Robin Walker

Walking in the Picos de Europa

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Spain’s Picos de Europa, where jagged limestone peaks soar above lush valleys, ancient beech and oak forests, and dramatic gorges carved deep into the earth. Highlights include classic valley rambles, exhilarating gorge traverses, and rewarding ascents to panoramic summits, revealing the Covadonga lakes, the awe-inspiring Cares Gorge, and a mosaic of traditional villages and pristine mountain wilderness. Ideal for walkers of all abilities, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook features 38 graded day walks and 4 short treks (3–4 days) through the regions of Cangas de Onís, Cabrales, Liébana, Valdeón, and Sajambre. Each route uncovers the striking karst landscapes and rich biodiversity that have made the Picos de Europa a jewel among Spain’s mountain ranges. Walks are graded by difficulty, making it easy to select an adventure that matches your experience and ambition. Many routes take advantage of the area’s well-connected valleys, offering easy access to the heart of the Picos de Europa, Spain’s first National Park. Explore celebrated Picos de Europa destinations, including Cangas de Onís, Cabrales, Liébana, Valdeón, and Sajambre, as well as classic routes to the Covadonga lakes and through the Cares Gorge. Walks range from gentle 6km (4-mile) strolls to challenging 22km (14-mile) hikes, with walking times from 3 to 8 hours. The Picos de Europa are best enjoyed between May and October, when wildflowers fill the valleys, and stable weather prevails, though many routes can be enjoyed year-round, even in winter. Features 1:50,000 maps and downloadable GPX tracks for every walk, ensuring straightforward navigation and confident route-finding in these striking mountain landscapes. Each route includes an at-a-glance information box with distance, ascent and descent, estimated time, grade, start and finish points, public transport options, and accommodation, ideal for planning your Picos de Europa mountain adventure. Practical guidance covers everything you need for your Picos de Europa trip: essential equipment, preparation, travel and access, accommodation choices from campsites to luxury hotels, mountain safety, local cuisine, and advice for botanists and wildlife enthusiasts. Includes summary tables for quick route comparison, review highlights, distance, grade (Easy, Moderate, Difficult, Very Difficult), and estimated duration to easily plan your walks and treks in the Picos de Europa. Plan your adventure in the Picos de Europa with this definitive Cicerone guidebook and discover a region of limitless variety, where every path leads to new wonders and the spirit of Spanish mountain adventure awaits.