Foothills of the Picos de Europa

Itinerary

Day 1 - La Lastra

Arrive in the mountain village of La Lastra. Acquaint yourself with your surroundings by taking a short walk to the nearby village of Tudanca, known for its small museum and literary collection.

Day 2 - La Lastra to Pejanda

A gentle introduction to the green hillsides of Cantabria, the lower, more verdant mountains that will be replaced by sharper peaks after you reach Potes in a few days. The walk begins with a sustained climb on a good track towards the valley head before turning at the col and continuing to climb on a lovely path with views down to La Lastra and Tudanca. The path contours gently through the valley and offers increasingly dramatic views of the La Cohilla reservoir, with griffon vultures ever-present overhead. Red-roofed farm buildings and shepherd huts begin to appear as you descend, indicating that you have entered into the bucolic surrounds of the Polaciones valley. (Medium: 3¾ hrs walking (allow 5 hrs), 12¾ km (8 miles), CUSs 620m)

If you fancy an easier day or should the weather prove wet, then we suggest taking a taxi all the way to Pejanda, and instead walk a circular route in the hills surrounding the village. This is an easier option as the walk presents no significant challenges and is almost entirely on gravel tracks. (Easy/Medium: 3 hrs walking (allow 4 hrs), 10½ km (6½ miles), CUSs 400m)

Day 3 - Pejanda to Pesaguero

Today’s walk will pass through the valleys and woodlands that have defined the livelihoods of local people for centuries. The route follows the Polaciones valley and dips in and out of tiny red-roofed villages making use of good tracks and plenty of shade. Traditional farming practices are widely used, so walkers in the shoulder-seasons are likely to be accompanied by the near constant echo of cow-bells whilst the herds await the summer access to higher alpine pastures.  There are occasional views of the Picos massif and the final part of the day follows the famous Camino Lebaniego. (Medium: 5 hrs walking (allow 6¾ hrs), 18 km (11¼ miles), CUSs 500m)

Alternatives: 
Take a taxi as far as Santa Eulalia (Medium: 15km, CUSs 400m) or Cabezuela Viewpoint (Easy/Medium: 12km, CUSs 185m)

Day 4 - Pesaguero to Potes

An excellent day with varied walking and plenty of views. Leave Pesaguero via the Camino Lebaniego and follow a mix of paths and tracks along the valley floor. The route begins to climb gently through villages, and glimpses of the Picos cliffs appear more frequently the higher you climb. Stay on a good, high track for some quick walking through light woodland, and then another short climb in the afternoon leads into wonderful green mountain pastures with excellent views. The second half of the day is very remote and a gradual descent will lead you into Potes which remains hidden in the valley until the very final approach. (Medium/Hard: 5¼ hrs walking (allow 7 hrs), 20 km (12½ miles), CUSs 575m)

Alternatives: Taxi (supplement) as far as Lomena (Medium: 16½km, CUSs 420m) or Los Cos (Easy/Medium: 11½km, CUSs 300m).

Day 5 - Potes to Cosgaya

An interesting day which starts with an easy ascent out of Potes to the Monastery de Santo Toribio (and the end of the Camino Lebaniego). You then have a choice: a pretty meandering path through high woodland with occasional views to dramatic peaks, or a good track that passes through villages on the valley bottom. Both routes join in the afternoon on the old mountain “road” which gradually climbs the valley sides and offers great views to the ever-nearing Picos. (Medium: 4 hrs walking (allow 5¼ hrs), 14½ km (9 miles), CUSs 675m)

Alternative: taxi (supplement) as far as the Monastery Santo Toribio (Medium: 11¾km, CUSs 465m).

Alternative: The main route follows the northern side of the valley and is predominantly on tracks. If you fancy a change of terrain then try the ‘harder’ option which follows sometimes-narrow footpaths through a beautiful green wilderness. There is an element of wayfinding and the terrain is much more varied underfoot. (Medium/Hard: 5 hrs walking (allow 6¾ hrs), 14½ km (9 miles), CUSs 710m)

Day 6 - Cosgaya to Espinama or Fuente Dé

A day of options! The main route climbs out of Cosgaya to the village of Pembes before turning westward and meandering through woodland all the way to Espinama. Views are occasional but this option should be taken for those that wish for an easier day. If, however, you fancy a challenge then continue north at Pembes and ascend the hillside through alpine meadows and mixed woodland. After a seemingly endless climb, emerge from the trees to spectacular views before bearing west to begin the descent. A little-used woodland path contours through glorious oak woodland, finally moving onto a broader track above Espinama.  (Main route: Easy/Medium: 2¾ hrs walking (allow 3¾ hrs), 9 km (5½ miles), CUSs 450m. Harder option: Medium: 3½ hrs walking (allow 4¾ hrs), 11 km (7 miles), CUSs 750m)

Day 7 - Espinama or Fuente Dé high mountain circuit

A remarkable day of dramatic views and changing scenery. The route begins with an easy start along the valley bottom to the cable car station at Fuente Dé. The cable car whisks you up the escarpment to 1823m in just four minutes. The route then follows an easy descent through a lunar landscape of bare rock and grey jagged peaks to the Aliva mountain refuge. Stop for lunch-with-a-view before continuing on. The inhospitable surrounds transform as you descend into verdant alpine pastures with the ring of cow-bells echoing all around. Exit the valley onto a small footpath through meadows and lowland forested slopes.  (Medium: 4½ hrs walking (allow 6 hrs), 16¼ km (10 miles), CUSs 400m)