Picos de Europa

Ascent Among Giants and Descent Through Beech Forests

Today marks the beginning of our true mountain adventure. We will leave Posada de Valdeón to tackle one of the most challenging stages of the tour, primarily due to the significant elevation gain rather than technical difficulty. Our route will take us up the slopes surrounding the majestic Torre del Friero and Torre de Salinas, offering breathtaking scenery all around.

We will reach the Cabén de Remoña, at an elevation of 1,780 meters, which is the highest point of our journey. From there, we will enter the Cantabrian region and descend spectacularly through beech forests and lush meadows until we arrive in Espinama, a charming village nestled in the mountains.

During this stage, part of our path coincides with the ancient Vadiniense route, which connects the Camino del Norte with the Camino Francés, crossing through the Picos de Europa.

Distance: 16 km Elevation Gain:* +1,000 m / -1,000 m

*Looking for an easier option? We can start at a higher point, either from Santa Marina de Valdeón or even from Puerto de Pandetrave.

Through the Áliva Valley: Pastures, Peaks, and Endless Beauty

Today’s stage is more manageable and takes place in a wide and picturesque environment: the glacial valley of Áliva, one of the most expansive and breathtaking landscapes in the Picos de Europa. We will walk through endless meadows, following an old mining track that is now used by Cantabrian and Asturian shepherds to access their flocks.

The route follows the course of the Duje River, which serves as a natural border between the Central and Eastern massifs. Surrounding us are peaks with their own names and rich histories: Peña Vieja, Picu Pozán, Cortes, Escamelláu, and Morra de Lechugales.

After a day of pure visual enjoyment, we will arrive in Sotres, one of the highest villages in Asturias, where a good dinner and a well-deserved rest await us.

Distance: 16 km   Elevation Gain: +750 m / -600 m

A spectacular descent and a relaxing end.

Today’s stage is shorter but filled with intense sensations. We begin in the picturesque and remote village of Tresviso, renowned for its Denomination of Origin blue cheese. From there, we descend along an old, stunning path into the La Hermida gorge, an impressive canyon that marks the entrance to the Picos from Cantabria.

This historic route has served as the only means of communication between Tresviso and the outside world for centuries. Carved into the rock, it was originally created for transporting zinc on horseback.

We conclude the day on a high note, resting at the Hotel Balneario de La Hermida, where we can indulge in its thermal waters and relax like royalty.

Distance: 8 km   Elevation gain: -800 m

Nature, tradition and flavor on an active rest day.

From our comfortable hotel, we’ll drive along the Hermida Gorge, following the waters of the Deva River through Cantabrian lands until we reach the Asturian province again at Panes, the point where the Cares River (which we met on the first day) and the Deva flow together toward the sea.
From here, we’ll continue our circuit around the Picos, ascending alongside the Cares through another stunning gorge until we arrive at Arenas de Cabrales and Poncebos, the main gateway to the Central Massif of the Picos de Europa.

Today’s hike leads us to one of the most beautiful villages in the park, famous for being the last one with no road access. The only alternative to this ancient path is a cogwheel train (built relatively recently) that travels through the heart of Peña Maín.
The trail to the village of Bulnes runs through the gorge, locally called the “Canal del Texu”. This beautiful path winds its way between the rocks, gaining elevation until it reaches the village. Until 2001, when the cogwheel train was inaugurated, this was the only way in or out. Everything was carried up and down through this ravine.

We’ll have lunch in the village, either at a restaurant or picnic-style, before retracing our steps back to the starting point. It’s worth noting that taking the cogwheel train down is always an option.
The rest of the day will be spent visiting and participating in an ethnographic route in the beautiful village of Asiegu (perhaps the best viewpoint of the Picos de Europa). Here we’ll take part in the “Cheese and Cider Route”, a peaceful walk during which we’ll uncover the secrets of two essential products in Asturian cuisine, culture, and tradition. A true delight for the senses.

Distance: 8 km (round trip)
  Elevation Gain/Loss: +500 m / -500 m


Today, we embark on one of the most spectacular and well-known hiking routes in Europe: the Senda del Cares. This remarkable trail is a natural wonder that winds through a gorge carved into the rock along the Cares River. Along the way, we will encounter hand-dug tunnels, hanging bridges, sheer vertical walls, and breathtaking views that enhance our experience throughout the day.

This path was created in the 1940s, utilizing an old water channel originally built for a hydroelectric plant. It represents an incredible feat of engineering, now offering us a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscape.

We will conclude our hike in the village of Caín, where tourism and pastoral life coexist harmoniously. After taking in the sights, we will return by van to Posada de Valdeón.

Distance: 13 km, Elevation Gain: +450 m / -100 m

Farewell among mountains and history
Just as we did on the first day with a small introductory route to the mountains of Picos de Europa, we don’t want to leave without one last walk. It will be a gentle farewell, and for this, on the way back to León, we will make a small stop on the slopes of the southern side of the Cantabrian Mountains to walk a small section of the Camino Vadiniense that we already touched at some point during our tour. Remember that this path connects the Camino del Norte with the Camino Francés.

Route: Stage 6 Camino Vadiniense, from Barniedo de la Reina to Riaño
A beautiful way to say “until next time” to the mountains of northern Spain, we will continue surrounded by these limestone masses, walking a path full of history and ending in Riaño, a quintessential mountain village with a sad history behind it, as the original village is now submerged under the waters of the enormous reservoir that today delights many travelers and whose margins are known as the “Leonese fjords,” but which brought great misfortune to many families who in the 80s saw their homes and ways of life submerged under the waters.

A well-deserved refreshment in one of Riaño’s bars, and if we have enough time, a good meal of some of the area’s specialties, will put an end to our mountain journey. One more hour of travel and we will be back in León where we will say goodbye to our companions and guides.
Distance: 12 km   Elevation gain: Imperceptible

* Please note that this itinerary may change slightly due to accommodation availability, weather conditions, festivals, or spontaneous side trips.
** Reminder: There will be NO van support for this walk.
*** This is not an endurance race or competition. Please be respectful of the different paces and walks of life that come together on this group trip.