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Rock climbing in Picos de Europa: Peña Vieja

Rock climbing in Picos de Europa: Peña Vieja
Peña Vieja
Peña Vieja

Follow AEGM-UIMLA mountain leader Fran and reach the top of Peña Vieja in Picos de Europa. Get ready for a stunning rock climbing adventure!

Private

Cantabrian Mountains

1 Day

May - Sep

High

Intermediate


Highlights

  • Discover Picos de Europa, one of the most famous rock climbing areas in Spain.
  • Head up the Espolón de los Franceses route and reach the summit of Peña Vieja.
  • Enjoy beautiful views of the amazing “Puertos de Áliva”.

Description

Peña Vieja is a 2,617m mountain located in the Central Massif of the Picos de Europa, and a top destination for rock climbing. This is your chance to try one of its most famous routes, Espolón de los Franceses, under expert guidance. Join me!

Picos de Europa is a limestone formation which extends over the Communities of Asturias, Cantabria and León, in northern Spain. They are divided into three massifs: Western (“Cornión”), Central (“Urrieles”), and Eastern (“Andara”) offering amazing walls and a varied style of climbing routes.

Peña Vieja is probably the most popular summit in Picos de Europa. We will reach the starting point with a cable car that gains an altitude of 750m in a few minutes. Our route, Espolón de los franceses, which opened in 1967, will take us through the south spur of the mountain all the way to the top.

This 1000m V+ climb, opened in 1967, requires a good fitness level. But trust me: it is a fun ascent and provides breathtaking views of the beautiful “Puertos de Áliva” and the entire Picos de Europa range!

So, if you are up for this awesome day trip in one of the best rock climbing spots of Spain, please get in touch with me. Let’s try the Espolón de los Franceses route and reach the top of Peña Vieja!

For an alternative adventure, I also offer canyoning excursions in Cantabria!

Price includes

  • Guiding fee
  • Personal insurance

Price details

  • Not included: transports and cable car (16€)

Meeting point


Details

More info

Please bring: Suitable clothing, harness, helmet and cat feet, first-aid kit, meal and water.


About the guide

Guide profile image

Picos A Vista

5.0

(10)

Mountain Leader

Picos a Vista is led by Francisco González, a professional climbing and mountain guide as well as an alpine ski instructor, born and raised in Cantabria. His home mountains, especially the Picos de Europa, were his playground in adolescence and the place where he discovered his passion for the outdoors in all its forms.

With decades of experience, Francisco has explored mountain ranges and climbing areas across Spain, the Alps, and far beyond — from Yosemite and Squamish to Greenland’s remote fjords. His background as a versatile “all-terrain” adventurer allows him to guide safely and confidently in rock, snow, and mixed terrain, always with the aim of sharing the joy of the mountains with others.

Whether leading a technical climb, a scenic trek, or a ski descent, Francisco combines deep local knowledge with a love for exploration, creating unforgettable and authentic mountain experiences.

Certificates

UIMLA


What people are saying about Picos A Vista

Benedik

I booked a tour with Fran to Urriello summit in Picos de Europa. It was an amazing experience and Fran helped me to tick another box in my bucket list. He took best care of my security whilst I was able to enjoy climbing one of the historic routes - still impressive what people dared to do about hundred years ago. I also learned a lot about climbing history in the area and met a guy who is really passionate about what he is doing. He is a great climbing guide and on top of it a great guy to get along with. Much recommended!

Darragh

Fran was an excellent guide, couldn't recommend him highly enough. He as patient and supportive to all members of our group.

We had a great time climbing in Picos!!

We had a great time with the two-day route through Picos de Europa. Our guide Fran has given us a treatment that goes beyond the personal... he has taken care of us, he has taught us lots of tricks, he has made us overcome this physical and psychological challenge we were facing and he has made us fall in love with Picos when we saw it with his eyes. The experience has been so incredible that I am sure I will always remember it. Thank you so much for everything Fran!


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