NORTHERN SPAIN PICOS DE EUROPA TOUR 2011

[GoldSyncro]

Didn't see the campsite but we stopped at Lekeitio for a swim.

[jed the spread]

jed

[v-lux]

Nice spot isnt it...

[terryvanman]

Hi Terry

Glad to hear you're looking forward to your trip through Spain. I've been busy researching what you can and can't do in the Picos. I plan to respond to everyone very shortly but in the meantime please be aware that you will need a license to 'legally' explore the Picos in a four wheel drive. There are only two shortish routes you can do without one. A license can only be obtained through an authorised adventure tour operator (most are based in Potes) and, unfortunately, they need at least six weeks notice to obtain it.

On a more positive note I've driven the allowed routes and there're well worth doing. I'll be more than happy to join you for the day and show you around.

Your trip will also take you right past my house. I live near Santillana del Mar in Cantabria so please feel free to pop in and say hallo. I also have three apartments so if you're looking for a place to stay please keep me in mind.

Please feel free to give me a ring on 0034 605675176 or e-mail me on williamsinspain@hotmail.com.

Cheers

Robert

not too sure when we are passing you drum,,,,but will give you a ring when we are passing and pop in if we can...by the way I have a T5 so I wont be going over any rough roads, I gave up syncroing 5 tears ago......but you never know

[HarryMann]

Terry, you'll be back for the craic, it just needs the right Syncro to tempt you

[terryvanman]

Terry, you'll be back for the craic, it just needs the right Syncro to tempt you

still looking and dreaming ,,,what is it with these "frelling" vans????

[GoldSyncro]

Hi All

I recently spent a couple of days in the mountains and whilst there I met with the tourist board and local council. Rather than spout on about what we can and can’t do I think it best just to list the main points as follows;

1. You cannot enter the Picos de Europa National Park in a vehicle without a license
2. There are only two short off-road routes you can take without one (see photos below)
3. A license can only be obtained from a local recognised adventure tour operator
4. A maximum of 10 vehicles per group/license
5. A member of the tour company must be with the group at all times
6. Rough camping is not allowed and you must leave the park by sunset

Armed with the above information in mind I also met with a local tour operator called Europicos (http://www.europicos.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) who confirmed what I had been told and also added the following;

1. They can organise the license and provide an experienced and English speaking guide with his own vehicle
2. Guiding costs 250 euros per day for the group
3. The off-road element of the trip will be restricted to 10 vehicles (registration numbers & owners passport numbers will be required)
4. There are 4 days of ‘serious’ off-road driving worth doing in the Picos
5. They can also arrange lunch and other activities such as canoeing, horse riding, quad biking, etc for an additional fee
6. They need 3 months notice to arrange the license
7. They are happy to put an itinerary together for us if needed

Please let me know what you think. If everyone is happy I’ll look at accommodation, etc.

Cheers

Rob

[HarryMann]

Thanks Rob,

Puts it in better perspective !

[GoldSyncro]

It does but I still think there's plenty of scope for a very enjoyable tour. Even though the off-road 4x4 driving element will need to be limited to ten vehicles that doesn't mean more vehicles couldn't attent. I also think 25 euros per vehicle for guiding is very reasonable as it would be hard to find the best routes without good local knowledge. Four days of driving also fits nicely into our plans especially if you add the routes you can do without a license.

Depending on how long you want to come for there's also plenty of other things to do and see to fill the time. Even If you wanted to do more off-roading I am sure there're other areas we could explore.

[HarryMann]

That was a bit short, due v.late last night. Now, in the light of day, thanks for keeping us informed and taking the time and trouble to keep us on track, organisationally !

I suppose a rough estimate would suggest an outlay of about £1000 for a trip like this.
I would imagine that we are aiming at the first ten to register solid commitment once we have hardened up a few more details
That magic number ten puts the guide charge at €25 /day, so €100 each for the trip, if all 10 arrive

Some questions for now...to help us move forward - may be obvious so please forgive

• More than 10 can participate, provided we pre-arrange spare seating in Syncros (but must still retain some options re felxibility of loading)

• Camping - would we be returing to same site every evening (related to above)?

• Could you check or comment if Syncros are either: easily capable, marginal or incapable of some/all anticipated guide routes for all 4 days?

• Leading to the question of damage potential, equipement levels and campers Vs Dokas etc

There are other questions to come (of course)

[GoldSyncro]

Apart from the ferry, fuel, guiding, food and other tourist activities (canoeing,etc) you will also need to factor in the cost of accommodation. There's no rough camping allowed, if caught you will be fined. For example 'La Isla Camping' in Potes charges a total of 29.55 euros per night for a van, 2 adults, 2 children, tent and electrical connection (see http://www.liebanaypicosdeeuropa.com/gu ... laisla.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;).

I'll check but as far as I know more than 10 people can participate as long as the 'registered' drivers are in the licensed vehicles. However, this doesn't mean that he or she has to be behind the drivers wheel all day. If each vehicle can seat up to 4 then 40 can participate. The guide will also have his own vehicle so two or three could also jump in with him!!

The National Park is relatively compact so I don't see returning to the same campsite as too much of a problem. Using the same campsite will also enable me to negotiate a better group discount.

I need to investigate the suggested routes further. Europicos asked about capability so I showed them the club 80-90 website. I am sure the trip can be adapted to meet our needs. The two allowable routes are certainly within the capability of all Syncros including campers. There's no restriction on numbers on these routes so all attending vehicles can get into the mountains for at least one day. There's also a great restaurant at the end of one of the routes so I can also arrange lunch for everyone!!

Not sure about damage potential. I'll speak to Europicos and get back to you. Overheating may be a problem due to the climbs involved. Saying that October is a bit cooler than August!!

Hope that helps

[HarryMann]

Again thanks Robert, v.useful, we'll await then (and dream up some more questions )

[terryvanman]

talking of weather Robert, can you please tell me what the average weather is like there at this time of year and through to october

many thanks

[GoldSyncro]

The weather here is normally quite mild in September and October. Saying that I would also come prepared for a few days of rain. They don't call this area green Spain for nothing!!

A good weather site for this area is; http://freemeteo.com/default.asp?pid=23 ... 09582&la=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hope that helps

[terryvanman]

thanks darling