Climb the ‘Naranjo De Bulnes’ 2015 – The Picos de Europa

The trek in to the hut

Course Details

Location – The Picos de Europa, Spain. Valley Base – Arenas de Cabrales and Sotres

Duration – 1 week, 5 climbing days (1/2 day trekking in for the Naranjo ascent)

Dates – Saturday 19th September 2015 depart UK, return UK on Friday 25th. Other bespoke dates available, please contact us for availability

Guided ratio – 1:2

Cost – £1100 pp. (Please note – this price is based on a full trip, the trip can run with less but prices may vary, or, if over 2 we can supply additional Guides)

What is included – Quick View

Guided/Instructed days out

Technical Equipment

Accommodation

Breakfast and Pack Lunches

Evening Meals

Daily Transport

Airport Transfers from Santander

Flights

Personal Insurance

The Naranjo de Bulnes in Spring

About the Trip

The focus of this trip will be to summit the spectacular Naranjo de Bulnes (2529m) that dominates the head of the Vega Urriellu Valley. We will trek up to the peak where we will base ourselves in the Alpine hut at its foot. From this base we will attempt an ascent of the classic South face route of the Naranjo, known as the Martinez Route. If time and weather allow, we can attempt other routes in the area of the Naranjo, perhaps on the East face which is harder in general than the South face. The 4 faces of the Naranjo tower all offer great climbing challenges! The days not up at the Naranjo will be spent around Sotres, the closest village to the Naranjo, from where we can complete a number of other climbs and classics of the area. Peaks such as the Cueto Pampin and the Fresnidiello are just around the corner and offer great climbing!

Sample Itinerary (Subject to changes based on the weather)

Day 1 – Fly to Santander, travel to Arenas de Cabrales (1 hour) and stay at the Hotel Picos de Europa.

Day 2 – Climb one of the local classics, perhaps the Cueto Pampin if the weather allows. Stay in Sotres, a traditional shepherds village high in the Picos at the Alberge Pena Castil.

Day 3 – Trek to the Refugio Urriellu (access drive then 3 hour trek). Some afternoon climbing can be included here on a small ‘training crag’ near the Refugio. Stay Refugio.

Day 4 – Climb the Naranjo de Bulnes South Face Route. Stay Refugio.

Day 5 – Reserve day for Naranjo. If the South face was completed then the East face has some great climbs, these can be abseiled off or completed to the top. Stay Refugio. Alternatively we could drop down to Sotres the night before and climb locally, perhaps the alpine wall of the Fresnidiello.

Day 6 – Morning trek out from Refugio. Climb for the afternoon and stay in Sotres. If already out, climb another classic locally.

Day 7 – Travel to Santander for flight home. (May be time for some morning climbing at the coast before flight).

The Naranjo summit ridge

Who is this trip for? This trip is aimed at people who have some experience of multi pitch climbing, it is fine if this was in a guided situation but should have been at or above the grade of British Severe (S). If you are not sure you could always organise a UK training day with us, see – Mountaineering & Climbing – Private Guiding & Instruction – Summer. Some training will be included in the Picos as well.

About the Picos

The Picos de Europa are a dramatic and jagged range of tall limestone peaks that rise directly from the Atlantic coast of Spain. The peaks give high quality mountaineering challenges, with the Naranjo de Bulnes at 2529m (also known as Picu Urriellu locally) being the most sought after of them all. The area is brilliant for a range of outdoor activities and there are many good options for bad weather. Mountain Biking, River Canoeing and Kayaking and Surfing are all available close at hand.

The East face of the Naranjo de Bulnes

What we cover

Included in the price we will cover all the following.

Qualified Guides working with you at a 1:2 ratio max whilst climbing.
Transport from the Airport and daily whilst in the country.
Accommodation will be Hotel based with shared twin rooms in Arenas de Cabrales, spacious 4 person dorms in Sotres and shared dorms in the Alpine Hut. Single rooms available in the Hotel at an additional cost, there is also good wifi in both Arenas and Sotres.
All technical equipment supplied, some additional personal equipment may be needed.
Food is covered, breakfast and an evening meal is supplied and lunch will be a pack lunch.

Whats not Covered

Flights (we will try and coordinate though to be on the same flight)
Insurance. We suggest you have your own insurance cover for the trip that covers adventurous activities.

Booking

If you wish to book on this trip please confirm this, with 2 confirmations we will then take payments, there may be a small increase in cost if the course is not full but we will clarify this before taking your booking. Flight details will be sent out for the flight to book on to, and we will book and arrange everything else.