We've purposefully timed this departure to coincide with the Total Solar Eclipse passing across northern Spain on 12 August 2026 — the first such event visible from this region in over a century. From our vantage point at the Vega de Ario refuge at altitude, we'll watch the sun set close to the horizon and the limestone peaks plunge into a rare, ethereal twilight. Mid-summer conditions offer the best possible chance of clear skies. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment from one of the best seats in the house.
Every Pure Trails trip is led by guides who know the terrain intimately. Click to learn more about the team leading this adventure.
The Picos de Europa are one of Europe's great secrets. A compact but savage range of limestone peaks in northern Spain — rocky crests, deep gorges, glacial lakes, lush valleys and vast silence. Fewer than 15km from the Cantabrian coast, they rise to over 2,600m and feel like a different world entirely.
Over four mountain days we fastpack a circular loop of the national park — the Anillo, or Ring — staying two nights in high mountain refuges above 1,400m and living the life of true mountain people, away from roads and civilisation. Daily distances of approximately 15km with up to 1,400m of ascent and descent. This is a challenging, self-supported adventure that demands a good base of mountain fitness.
And then there's the eclipse. On the evening of 12 August 2026, from our vantage point at the Vega de Ario refuge, we will witness the Total Solar Eclipse crossing northern Spain. The mountains, the limestone, the setting sun — and then darkness where there should be light. We've designed the entire itinerary around being in exactly the right place for this moment.
Two nights in mountain refuges operated by wardens at altitude — shared bunk room accommodation with blankets provided. Despite the remote high-alpine location both refuges offer warm showers, hot meals and 360-degree mountain scenery. This is the authentic Picos experience. Private room upgrades are not available at the refuges — the bunk room is part of the adventure.
Our final night is spent in the charming historic town of Cangas de Onís — the gateway to the Picos de Europa — in a centrally located hotel within walking distance of the town's famous Roman bridge, restaurants and bars. A well-earned comfortable bed after three nights in the mountains.
Chat directly with Charlie and the team — no pressure, no sales pitch. Just an honest conversation about whether the Trail Eclipse is the right adventure for you.
Book Your Free Call →Fastpacking is trail running or fast hiking while carrying everything you need for a multi-day mountain adventure in a single pack. On this trip that means a 20–30L running vest containing your kit for three mountain nights — spare running clothes, a sleeping bag liner (refuges provide blankets), waterproof jacket, headtorch, sun protection and water.
We aim to keep pack weight at 5kg or under. There are almost no roads on Days 2–4, so the pack goes with you. We'll send a full kit list before departure and can advise on specific items — just drop us a message if you're unsure about anything.
This is our most demanding European trip — graded Challenging. You should be comfortable running or fast hiking 15–20km per day at altitude with 1,000–1,400m of ascent, carrying a 5kg pack, over three consecutive days. The terrain includes rough limestone, steep technical ascents and long descents.
You should be regularly training with back-to-back run days and comfortable with mountain terrain before this trip. If you're unsure whether this is the right level for you, book a 10-minute call with the team and we'll give you an honest assessment.
The Total Solar Eclipse crosses northern Spain on 12 August 2026 — the first visible from this region in over a century. Spain sits near the end of the path of totality, meaning the eclipse occurs as the sun sets close to the horizon, creating an extraordinary effect where the limestone peaks of the Picos are plunged into an ethereal twilight rather than full midday darkness.
From the Vega de Ario refuge at altitude with an unobstructed 360-degree horizon, we are in one of the best possible viewing positions in Europe. Mid-summer in Spain offers high probability of clear skies, though mountain weather can never be guaranteed. We have planned the itinerary specifically to place us at the refuge at the right moment.
Fly into Bilbao Airport (BIO) — direct flights operate from Bristol and multiple London airports. easyJet flies direct from Bristol to Bilbao in 1h45m and is the most convenient option. Ryanair operates from London Luton and Stansted. Please aim to arrive in the afternoon or evening on Day 1.
On departure (Day 5), please book onward flights departing from 13:00 or later — our group transfer leaves Cangas de Onís after breakfast and arrives in Bilbao late morning. Booking flights earlier than 13:00 is not recommended.
The Picos de Europa offer an extraordinary variety of terrain across just a few kilometres. Expect lush green pasture, beech and virgin forest on the lower trails, transitioning to rugged, technical limestone above 1,500m. The high routes are exposed and rocky — this is genuine mountain terrain, not waymarked walking paths.
Day 3 reaches 2,100m and involves some of the most technical sections. Days 2 and 4 have the longest ascents — up to 1,400m. All days have significant descents. We pace the group carefully and no one is left behind, but you should arrive with the fitness to handle this terrain comfortably.
Two nights are spent in high mountain refuges — Vegarredonda (Night 2) and Vega de Ario (Night 3). Both are staffed by mountain wardens and offer bunk room accommodation, blankets, warm showers and hot meals. They are genuine mountain outposts, not hotels — the experience is part of what makes this trip special.
Private room upgrades are not available at the refuges — bunk room accommodation is the only option at altitude. Private room upgrades (for an additional £285 single supplement) are available at the Bilbao airport hotel and the Cangas de Onís hotel only.
August is the best month for the Picos de Europa. Temperatures at valley level reach 22–26°C, while the high mountain routes are notably cooler — typically 10–18°C at the refuges, dropping further overnight. Clear skies are common in August, which is part of why we've chosen this window for the eclipse.
Mountain weather can change quickly regardless of season. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible, particularly on exposed ridges. Your guides monitor conditions daily and have contingency protocols. A good waterproof jacket and mid-layer are essential regardless of the forecast — these are in your fastpack regardless.
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all guests on this trip. Your policy must cover trail running and fastpacking at altitude, medical expenses, mountain rescue and emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation or curtailment. The Picos de Europa is remote — emergency rescue is available but takes time. Proper insurance is non-negotiable.
Standard travel insurance policies often exclude adventure activities above a certain altitude — please verify your policy covers this trip specifically before booking.
Breakfasts at the Bilbao and Cangas hotels can accommodate most requirements. The mountain refuges serve set menus with limited ability to adapt — please flag any requirements at the time of booking and we will communicate them to the refuge wardens in advance. Vegetarian options are generally available; vegan and complex dietary requirements are harder to guarantee at altitude.
During the mountain days, snacks and energy food during the runs are your personal responsibility — we'll advise on what to bring and there is limited resupply available at the refuges.