Walking in the Cantabrian Mountains
The Cantabrian Mountains are located in the northern coastal area of Spain, and is an excellent place to go walking and trekking. The area is dominated by the Picos de Europa, plus there are several Natural Parks as shown on the map.
Walking in the Picos de Europa National Park
The Picos de Europa National Park spans for around 40km that is famous for its towering jagged limestone peaks and spires separated by green valleys and rivers. The Picos have a great network of clearly signposted walking routes throughout the National Park, where you will find lakes, gorges and the highest peak of Torre de Cerredo (2,648m). There are two other significant peaks, these being Torre Sta de Castilla (2,594), and the dramatic peak of Picu Urriellu (2,519).
Map of Walking Areas in the Spanish Cantabrian Mountains
The Picos de Europa National Park is clearly defined and divided into three independent massifs known as The Western Massif (El Cornión), The Central Massif (Los Urrieles), and The Eastern Massif (Andara). There are various long distance hiking trails that link 2 or 3 of these massifs that can be walked in 4 to 8 days depending upon the route. These main long distance hiking trails are shown and described on the Picos de Europa National Park Map that is available to buy from our shop. This map also details (with contact information) the great range of official hostels and huts that can be booked in advance. The Spanish Trails – Los Picos de Europa guidebook describes 34 graded walking trails that are suitable for walkers of all abilities. Buy this walking guidebook from our shop.
The Picos de Europa is also a great place to go rock climbing and sport climbing, find out more here…
National Parks in the Cantabrian Mountains
There are several National Parks within the Cantabrian Mountains that are easily reached from the main towns in central Asturias such as Gijon, Santander, Leon and Oviedo. All of these National Parks are great areas to go walking and hiking with the Ubinas massif mountains being the most extensive with 45 peaks over 2,000m high. The Cordillera Cantabrica - Ubinas Massif walking and hiking map covers many of these peaks and is available to buy from our shop.
Other National Parks in the Cantabrian Mountains include Somiedo National Park, Saja-Besaya, Redes, and Fuentes Carrionas Y Fuente Cobre that are shown on the above map.