Hill Walking Spain

20/12/2016

Picos de Europa is unique in Europe. No other range of mountains is like it. A true treasure of nature, an Eco-destination, protected national park & the number of walkers is tightly controlled to ensure the environmental management means that the wild life flourishes - bears, wolves, wild goats, deer, robecca , eagles, vultures, alpine plants of incredible variety & so much more. This is not a place for volumes of people no, it is a place for people who really value the very best that nature offers & who know that quality has a price.

20/12/2016

Between 500 and 1,500m, the trees begin -birch,oak & chestnut- well suited to acidic soil poor in nutrients. The lower, lusher slopes are dominated by the beech, intermixed with some hazel and whitebeam. Descending to the valley floors, less than 500 m above sea level, we find thick, rich and well watered soil supporting more diverse and common plant life. It is on such hill and mountain terrain that man made his first settlements centuries back, in a peremanent struggle with vegetation which strives daily to win back its territory.

20/12/2016

FLORA
Complex and diverse. This imposing rock massif, soaring from just above sea level to the over 2,500m at its higest summits, is home to more than 700 higher plant spicies. Over 10,000 yeas ago, the perennial snows gradually retreated to the summits and shady slopes, leaving the land free for colonisation by plant life and the arrival of humans. No trees grow in the Alpine belt above 2,000m , only shrubs and herbaceous plants adapted to the long, harsh winters. From 2,000 down to 1,600 m is the domain of subalpine vegetation. Dwarf junipers dot the meadows, and pioneer communities comprising hardy crassifolia of the Sedum and Saxifraga genera struggle to peek out from rock crevices.

20/12/2016

Picos de Europa have served since time immemorial as a refuge for peoples resisting foreign invasion, like the stand of the last Astures and Cántabros against the Roman troops or the famous Battle of Covadonga, when King Pelayo put the Moorish army to flight.

15/12/2016

It would be hard to find such an isolated range, with such character, such abrupt forms so close to the sea

01/12/2016

TOUR B; Picos de Europa, Potes & Santander:

The image of golden sand beaches with sunbathers lounging under colorful parasols best describes Santander in northern Spain's Cantabria region. The beautiful coastline, turquoise waters, and sunshine draw many fun-loving visitors, especially during summertime. The city also has several excellent museums to keep holiday goers busy. The Museum of Prehistory offers a fascinating insight into the world of Paleolithic times; many of the archaeological finds were discovered at caves in the region. For a taste of more recent culture, visit the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art to see highlights of Spanish art of the 19th and 20th centuries. Santander's most impressive historic monument is the medieval Gothic cathedral, although it was mostly renovated after the fire of 1941 that destroyed much of the city. Since then, Santander has been rebuilt in elegant modern style with broad streets ideal for leisurely strolls.

27/11/2016

This is a beautiful foto taken by one of our followers Mick Fogarty showing the natural beauty of one small part of the Picos de Europa Eco-destination

27/11/2016

Picos de Europa 2017 is the place to be......awesome hill walking & so easy to get to. Flights direct from Dublin to Santander.

23/11/2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jWi-eKUNBs

http://igeo.tv/category/videos/tematica/cultura/lugares-mundo/ El Parque Nacional de Picos de Europa, recibe este distinción desde el año 1995, y se extiende...

16/11/2016

The AGM's of many of the Irish Hill Walking clubs are coming up soon & in the following weeks there will be a lot going on considering the many options for the club trips abroad for 2017. The Picos de Europa offer a wonderful opportunity to clubs & individuals to enjoy superb walking that suits all levels, easily accessed with direct flights Ryanair Dublin to Santander & everything organised for you. Here is a reminder. The itinerary, structure & dates can be tailored to the needs of the groups. Stunning scenery, superb variety, great value & its so near. Its a part of Spain not known by the majority of Irish hill walkers. It really is a hidden treasure. See what is on offer. Click on the tour company link. These are indicative tours & dates which can be tailored to the needs of the clubs. Significant price discounts are on offer for groups.

http://www.guheko.com/index.php/HILL_WALKING_TOURS_2017