The Mythological Trail of Mount Hozarco and the Santa Catalina Viewpoint

A circular loop from Potes to Pordeciar, a ghost village where it feels as if the inhabitants have just left. Paths surrounded mainly by cork oaks and arbutus trees. Some of the oaks have been pruned for cork harvesting. An easy route with no difficulty, there are many possible paths and the village of Porciedar is marked by wooden signs. There is an excellent view of the highest Picos de Europa peaks.

Andara Massif. This peak enjoys great prestige due to legends. At the summit is a bronze statue dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Every 10 years since 1900, there has been a pilgrimage. It presents no technical difficulty. Access is via a car park at Jito de Escandari.

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.

This hike requires leaving a vehicle at the finish point to bring the drivers back to the start. The route is in the uphill direction as this represents less risk of falling than downhill.

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 starting from Las Arenas, recommended by the Cabrales region’s tourist office: “No. 9: Excursion to Las Invernales de Vanu”. The path climbs initially through a forest of maple and plane trees, offering magnificent views of the famous Pic Urriellu in Asturian (or Pic Naranjo de Bulnes in Spanish), then descends, crossing the Vanu pastures and their many 18th-century sheepfolds, which are still in use today.

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.

This asymmetrical hike begins with an ascent by cable car, which explains the big difference between the positive and negative elevation gains. Superb views of the Picos de Europa and a good workout for your calves on the descent.