Guide to Walks and Climbs in Picos de Europa - Spain, Europe

Cover of Walks and Climbs in the Picos de Europa

The guidebook has walks and climbs in the Picos de Europa, a limestone range to the north of the central section of the Cordillera Cantabrica, on the northern Atlantic shore of Spain, Europe. Routes divided into two main groups: valley-based and mountain, of all grades. With background information such as geology, flora, fauna and history.

Seasons

Walking and climbing from May to late October. Depending on snowfall the season might extend well into November. Ice-axe and crampons to be carried early and late in the season. Winter mountaineering best from February to April.

Centres

Bounded by Cangas de Onis in the west and Panes in the east, with Potes and Oseja in the south.

Difficulty

Easier walking in the surrounding valleys, but essentially high-mountain walking over steep, rugged terrain. Climbs predominantly at grade IV or above.

Must See

For climbers, El Naranjo de Bulnes and the South Face of Peña Santa. For walkers, the Cares gorge, the Vega de Urriellu below El Naranjo de Bulnes, the Jou Santu and Vega Huerta.

Walks and Climbs in the Picos de Europa

Author

Robin Walker

Cover

Paperback - PVC

Edition

First

Published

6 Aug 2007

ISBN_13

9781852840334

Availability

Reprinted

Price £12.00

The Picos de Europa, Spain’s premier National Park and a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere designated area, are unique among Europe's mountains: geologically, for being the largest single mass of mountain limestone in the continent; geographically, for being the only true maritime range Europe possesses; and sociologically, for retaining even to this day a large part of the culture that has for centuries been the basis of life in the towns and villages dotted around the area.

Though relatively modest in terms of altitude and extent, the Picos are, nevertheless, high mountain terrain. The gentle pastures of the valleys quickly give way to spectacular but rugged alpine scenery. Approaches are steep, but the rewards for those able and willing to make the effort are immeasurable.

Chapters 1–3 of Walks and Climbs in the Picos de Europa deal with background information such as geology, flora, fauna, history and technical issues. Chapter 4 describes valley-based activities, whilst Chapter 5 offers detailed descriptions of walks, scrambles and alpine climbing from a number of different high-mountain bases. Suggestions are also given for multi-day walking tours and for winter mountaineering.