Trekkers, climbers and cavers have long frequented the Picos de Europa, drawn to the region by its challenging peaks, such as the monolithic Naranjo de Bulnes and the hardest rock climb in the world, spectacular long distance trails such as the famous Cares Gorge and complex cave systems, over 1000mts deep. Three massifs, Western, Central and Eastern make up this mountain range, forming the apex of the Cordillera Cantabrica which extends nearly the entire length of Spain´s ‘Green Coast’.
The summit of El Torrecerredo (2,648 m.), crowns this spectacular karstic range which is often described as a lunar landscape and with good reason, as much of the high Picos, is devoid of vegetation. In contrast the lower reaches often engulfed in the “orballu “ (swirling coastal mists) live up to their local name, ‘Green Spain'. Both the flourishing valleys and the upper meadows, festooned with wildflowers in the spring, provide excellent pastures.
There are still secluded rural hamlets that have no roads connecting them to the outside world, and the wildness of the landscape was one the main reasons that the Moors never conquered this part of Spain. Chamois are often seen across dotted across the hillsides, and due to a total ban on hunting are not at all shy, allowing us to approach well within camera range. Fire salamanders, a beautiful black and yellow striped newt, can often be seen, especially after a rain shower. The abundant bird life is dominated by raptors and vultures that constantly ride the thermals probing for sustenance. Around the rocky outcrops, kestrels, snow finches and wall creepers are all equally of interest to the ornithologist. .
On our summer wildlife tour we will explore all the types of landscape typical for northern Spain. Due to the great variety of different Habitats, from the Coastal cliffs, estuaries, diverse rivers, up to the high mountain-ranges, the north of Spain and especially the Picos de Europa, are the home to innumerable species of plants and animals, many of which endemic. During the course of the week, we will visit all these different habitats we a view to observing the most important and representative species.
Dates & Prices
Start |
Finish |
Nights |
Price |
21/03/2011 |
28/03/2011 |
7 |
€850.00 |
16/06/2011 |
23/6/2011 |
7 |
€850.00 |
27/10/2011 |
3/11/2011 |
7 |
€850.00 |
| Single Supplement (when available) |
€130.00 |
What's
Included: 7 nights
bed & breakfast, 6 evening meals and 5 picnics. 5 days guided walking. Transfers from either Bilbao, or Santander airports.
Not Included: Flights, 1 Evening meal, Personal Insurance, Alcoholic Drinks & Items of a personal nature.
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Tour Details
Itinerary: During the course of the week, we will do 5 day walks in and around the Picos Mountains. Although we try and stick to the published itinerary, sometimes it may be necessary to change the walk (or order) due to adverse weather conditions.
Distances and times: 4-5 hours walking per day, but with plenty of stops.
Group Size: Min: 2 Max 8.
Fitness: We grade the tour as 'Easy' (with some ‘challenging’ parts). However the walking should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking in hilly areas.
Weather: Throughout the course of the "season", the weather can vary greatly. If you are coming on the earlier or later dates, it’s advised to bring warm clothing, as it can get quite chilly on the "tops". From June - Sept, temperatures can reach the mid 30´s (occasionally more) The Picos, being "coastal" are subject to precipitation at all times of the year, so waterproofs are a must. (When it rains, it tends to do so late afternoon onwards, so we are normally spared a soaking). .
Your Guide: These tours are lead by Ilja Schroeder. Ilja moved to Spain over 20 years ago and specializes in photographing and studying the behaviour of amongst other things, wolves and bears. He is a regular contributer to various wildlife publications worldwide and has co authored a guide to northern Spain.
Insurance: All clients must have appropriate cover for the activities included for the duration of our trip.
General Information
Accommodation: This tour is based in the family run Hotel Torrecerredo. Arenas de Cabrales. Please see our hotel page within this web site for more information on the hotel facilities.
Baths/showers: All rooms are ensuite.
Breakfast: We provide a "Full" breakfast which consists of Fruit Juice, Tea / Coffee / Chocolate, Cereals, Ham / Cheese / Chorizo / Salam, Eggs to order, Toast / Butter / Marmalade, Sponge Cake, Fresh Fruit.
Evening Meals: 3 course evening meal, consisting of Soup of the day, choice of second course and a homemade sweet.
