Picos De Europa

[MacJ]

I'm booked on the Santander ferry next Sunday (19 June 2011) for a week, returning via Bilbao on Saturday 25 June 2011. Two of us will be making our way up to Las Arenas in the Picos for a stay at the Torrecedo Hotel.
I intend to avoid motorways on route a its only 60+ miles from the port to the hotel.
I've looked at some of the reports here and can't wait to get out on the roads around the Picos.
Are there words of wisdom (or caution!) about the trip any one wishes to impart before I set off? (BTW my Spanish is limited to 'Dos Cervezas, por favor' so I've got the main needs covered).
What are the current speed limits is one thing that springs to mind.
I'll be on my 09 plate R1200GS and my pal's on his 10 plate R1200 R.

Mac J

 

[AndyT]

You'll love it there. I stayed in that Hotel some years back and the owner (Jim) is a real character. He reminds me of Steve MacDonald from the Rovers in Corrie. The Hotel is cheap as chips and a good place to enjoy a beer and a meal on your return.
The road from Panes to Arenas de Cabrales is superb and you will also find the road to Trevissio (spelling) across from the Hotel... You'll love it.

 

[MacJ]

Nice to hear from someone who's stayed there before. The photos make it look a bit isolated. Is it far from bars and restaurants?

 

[team duvet]

Great place

Hi MacJ

We are there in July @ Jim's place, our 4th trip to his hotel, superb

Yes you can walk into town for bars etc.......only prob you have now is rooms etc? I know Jim does get booked up, walkers etc.

Pillar is wife ia a diamond too, cooking yum yum!

Enjoy the Pico's!

TD

 

[Giles]

Enjoy!!

 

[TeaPig]

You'll have a great trip. Fantastic roads (good surfaces and endless bends), fantastic scenery and the Spanish love bikes. 10 years ago there were very few speed traps/police checks which were signalled miles ahead by helfpul locals flashing their lights.

 

[sidestand]

You don't need to go down to the village for a drink - Jim runs a great bar in the hotel


Make sure you get yerself up to the cable car at Fuente de as well - great road up to it & fantastic ride up the mountain