Location: Picos de Europa, Northern Spain
Price: This course is available on a private guiding basis only
Ratio: 1:2
Length: 5 days climbing + 2 days travelling

Who is the course suitable for?
This is a rock climbing expedition suitable for the sure footed climber/mountaineer that would like to climb big long multi-pitch routes in the high mountains. You need to be competent moving over steep ground un-roped, happy seconding VS and be competent at abseiling. If you are a keen rock climber and would like to experience big multi pitch routes on immaculate limestone in a stunning setting then this is the trip for you!

What is the aim of the trip?
The aim of the trip is to climb Naranjo de Bulnes. This is probably Spains most famous mountain and is often quoted as the mountain that every Spanish climber wants to climb. View photos from our last two trips on the gallery page.

The route that we will climb is the Direct Route which involves climbing alpine grade V (about VS) and a good deal of grade II scrambling after the first 6 pitches of climbing.

We will overnight in a high mountain refuge the night prior to the ascent and then have a full day  climbing before having to descend the Direct route by scrambling and multi-pitch abseils.

The first two days of the trip will be devoted to training climbs in other areas of the Picos including Aguja de Ostaicoechaea which is shown in the photograph on the left. We will stay in a Casa near Potes for the duration of the trip. This is a guest house run by an English couple that provides bed and breakfast. In 2007 this cost £18 per night per person on a twin room basis and this is not included in the course fee. 

Sample Programme: (Subject to weather)

Sunday: Fly from London Stanstead to Santander
Monday: Sport Climbing in the valley to get used to the limestone
Tuesday: Aguja de Ostaicoechaea
Wednesday: Walk in to mountain refuge
Thursday: Climb Naranjo de Bulnes
Friday: Walk out from hut
Saturday: Fly home

This is a mountain expedition and we cannot offer any guarantees for the weather! September is traditionally an excellent month but heavy rain or snow would mean that Naranjo de Bulnes would not be climbable. We would then seek alternative climbs lower down the valleys.

Where is the Picos?
The Picos de Europa is a National Park in Northen Spain. The climate is similar to that of the UK but a lot warmer on the coast. We will be based high in the mountains and temperatures will vary from T-Shirt weather to fleece and windproofs. It is not uncommon to see snow on the higher peaks and the Picos still has wild bears and wolves roaming freely.

What about accommodation?
We use a guest house in the heart of the National Park that is run by a very friendly English couple. I will organise the accommodation but it is not included in the course fee. You will share a twin room and breakfast is provided by the guest house, we cna then eat out in the evenings. We will spend at least one night in an Alpine hut where the guardian will prepare us an evening meal and breakfast and we will all share dormitory style accommodation.

Course Cost: This course is available on a private guiding basis only. This means that we set a date to suit you.

The cost of the instruction for the trip is £1400. This can be split between two people.

Likely Costs in addition to course fee (Approximate)
Flights: £55.00 return in 2007
Car Hire & Fuel: £75 each
Valley Accommodation: £18 per night in 2007
Hut Accommodation: £25 per night for dinner, bed and breakfast - say 2 nights
Valley Food: Say £60

Total Extras: £350 per person approx.

Dates: By arrangement

If you have any questions about booking a course then please just call or email. Booking is a simple two stage process:

1. Choose a date.
Individuals - visit the diary page for details of open course availability
Groups of 2 or more - Call or email to arrange a date to suit you -

2. Book the course
Online: You can book online securely by clicking on the "buy now" button
or
Download a postal booking form from our booking page.

If you are booking more than 8 weeks in advance you can choose to pay a deposit of £100 to secure your booking. Click here to pay a deposit.