Pico's late may

[Rasher]

I am thinking of a trip around last week of May.

What are the conditions in the Pico's likely to be at that time of year, I am assuming with relatively low passes and mountains that they will be far clearer than the Alps at this time of year.

Anyone got more accurate information than my best guess

I do not trust weather site stats as they often only give an idea of day / night temperatures which can be misleading, I know the Alps can have temps in the high 20's, but with 12 foot of snow still covering your planned route

 

[johnnyboy]

I was in the Picos Late April a couple of years ago and it was fine enough for camping. No snow and the weather was warm and sunny, we had a couple of showery days. I'm sure you will be fine in late May.

 

[foolmaker]

Same as above snow only at top of cable car, warm enough to camp can be a little wet in may so i don't.
There are plenty of hotels and B&Bs not much need to book because the internal rate of tax on hotels has gone up to 21% from the 7% it was last year and its making it expensive for Spanish people.
Try and negotiate a few euros off or get them to throw in a drink or two its always worth trying.

 

[Peirre O`Bollox]

Can anyone suggest a base for a few days in the central/western Pico's?
I`m considering Couchsurfing/AirB&B`ing in the Pico's area with 2-3 days of ride outs before heading down to Lisbon to join up with mates. Pick up my camping gear in Lisbon & head down to the Algarve
I know Potes is an obvious suggestion, but what about any others?

 

[Roberto]

I went over the San Glorio pass in the second week of May earlier this year. At the top there was snow but the road was clear and passable with care. From what I understood talking to a few bike folks in Potes the pass was closed the previous week.

 

[Tusky]

I'm out in Cantibria and the Picos now, so I will ask around Rasher.

Personally I would not stay in Potes as I have had a lot of fun on the CA roads to the East and my wife and I love the sea as well, I am therefore enjoying staying to the East of the Picos near Santillana del Mar and riding the roads around the Saja National Park..... As Bjork "its all Sooooo quiet".

Yesterday I rode the CA-281 - CA-184 - CL-627 - CL-626 - PP-2123 - PP2204 and the CA-280 in an anti-clockwise loop and I can honestly say it was one of the very best technical combination of biking experiences I have ever had.... Think the best of small alpine passes, Scotland, Devon, Yorshire Moors and high Spanish plateau all rolled into one varied days riding.

I will be venturing all around the Picos but for me the option of a motorway blat to the west, if and when I want it is a nice option to have

 

[thomo57]

Can anyone suggest a base for a few days in the central/western Pico's?
I`m considering Couchsurfing/AirB&B`ing in the Pico's area with 2-3 days of ride outs before heading down to Lisbon to join up with mates. Pick up my camping gear in Lisbon & head down to the Algarve
I know Potes is an obvious suggestion, but what about any others?

The Hotel Torrececerredo is nice, stayed there two nights last month, great location, owner Jim (British) and his wife Pilar are great, nice rooms, wifi, good food and reasonable prices.
It's about one hour from Santander abdtwo hours from Bilbao
I would certainly stay there again, It's set back off the main road and has parking.

http://www.fade.es/torretours/hotel.htm

 

[Tank]

Went this year, first time. Fantastic roads and scenery BUT bloody cold and wet and that was between the 19th May to 24th May! Every day it poured down so had waterproofs on at least once every day and cooooold!

First morning temp gauge was showing 0 degrees!

Plenty of snow on top of the mountains and rode through a fair bit although only small amount of slush on the road so nothing major.

Having said all that would love to go back again as roads were great but would wait until a little later in the year.

We stayed here http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/la-...x8Qk1u+mGWI5JmWHTxcQ1+K6b9KKj1Vzo2zKEQM+76dUl

Fantastic place and views but watch out for the bears!!!! The wife speaks English but her husband does not and we had a bizzare chat with him over breakfast. He started growling and saying 'Yogi' 'Yogi' then the penny dropped and he was on about the fact that there are still wild bear in them there mountains

 

[Tank]

That link did not work too well!

The place we stayed at was 'La Casa De Las Arcas' the top one on the list.

 

[Tusky]

The verdict locally, is that when it is raining for mor than a day, jump on the motorway south and visit the mountains to the south of the Picos...... Usually bone dry there

 

[Ernist53]

Ok in May

I traveled through in early may this year we spoke to some lads that got stuck for three days in the snow but they were very high and a bit silly! We traveled back though the mountains to get back home the views were epic!

 

[Rasher]

Thanks, tempted to book a crossing and then head wherever the weather forecast is decent

 

[sidestand]

You'll be fine in late May Rasher

Pic here from the viewing point near the top of the San Glorio pass taken 23rd May this year- between Potes & Riano - just about the best road in the Picos



And as for a place to stay - The Hotel Del Oso at Cosgaya on the road from Potes to Fuente De takes some beating

http://www.hoteldeloso.com

Enjoy your trip, Ive been going there for years now & never had a bad one

 

[Rasher]

You'll be fine in late May Rasher....

Enjoy your trip, Ive been going there for years now & never had a bad one

Thanks, looks like a plan is hatching

 

[Timbo1965]

I went in early June this year, chucked it down every day. We stayed on the coast in Gijon, it rained there too.

 

[LittleJohn]

What is the area like at this time of the year ?

Thanks

 

[Tengiz99]

And as for a place to stay - The Hotel Del Oso at Cosgaya on the road from Potes to Fuente De takes some beating

http://www.hoteldeloso.com

Seconded!