Asturias y los Picos de Europa

At Hotel Posada del Valle we organise various guided walking holidays throughout the year. These popular holidays are lead by Nigel Burch, an experienced guide who has been resident and working in Spain since 1981. He has an in depth knowledge of Spain and Asturias, the people, their traditions and in particular farming and the countryside.

These holidays are for those people, who enjoy walking, but also appreciate the comforts of a good hotel and excellent food, and don't necessary want to organise the walks themselves.

For the year 2003 we are offering 2 guided walking holidays directly:

· Walking and wild flowers.

· Walking in Asturias and the Picos de Europa.

(7 nights 4/5/03 - 10/5/03 incl.)

This is a walking holiday, but where the emphasis is on visiting areas where there is a wide variety of interesting flora and allowing plenty of time to enjoy it. We have chosen the beginning of May so we can see a variety of Orchids in the lower valleys, as well as see some of the wild narcissus higher in the mountains and depending on the snow line some of the sub alpine species.

We do not claim to be expert botanists, but we do have a wide range of literature available to help identify species, and have a good knowledge of the area including the different ecosystems within these mountains and valleys.

On this holiday we will be walking on average of 5 hours a day, with ascents of up to 500 meters, but the pace of walking will be quite slow with lots of chances for stopping and looking at the flowers. Walking boots are however strongly recommended on this holiday, as some of the mountain paths can be uneven and quite stony underfoot. This holiday is also suitable for those people looking for a more gentle-walking holiday.

(7nights 22/6/03 - 28/6/03 incl.)

On this walking holiday we discover the wide variety of stunning scenery and excellent walks this region has to offer, and by making use of century old farming tracks we will discover areas of unspoilt and outstanding beauty.

We will be walking in the western massif of the Picos de Europa, Spain's first national park. Depending on the weather we will be doing circular walks from the lakes, or go up to Vega Ario above the Carres gorge or to the stunning Ordiales viewing point, 1000m above the Angon Valley.

We will also explore some of the equally attractive but lesser well-known Ponga mountain range and weather permitting climb to the summits of Pico Pierzu or Pico Zorro, both of which offer fabulous views of the surrounding areas. We will also walk along the Sueve ridge where wild Asturcon ponies roam, and there are spectacular views of both the Picos de Europa and the coastline. We would also probably include a coastal walk along a protected landscape.

On average we will be walking between 6 and 7 hours a day, and although most ascents will be around 500 meters, on some walks it may be up to 1000 meters. Walking boots are essential.

Holiday	Dates 2003	Price per person*
Walking and Wild Flowers	4/5 - 10/5	495.00 €
Walking in Asturias and the Picos de Europa	22/6 - 28/6	495.00 €

(7 nights 4/5/03 - 10/5/03 incl.)

We can also offer guided walking services for small groups throughout the season with previous arrangement (minimum 4 people). The cost is about 25,00 € per person per day. Contact us for more information.

@Hotel Posada del Valle 2005 | hotel@posadadelvalle.com | Telephone 00 34 985 841157 |Fax 00 34 985 841559