guided trekking and
writing workshop in picos de europa
The Picos de Europa National Park was the very first National Park to be established in Spain in 1918 and remains one of the most spectacular places to visit in the country. This park is a hidden treasure in Spain. The landscape is just as stunning as other well-known locations, but it has escaped the overcrowded nature of other places. This trip will be 7 days trekking in the Picos and participating in a one-of-a-kind writing workshop. It will take us to various locations within the Picos, visiting some of the best spots this park has to offer. We will walk through an impressive gorge carved by centuries of flowing water, through green valleys speckled with roaming animals, and marvel at the geological features this park so effortlessly displays.
On one hand, Minton Sparks is a decorated poet, performance artist, and author that’s been invited to prestigious events like the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival and Berry College’s Southern Women Writer’s Conference (alongside Maya Angelou and Kaye Gibbons). On the other hand, she’s a blue-collar troubadour that’s performed in the American Songbook Series at the Lincoln Center, made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry, appeared at the venerable Old Towne School of Folk Music, and served as teller-in-residence at the Jonesborough National Storytelling Festival.
Minton’s been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered, BBC’s Bob Harris Show, and WoodSong’s Old-Time Radio. She’s also shared the stage with heavyweights like Ben Folds, Rodney Crowell, John Prine, Nanci Griffith, and Punch Brothers and most recently The Indigo Girls. Her brand new record is Where Humans End and Birds Begin.
As the late great John Prine aptly put it, “Minton Sparks is a great storyteller—humanity with humidity, all told humorously with humility.”
Minton Sparks knows every one of us has a story to tell. Some are wildly inspiring; other times, they are the very things that hold us back. Minton will invite you to discover more clearly who you are through exploring and listening to your own story.
No prior writing experience is necessary.
TRIP Highlights:
A lesser-known location without overcrowded tourism
Impressive mountain massifs and quaint mountain towns
A wildly original workshop with professional writer, teacher, and storyteller
An opportunity to unplug from your day-to-day responsibilities, to have new cultural experiences, and to be re-energized by nature
Itinerary
June 22-28th
day 1
Arrive in Cangas de Onis
We will pick you up in Oviedo and transfer you to the small mountain town of Cangas de Onis where you will spend your first two nights. We’ll celebrate the start of our trip with a delicious welcome dinner.
day 2
Day Hike in Alpine Meadows above Lake Enol + First writing workshop with Minton
Today we begin the trip from Lake Enol in the heart of the Picos de Europa mountain range, we head up into the high mountain meadows where we will stop for lunch and have spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea and peaks of Las Peñas Santas. After lunch, we loop back to Lake Enol and back for one more night in Cangas de Onis. This evening we will have our first writing with Minton Sparks.
Distance - 7.5 miles // Elevation gain - 1300ft
day 3
The Cares Gorge Path
The famous Cares Gorge, with its narrow passes and deep gullies, is one of the most unique routes in the Picos de Europa. Now and again the path takes you through small tunnels carved out of the rock and across bridges that hang over the abyss. After our passage of the Cares Gorge, we will transfer to Riaño a beautiful lakeside town with a marvelous view of the surrounding limestone peaks.
Distance - 8 miles // Elevation gain - 800ft
day 4
Riaño and Mampodre
Today, we will walk in the undiscovered mountains of Riaño and Mampodre. Following our morning walk, we will make our way to the town of Potes where we will visit a Liquor Winery to see how the famous “Orujo de Potes” is manufactured. We will finish our day in the lovely town of Espinama.
Distance - 6.5 miles // Elevation gain - 1000ft
day 5
Fuente Dé through the glacial valley of Áliva
We begin with a gondola ride high into the mountains from the town of Fuente Dé. The descent starts on a trail that traverses the vast mountain prairies between the Central and Eastern Massiffs, known as the Puertos de Áliva where there is a hotel/refugio where you may buy refreshments.
Distance - 8.5 miles // Elevation Loss - 3000ft
day 6
Monte Camba Trail
Our Final day of hiking starts from the picturesque town of Sotres. Our path today leads us to a viewpoint at ‘Majada Tobaos’, which rewards us with commanding views of Tielve far below and the jagged peaks of the central massif in the distance. We’ll enjoy lunch in a homemade restaurant, and then transfer to Arenas de Cabrales for our final evening and Celebration Banquet.
Distance - 6 miles // Elevation Gain - 600ft Loss - 1700ft
day 7
departure
After breakfast we will depart for Oviedo.
What’s included with your trip?
Accommodation: 6 nights stay in small mountain hotels.
Food: 6 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 6 Dinners
All transportation starting from the gateway city of Oviedo
Daily Luggage transfers
