Level 1 walks are easy to moderate, generally gentle walks on good paths and tracks, with no more than 500m of ascent and 1,000m of descent, including no more than 5 to 6 hours of walking.

These walks allow plenty of time for observing the abundant wildlife around the Picos. Where mountain streams gently flow across our tracks, clouds of little blue butterflies are startled, while dragonflies methodically patrol their own territories. Through deciduous Beech and evergreen Holm oak woods the resonant drumming of Black woodpeckers gives their presence away while more easily seen, smaller birds such as strikingly marked Pied flycatchers and noisy Nuthatches call the alarm as their territory is invaded. Often mistaken for a gentian, the vibrant blue of Scrambling gromwell, Lithodora diffusa, decorates the shaley walls of paths and if you're lucky, in spring and early summer, you may stumble upon orchid species such as the Bee orchid, Ophrys apifera, or elegant lilies such as the Pyrenean lily, Lilium pyrenaicum. These natural delights are found using the inside knowledge of Mike, your guide.

A ride on the Fuente De cable car can transport us effortlessly up 750m or so into the high peaks of the Picos, realm of the Cantabrian chamois.

In autumn the main nature show is put on by the deciduous trees as the first cold nights begin to colour their leaves. Summer-visiting birds are heading south but there should still be the later stragglers such as Egyptian vultures sharing airspace with the resident Griffon vultures, Golden eagles and plentiful Common buzzards.

Time-worn tracks that only the locals know contour the hillsides, joining villages with pan-tiled roofs held on by stones, views changing with every bend on the way. Each village has at least one natural spring, perfect for rest stops and refilling water bottles and great spots for picnic lunches.

Level I walks are all centred in the valleys of Liébana and the Central and Eastern Massifs of the Picos de Europa.

The price of the holiday, €650 pp. includes;

• 6 days of guided walking with picnic lunches                                                                    
• 7 nights full-board accommodation in a comfortable guesthouse
• All transport to and from walks
• Free airport transfers (Santander, Bilbao or Oviedo, Asturias)

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