Mountains, Forests and Villages of the Picos de Europa
Highlights include:
- Spectacular gorges
- Soft morning mists
- High mountain scenery
- Friendly local accommodation
- Abandoned villages of the Beyos
- Ancient forests
General Summary
We are delighted to announce this exciting photography holiday that explores locations in the very heart of the magnificent Picos de Europa one of the most wild and spectacular mountain ranges in the Northern Hemisphere. Soaring to nearly 9,000 feet and barely 20 miles from the Atlantic coast of Northern Spain, the three main massifs of this magnificent mountain region are divided by deep valleys and gorges created by sharp spurs of ice from ancient glaciers and the powerful force of river water. This bizarre lunar landscape is further enhanced by soft, morning mists and shifting light rising out of high pastures. Far removed from the dry and overpopulated southern ‘costas’ this little-known part of Spain remains an enigma with isolated villages and dense forests. A wild, rugged coastline, and a strong Celtic culture contribute to make this a truly magical photographic destination strongly reminiscent of Tolkien’s ‘hobbit land’, a really astonishing place, increasingly popular for those of us who want to absorb energy and peace from some of the last austere wilderness landscapes in Europe and capture some really exciting and different images.
Traveling mainly by foot, we will get the opportunity to explore locations generally un-visited by photographers. Geraldine, an experienced mountain guide with an intimate knowledge of the area will take care of our safety, whilst Martin will be drawing on his past experiences working in the Picos to offer expert guidance on the photographic front. Some days will be quite energetic, but guests will always have the possibility of taking the transport option if energy levels are low. A love of the mountains, some previous walking experience and your photographic antenna are all that is needed to thoroughly enjoy this exciting holiday.
Brief Itinerary
For full details download the PDF dossier
Day 1 – Transfer to Mountain Village Hotel
There will be one pick up early evening from Santander airport to family run hotel in the traditional mountain village of Espinama.
Day 2 – High Mountain Walk
Today our route takes us through a seemingly in-penetrable amphitheatre of impressive limestone cliffs through the narrows of Tournos de Liordes into high mountain pastures, a superb location to capture the jagged peaks of the central and western massiffs of the Picos. Our descent takes us through gorgeous beech woods to our hotel in the tiny hamlet of Cordiannes in Castilla de Léon.
Day 3 – The abandoned villages of the Beyos
A gentler day giving us the chance to explore and capture some rural images in the land that time seemingly forgot: abandoned villages, a gentle way of life where the women work in the fields, men scythe the meadows and wear clogs!
Day 4 – The Cares Gorge
Following a morning exploration of the tiny and remote village of Cain, we make one of the most spectacular and memorable outings that the Picos can offer: a traverse of the Garganta del Cares. The Cares Gorge with it’s deep ravines, exotic plant life, dizzying cliffs and ever-changing light will always present us with the opportunity to make some dramatic and extraordinary images.
Day 5 – Medieval village of Bulnes
Following a morning visit into Arenas de Bulnes, we ascend to Bulnes on a delightful path that climbs steeply beside a pretty mountain stream. Bulnes is an attractive and relatively un-spoilt medieval village tucked away in the folds of the Picos. Until recently cut off from civilization except for the mule trail that we will walk, this pretty village is located in an unique place to allow extensive views of the surrounding beech/oak forests and mountains.
Day 6 – Ancient cobbled pathways
Following an ancient cobbled path that runs alongside a stream, we ascend passing through an autumnal forest of beech, hazel and oak until the start of the La Helguera meadows where delightful old shepherd’s dwellings, constructed of stone, are dotted around the ‘Majada’ and on to Sotres the highest village in the Picos de Europa.
Day 7 – The heart of the Picos: El Naranjo
Today we will take travel by 4×4 vehicle along the old mountain road that divides the eastern and central massifs of the Picos de Europa to walk into the very heart of the amazing Karstic Picos landscape. From a high mountain col we will hopefully have superb views of the mighty granite tower El Naranjo. We descend by cable car to the valley and our comfortable traditional family hotel.
Day 8 – Potes and lunch by the River Deva
A morning in the medieval market town of Potes with Roman bridges, cathederal, cobbled streets, quaint shops under stone arches and cider bars. A final lunch by the River Deva before a transferring for a late afternoon flight from Santander.
What’s included
- All Accommodation based on twin shared. Single supplement will be £150
- Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner except for Day 1(dinner only) Day 2 (breakfast and lunch only)
- All in country transport suitable to the terrain
- Transfers to and from Santander airport
- Guide
- Photographic tutor
- Wine with meals
What’s not included
- International flights
- Alcoholic beverages other than wine with meals
- Snacks and beverages other than with meals
- Travel Insurance
Complete itinerary and full details
This page is only a brief summary. A complete itinerary and full details can be found in our PDF dossier. It is important that you read the full day-to-day description and further information for this holiday before making your booking.
Booking this holiday
As an incentive for people who would like to book a group holiday, we are offering one totally free place for each 10 people booked. The free place can be used as a perk for the organisor, or maybe spread the reduction to benefit the whole group or to donate the savings to a worthy cause – this is entirely up to you.
Contact us by email and we will send you a booking form either online or in the post.