “B” walkers with shorter walks with more peaks & “C” walkers with comfortable walks featuring areas of historic or cultural interest.   The choice is yours. Just let us know in advance.

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 at Hotel Miño in Pola de Somiedo.
  • 3 nights at Parador Nacional of Corias in Cangas del Narcea.
  • 7 Breakfast 
  • 7 dinners to experience the gastronomy (food & wine) of the towns/villages.
  • All transport and listed activities. Airport transfers
  • Guides – English-speaking qualified/certified/approved guides
  • Insurances and taxes
  DOES NOT INCLUDE:
  • Picnic lunch.  It can be purchased in the hotel or local shops.
  • Extra optional Guided Wine Tour.
  • Flights 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

TOUR STRUCTURE

The tour company reserves the right to make changes to the structure of the tour program in advance of the tour start date where it considers it necessary to do so & will consult with the clients in advance. The circumstances where changes may be required may include weather conditions, flight/airport connection changes, cost increases of hotels, transport, guides or such other events that are material to the company not incurring a financial loss.

  

DEPOSIT

A deposit of €300 is required to reserve a place on the Tour.  The Deposit should be paid immediately to ensure that the tour company Rumbo a Picos can confirm your reservation & to ensure that the minimum number required to run the Tour has been reached. 

 

FINAL PAYMENT

Final payment must be made not later than 30 days before the tour start date.  

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

 

  • The tour company Rumbo a Picos reserves the right to cancel the tour if there is not a minimum number of participants up to 30 days prior to the tour start date.  In the event of such cancellation, participants shall be refunded 100% of the payments they have made to the tour company Rumbo a Picos. The refund shall be made by Bank Transfer to the client’s bank account within 7 days of the notified cancellation. 
  • If the client cancels his/her booking prior to the tour start date,  to cover the tour company’s costs & administrative expenses the company will retain for a  cancellation prior to 90days/€50, 60days/€100, 30days/€150 and will refund to the client all other payments received by the company from the client.
  • If the client cancels his/her booking within 30 days of the tour start date, the tour company will not make any refund to the client.
  • The tour company reserves the right to modify the tour program & the itinerary in the event of circumstances outside of its control such as Force Majure, severe or unsuitable weather or any other circumstances it considers necessary to ensure the safety of the tour participants. 
  • If a participant decides to abandon the tour for whatever reason, he/she should inform the Guide in writing of their decision.  Any related expenses must be paid by the participant.  

 

INSURANCES

 

INSURANCE INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. This insurance covers exclusively the risks related to your hiking activities with us and as a passenger in our company transport foreseen in the trip. It does not cover travel insurance.  

All customers must have travel and medical insurance. They should bring a copy with them and give it to the Rumbo a Picos leading guides at the start of the trip. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and travel cancellation expenses.