Internationale groepsreis Walking the Picos de Europa

Walking the Picos de Europa

A moderate - graded walking experience which gave time to take a relaxed pace, if needed. We were lucky to gel immediately as a group who adored the outdoors and the views with just enough physical exertion, while all had he ablility to push on if time was short. The weather is very variable, from sticky to thundery to burning hot to fresh and sunny. Every valley may have a different weather experience, therefore every day was a surprise. Evenings at the hotel were relaxed with great cooking, a full bar and extremely friendly hosts.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

My favourite walk, for range of surface underfoot, range of gradient and stunning views was the Tielve village at 620m to La Mesa peak in Main range of mountains at 1612m. The sun, fun and camaradarie were all perfect on that day.

What did you think of your group leader?

Álvaro was amzing. He took a personal interest in every member of the group and showed great pride in his area of Spain, while trying to cater for the needs of everybody with great humour. If he had any fault it was striving for a perfect experience every day - in the Picos weather, this can't happen.However, he adapted the itinerary accordingly each day, and even managed to salvage what would have been a thunderous disaster of a day by finding a riverside walk the was not on the agenda. He had a suberb instinct and excellent reflexes if a member was having some bother. He managed to be both rear and front leader at the same time, thanks to his mountain-goat qualities!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for any terrain, any climatic conditions. Be flexible.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Fantastic week

This was a fantastic week from start to finish. A comfortable hotel, fabulous food, stunning scenery and amazing walks.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The walks were all quite challenging, so we had a real sense of achievement and we saw some amazing scenery. Steep gorges, evidence of how people used to farm in the area, canals cut through rocks, snow, sun and beautiful green landscapes. The wildlife was fantastic - several types of vultures, a yellow and black salamander, orchids, hellebores and gnarled holm oaks.

What did you think of your group leader?

Alvaro is the best! He managed to meet all our needs, allowing those who wanted to walk faster clear directions of where to go and where to wait, while subtly supporting the slower members so that we all enjoyed the walks. His knowledge of the local area and its people, customs, wildlife, geology and history was exceptional.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The terrain is quite challenging at times (rocks, snow and mud) so walking poles can be helpful.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is a beautiful part of the world, highly recommended!

Loved every minute of the Picos

Great walks and scenery, lovely guide and support staff, great accommodation and catering - there's no reason not to book right now!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Some of the walks were quite challenging and if felt very rewarding to complete them. Alvaro the guide knows the Picos so well that he takes the group on walks that aren't marked which means that the group has the Picos all to themselves.

What did you think of your group leader?

Alvaro is amazing. He is very knowledgeable about the area and the environment and its history, and very passionate about walking and making sure that everyone has a great time. It was a pleasure to spend a week with him.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

All you really need are good hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket and a fleece. Probably waterproof pants would be good too. If you have more specialised clothing and equipment like walking poles then that's great, but don't feel like you need to buy a whole lot of gear to be prepared. We were really lucky with weather and I walked in pants and a tshirt, with a light jumper for the mornings and when we stopped for lunch. There are some really well priced hiking stores in Arenas de Cabrales where you can buy any clothing or equipment that you need. There's time on the afternoon that you arrive to shop, and the stores are open in the evening.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Picos de Europa - Recommended

Friends had recommended the Picos de Europa as a good place for a walking holiday. They weren't wrong. In places the conditions underfoot are similar to the limestone of the White Peak in Derbyshire or the Yorkshire Dales. However, the scenery is much more spectacular and varied as were the flowers and wildlife. Good hotel with friendly, knowledgeable and sociable staff , great food - provided that you have decent weather it would be hard to go wrong.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The panorama of the Naranjo de Bulnes from the La Mesa peak in the Main range of mountains

What did you think of your group leader?

