Fuente Dé

After taking the cable car up, you can walk down via a long circular route that goes round the mountain in a clockwise direction. Download the route before you go up, as there is usually no mobile signal. The path (PR®-PNPE-24) is easy for about 7 km. It is generally well signposted, but not always. After the wooden bridge, the path is narrow and more difficult for about 500 metres. It then continues through the woods, without difficulty, to Fuente De. The hike is long, so it’s best to be well-equipped and in good shape.

A gentle forest walk with a steep climb at the start; a descent followed by another steep climb halfway along the route. You’ll pass through two pretty hamlets with Asturian granaries. A few clearings in the trees offer lovely views. This walk is numbered and signposted “PR®-PNPE 26 Hayedo de Las Ilces” within the national park. This walk can be done as an alternative to the descent from Santa Fé, which may be in fog.

A superb descent towards Poncebos with magnificent views of Picu Urriellu, the majadas of Tenerosa and the little village of Sotres, where the famous Queso Picon is produced.

Most of this stage is downhill. However, contrary to what one might think, this does not make the stage easy. The descents are steep. Just like the passage through the Brecha de los Cazadores or the section linking the Jou de los Cabrones refuge to Campa del Trave with its rugged landscapes, or the dizzying Canal de Amuessa and its 950m descent that seems endless. A difficult stage, but one of spectacular beauty.

A lovely walk that climbs up the Prada valley to the Monto sheepfold. The path is wide, the ascent steady and largely shaded, and the scenery is superb. In total, there is a 550-metre ascent. A signposted route named “PR®-PNPE 14 Montó (Valle de Prada)” in the Picos de Europa National Park. You can also start from Prada, which adds a little more elevation gain.

A walk from the beautiful village of Posada de Valdeón, in the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park, to the source of the Farfada. Superb views over the Rio Cares valley.

A superb hike that climbs up to the mountain pastures of Vega de Llos, where there is a shelter. Stunning views throughout the route. The walk starts from Posada de Valdeón and passes through the very pretty village of Soto de Valdeón (with its charming Asturian granaries) before gradually climbing. The second part of the descent is steeper (and shorter) than the ascent route. A signposted route named “PR®-PNPE 12 Vega de Llos” within the Picos de Europa National Park.

A lovely walk best undertaken with a guide from the Casa de Naturaleza Cantabria, located in Pessaguero, 15 km south-east of Potes. The walk starts at the San Pelayo campsite. It is not signposted, so you must follow the GPS track carefully. Park in the campsite car park and head to the start of the walk, to the left of the inn. The path starts at the Hermitage of San Pelaya, then follows old tracks through holm oak woods, which are indicative of the Mediterranean climate typical of the Liebana Valley, surrounded by high mountains that shield it from the Atlantic climate. There are some stunning views of the Picos de Europa mountain range. Please ensure you close the gate properly two-thirds of the way along the route.