Single Supplements: Are available on request.
Language: Your guide and most of the hotel staff, speak English. But if you want to practice Spanish, you´re more than welcome!
Flights: If travelling from the UK, we recommend flying to Bilbao with Easyjet.
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Highlights
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival. Transfer from Bilbao Airport to our hotel in Arenas de Cabrales.
On the way to Arenas de Cabrales, we will stop at the Santoña estuary on the Cantabrian coast, one of the best places to spot birds in northern Spain. Here we will visit different viewpoints along the banks of the estuary, which is a very important resting place for migrating birds, where we can observe many.
Checklist:
Different Ducks, Geese, Red breasted Merganser, Black-necked Grebe, Turns, Turnstone, Whimbrel, Avocet, Black winged Stilt, Spoonbill, Great White Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret and Osprey.
Day 2: Alpine flowers and Eagles through the Andarra Massif. Taking advantage of our 4WD vehicle, we visit the high Eastern Massif of the Picos de Europa. Beside the access track to the little refuge called Caseton de Andarra, there are several examples of the unique flora in the Picos and if we are lucky we might see one of the rare Seoani Vipers, endemic in the Cantabrian Mountains. In this part of the massif we are in Chamois country and we would be unlucky not to see them.
Checklist:
Harrier, Booted Eagle, Short toed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Egyptian and Griffon Vultures, Rock Bunting, Chough and Wallcreeper.
Day 3: Walking through the empire of the Desman.Today we will walk along beside the Casaño River. This river, with its blue waters, is the perfect habitat for the rare Pyreneen Desman, endemic in northern Spain, along with Otters and Dippers. In the surrounding woods live Black Woodpecker, Fire salamanders and Newts.
Checklist:
Peregrine Falcon, Booted Eagle, Short toed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Egyptian and Griffon Vulture.
Day 4: Rest day or visit to the Green Coast.
Day 5: On the trail of the Wallcreeper .Today we will walk through one of the most spectacular landscapes of the Picos de Europa. Starting at the higher station of the Fuente De cable car, at a height of nearly 2000 Mts, we will enjoy the spectacular views over the Liebana Valley and the fantastic Mountain vistas. Later we continue on a track into the spacious Aliva Valley. Apart from interesting flowers such as, different kinds of Gentians and Lilies, we can also observe a grand variety of birds.
Checklist: The Wallcreeper with its striking plumage and extraordinary crimson wings.
Harrier, Booted Eagle, Short toed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Egyptian and Griffon Vultures, Rock Bunting, Chough, Rock Thrush, Wheatear, Snowfinch and Alpine Swift.
While following the trail into the valley, we might see Chamois grazing on the rocky scree slopes and if we are very lucky, perhaps one of the very rare wolfs, chasing deer.
Day 6: Amongst Vultures. After a short drive to the spectacular La Hermida-Gorge, we make different stops at interesting places beside the river, where we can see Dippers and Kingfisher. We also might see signs of Otter or even Desman. Later we follow a winding road leading us higher up the canyon through some pastures, where we can find a grand variety of different orchids. Highlight today will be the viewpoint high above the Gorge, from where there are fantastic views over the Gorge and parts of the Cantabrian Mountains.
Checklist:
Peregrine Falcon, Booted Eagle, Short toed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Egyptian and Griffon Vulture, and in the extensive woods life Middle Spotted Woodpecker and Black Woodpecker.
Day 7: Black-Shouldered Kite . Our today's excursion will lead us to the lover Deva- Cares river where we explore the alluvial forests. Here we have got the possibility to observe Kingfisher, Dipper, Sand martins, Golden Oriole among others. The river is home-range for Otters, Desmans, Martens, Wildboar and many more. These dense and damp woods are the territory for Salamanders and Newts like for example the Marbled Newt.
In the afternoon we then visit the San Vicente estuary and the Oyambre natural park, a well known area for Waterfowl. Our special interest here is to observe the very rare Black-Shouldered Kite. In fact the only breeding pair of this interesting bird in northern Spain
End of Tour: After breakfast on Day 8. Transfer back to either Santander or Bilbao (if required)
How to book: Please email or call us on +34 985 846 640 to check availabilty.
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