Alvaro is someone special. He obviously loves the area and was able to find and identify plants, animals and birdlife for us as well as providing information on local history and customs. Where someone in the group had a particular interest he would pick up on this and point things out to them accordingly. He did an excellent job of looking after a group of people with different abilities, taking good care of the less capable/experienced walkers without frustrating those who wished to go at a faster pace

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We were fortunate enough to have good weather, but it was obvious from the condition of some of the paths that it could get very muddy in places. Depending on the time of year it would be best to be prepared for this as you might not be so lucky as we were

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was our first trip with Exodus. I very much liked the approach of using a leader with local knowledge of the area being visited

A Marvellous Week

We enjoyed every element of this trip, from the walking in beautiful countryside, to the hotel and the food. A marvellous week.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

All the walks were inspirational, with exceptional views, plus flowers and wildlife aplenty.

What did you think of your group leader?

Alvaro was a very cheerful, knowledgeable and competent guide whose enthusiasm was infectious. He cleverly changed the programme to fit the weather, so we did a gorge walk when the cloud could have hampered higher walks, and we walked above the cloud on the final day. We enjoyed his company and leadership very much.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The moderate rating seems entirely accurate. We finished each day tired but fulfilled.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A wonderful week in the Picos de Europa

It was a great week which far exceeded our expectations. Good food, comfortable hotel, magnificent views, and a really informed, enthusiastic and attentive guide who had the knack of making us all feel as if we had his undivided attention. The hotel owners, Jim and Pilar, went out of their way to satisfy our diverse dietary requirements and provided a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing the early morning sunlight on the mountain range from our bedroom window and knowing that we would soon be in amongst them.

What did you think of your group leader?

Alvaro is a great group leader. Every day he told us at breakfast what to expect from the day and what to take. Throughout the walk he was encouraging, informative and great company. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He organised the week's walks to suit the weather and on his day off was busy checking out the snow conditions for a walk later in the week. I can't speak highly enough of him.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Poles were useful. I needed more than 2 litres of water on the longer days but Alvaro carried extra water for the group as he was concerned about the heat. What a hero! The wild life was great - black redstarts, Egyptian and gryphon vultures, chamois, wild boar. For those interested in wild flowers, the first week of June was a good time to be in the mountains.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Take your binoculars and a good camera.

A Beautiful and Undiscovered Part of Spain and Very Challenging Walking

We purposely chose the challenging week for this trip as they always tend to offer fuller days out and at higher altitudes. We have never walked or considered this area of Spain prior to this trip but certainly were impressed by the area, accommodation, food and the walking that was offered. This trip certainly did ‘what it said on the can’! From the moment we arrived in Bilbao and were met by our guide Álvaro Saiz, the trip ran like clockwork. Despite the weather on arrival being quite unseasonable and looking like it may affect the higher level walking, Alvaro adjusted the days to suit and still gave us challenging walks each day that were full-on, demanding and rewarding. By the end of the week the weather had cleared showing the Picos de Europa in its full and stunning glory. The hotel and friendliness of the owners and staff made it very homely and welcoming. The views from the hotel were stunning and its close proximity to the very pleasant town was excellent. All the food offered at the hotel was first class and generous, including the packed lunches. This trip was the full package and the Picos, scenery, guide, daily transport, hotel and food were faultless. We were very sad to leave and hope to return again.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The whole area, stunning scenery and remote and challenging walking.

What did you think of your group leader?

We instantly warmed to Alvaro as soon as we met him. He is extremely knowledgeable, very motivated and passionate about his Country and knows how to deliver challenging walks to suit a challenge hungry group. However, he does also consider the shortfalls of the group and offers alternative shorter routes and short cuts to the less capable members of the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Remember, a challenging week is what is says and does offer higher mileage, altitude and longer days too. Make sure you are fit and prepared before you embark on the challenging week.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The day-off excursions offered are well planned, flexible and accommodating. Excellent return (there and back!) transport is arranged by the hotel staff at a moderate cost. We did the coastal walk to Llanes which provided us with contrasting coastal scenery, with views of the Picos in the background. We had an excellent lunch at Casa del Mer in Llanes, as recommended by Jim at the Hotel. A very rewarding trip in all respects.

