The 'Picos' are the highest and finest peaks of north western Spain with over 100 exceeding 2,000m. Several deep gorges with impossible cliff scenery split the area. The area is predominantly limestone and contains many caves, some up to 1km in depth.

There are few easy routes to the hilltops so it is best to make use of the well worn paths in all but the best weather conditions.

This region has many large depressions in the ground which can be confusing when map reading. The Picos are directly affected by weather coming in from the Atlantic, the hills are often wet and misty with the gorges becoming warm and humid in the summer.

The best chance of reasonable weather is August to mid September.

Water is not easy to find and it is recommended that you always carry a supply with you. Cafes and accommodation can be hard to find outside of all but the largest villages.

Difficulty and star ratings are largely based on guesswork.

Please note that some restrictions on the use of bikes may have been introduced since these notes were compiled - particularly in National Parks - you are advised to check beforehand.

Maps

1:100 000 Ejercito, map no. 8-3 (Potes) This has contours at 40m.
There is also an excellent map at 1:75 000 by Miguel A Adrados "Picos de Europa"

Pass/Col

Height (m)

Route start-finish

km

Path or Rough Road

Time (hrs)

V.A.D.

Maps Ejercito 100,000

Maps
Michelin 400,000

Puerto (P.) de la Cubilla

1683

San Emiliano-Telledo

6.5

path/r.r.

1.30

E

6-4
N.E. corner

441-442

Valdetablas

1130

Lugan-Palacio de Valdellorma

8

r.r.

1.30

E

7-4

442

Collado Pandevano

1224

Sotres-Camaremena

9

path/r.r.

6

D

8-3

442

Collado Barreda

1325

Sotres-Panes

13

path/r.r.

4

E+D

8-3

442

Alto de Valcavao

1783

P.de Pandetrave-Espinama

10

path/r.r.

Unknown

E

8-3

442

The routes are marked with a rating system called V.A.D. = Very Approximate Difficulty.

E = Easy, anything from a short rideable rough section between metalled roads to fairly long paths needing some wheeling. (sometimes hard work)
M = Moderate, often hard work, possibly occasional lifting
D = Difficult, usually hard work, sometimes involving short carries
S = Severe, much carrying, sometimes double carrying (bike, then luggage)
VS = Very severe, like severe but more so, scrambling may be involved

Times given in these guides do not allow for stops. They are often based on very little experience, so we will be glad to hear from you if you have used any of these routes.

Abbreviations:

m = height in metres
km = distance in kilometres (approximate)
path/r.r. = path or rough road
hrs = time taken to complete the route in hours (see above)
V.A.D. = Very Approximate Difficulty (see above)

The following are publishers of maps:

F&B = Freytag & Berndt
Mair = Mairs Geographischer Verlag (Austria/Germany mainly)
LDS = Landeskarte der Schweiz (Swiss 1:100,000, 1:50,000, 1:25,000)
Michelin = France/Switzerland at 1:200,000, Spain, Italy, Austria, Germany at 1:400,000
IGN = Institut Geographique National