Simply wonderful

My sixth, my wife's third, exodus trip, and the best by some distance. Think fabulous walking, excellent food, rustic but carefully caring accommodation and staff, and most of all a guide who makes everyone feel an individual not a member of a pack.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Taking the scramble to the summit of Mancondiu on the last day, and the Cares Gorge in fantastic weather (OK we were lucky there!).

What did you think of your group leader?

Alvaro is a true star. A local, with a fantastic knowledge of the Picos mountains, and a true dedication to protecting and preserving an area he truly loves. The only guide I've met with the ability to treat each of 16 people as an individual rather than just another visitor, Combine that with a great sense of humour and what more can you wish for?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Watch the weather. It can be very variable and changes rapidly.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Not one for severe vertigo sufferers!

Wonderful Pico's!

Wow - what a great place, Northern Spain is beautiful - the locals treat it as a separate country and in effect it is.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were a lot of great moments in the week: Alvaro our guide: what a star, the hotel food: lovely, the location and scenery: spectacular. The group of people who went on this trip were also fantastic...

What did you think of your group leader?

If you wanted to know "anything" Alvaro had the answer, I have very rarely met a more committed individual. All this knowledge was also delivered with sincerity - a very genuine person.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was my first Exodus Adventure and it will not be my last - I loved every moment..

Wonderful week in the Picos

I wasn't sure what to expect given that this was my first solo trip and the first time with Exodus. I shouldn't have worried though, it was a most excellent walking holiday. The scenery was stunning, the hotel lovely, the walking varied, the wildlife and flora beautiful, the fellow walkers splendid company and the tour guide just perfect (see below).

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Lunch stops in the most breathtaking of locations at (or near) the tops of mountains, with views to die for (and the anticipation of mostly downhill afterwards!).

What did you think of your group leader?

Alvaro made a good trip fantastic. His enthusiasm and passion for his country, his knowledge of all things plant and animal were great. However, what really stood out was his care for the whole group. Whether a bit slower than others, wanting a shorter walk, a fear of particular situations, Alvaro respected everyone as individuals and treated us all according to our needs and interests. And then when the going got really hot and tiring, Alvaro pulled out 5 two litre bottles of water that had been in the freezer overnight and were now beautiful iced water for all to share.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Picos de Europa July 2015

Spectacular scenery. Excellent guide. Good accommodation with lovely view from dining room. Great food.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Summit of Pena Main, summit of Mancondiu, Cares Gorge

What did you think of your group leader?

Lovely chap. Always helpful. Full of enthusiasm. Handled a difficult situation well. Could have a career in meterology.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Itinerary subject to change with weather

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The evening meals were always something to look forward to. Jim & Pilar were characterful hosts.

Picos De Europa

Excellent week of walking in the Picos De Europa.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking the length of the sensational Cares Gorge.

What did you think of your group leader?

Alvaro was fantastic. Extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the region.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Enjoy it all and sample the local food and drink. You should give the Asturian Cider a try.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Walking the Picos de Europa

Great walking, good company, top notch leader, stunning scenery and a lovely hotel.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Hard to choose, if pushed I'd have to say the walk taking in the summit of Macondiu peak and San Carlos peak. The Cares Gorge walk was also a highlight.

What did you think of your group leader?

In short, Alvaro is an excellent leader with a passion for the Picos.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This was the challenging week and is highly recommended.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A word for the Hotel Torrecerredo, a great place to stay (particularly for the food!) so a big thanks to Pilar, Jim and the team.

Walking in Picos de Europa

I have just returned from an August trip walking in the Picos de Europa; I feel as if I have been on the top of the world! I very rarely give anything more than four stars but this trip really was five star from beginning to end. I had several reservations whether I could manage the ascents, as coming from the Chilterns I am used to a few hills, not steep mountains. But our guide, Alvaro, was outstanding, and really sensitive to the needs of the whole group - and I made it to the top every time! Sometimes he led from the front and sometimes, where appropriate, he let the faster walkers go at their own pace and ran between the front and the back of the group to make sure we were all ok and felt supported...and all this whilst carrying up to 10 litres of water in case we ran out. His passion and enthusiasm for the area were infectious and it really is a spectacular area to walk in. The food at the hotel was excellent, especially the evening meal which was a four course affair, beautifully served and with a good range of choice for the mains. The hotel owners Jim and Pilar and their staff are all very friendly. We were blessed with great weather which certainly helped and my fellow walkers were a great bunch. As always with Exodus, single travellers should have no reservations about coming on their own.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Can't really single out any highlights - all the walks were in awe-inspiring landscapes and led to fantastic views.

What did you think of your group leader?

As above, the leader Alvaro was a fantastic guide and I have nominated him for the Leader Awards.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The rooms at the hotel vary in size and some of them are quite small. Views to the mountains from the bedrooms are better at the front of the hotel than the back. However you're not going to spend much time in them and on return from the walk you can always relax by the bar and have lovely views.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is a really unspoilt part of the world. Apart from in the Cares Gorge, we hardly ever met any other walkers. Just go!

Great holiday you shouldn't miss

Other than the timing of flights to/from Bilbao everything was excellent. We were very lucky with the weather but the walks, food (both in the hotel and on our free evening), the walking company were excellent.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The views were amazing , all the walks produced great sights and if you were fortunate and got a first floor room facing South at the Hotel, that was a amazing thing to wake up to. The number of birds circling high above looked fantastic

What did you think of your group leader?

Our guide not only knew all the routes, kept us safe but has a fantastic knowledge of the local flora/fauna. Great man

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If the weather is good, you might not want to come home

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Do some research about the area before going

Niels

Er is geen omschrijving ingevuld

Picos de europa

Well planned walks. Lovely scenery. First class leader. Comfortable hotel - excellent food

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

All walks were very good. Gorge walk, high level "balcony" walk in particular.

What did you think of your group leader?

First class. Knowledgeable. Enthusiastic. Put real effort into planning walks according to weather forecasts.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for a variety of weather in the mountains. Good quality waterproofs including boots were needed on the week I went.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Hotel owners and staff were welcoming and really helpful.

Walking in the Picos de Europa

An extremely well organised trip in a delightful hotel on the outskirts of a small but busy village. The trip was fully catered apart from the day off and the standard of cuisine was exceptionally high.Transport was provided to the coast on the day off and advice given on a walk along the coast and where to eat.The bar and outside terrace of the hotel provided an excellent place to end the day and sit outside enjoying drinks and sun.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The Carres gorge is a fantastic walk and we did it on the last day as this was forecast to be cooler and less crowded as many of the Spanish visitors were on their way home. The two scrambling summits we did were also highlights.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader Alvero was brilliant, he was full of enthusiasm, organised the programme to suit the walks to the weather conditions and even carried 8 litres of water for group use on very hot days.Jim the hotel owner and cheif cook was also extremely helpful and very interesting to talk to.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We spent a couple of days in Bilbao before the trip and one after to enable us to go Easy jet from Manchester. Exodus booked us the flights so we had a package.It is a fantastic compact city and the Guggenheim is an amazing piece of architecture.The town is well worth a visit. Shortage of plugs for charging devices so if you have a two way charger take it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Would thoroughly recommend it.

Picos Dr Europa

Varied walking in beautiful mountains

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Views of snow clad peaks from summits of walks

What did you think of your group leader?

Amazing! He had such a varied group he had his work cut out. His knowledge of everything relevant was excellent. He treated us all with respect and good humour.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared to have a wonderful holiday

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The owners were great too. Delicious food, informative and help when needed

Walking in Picos de Europa

A wonderful week of walking in amazing scenery. The hotel is very comfortable and the food 5 stars.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

All the walks were excellent but the Cares Gorge stood out as the scenery was magnificent.

What did you think of your group leader?

Alvaro was an outstanding leader. Very knowledgeable about the routes, the history, the flora..... He looked after the group very well and his level of fitness was superb. Nothing was too much trouble for him.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take binoculars to appreciate the scenery and bird life.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

After a good day's walking it was wonderful to come back to a superb evening meal and to relax looking at the mountains from the terrace and listen to the sound of the cow bells.