Running Collection by Fred Urrutia
From statue to statue – Reconquista Challenge
2 routes
13:46
64.8km
3,720m
A few months ago, together with the Kilómetro Vertical Torrelavega club, we completed the Desafío Lebaniego, an unprecedented route that combines the Camino Lebaniego with the Desafío Cantabria ( komoot.com/collection/2193191 ). We spent two days in the mountains, sharing good moments with friends, laughter and sweat. We were left wanting more so we decided to do another challenge in Picos de Europa – the Reconquista Challenge (GR 202) in trail mode. This is the route that, according to legend, was taken by the Muslims who fled after losing the Battle of Covadonga against Don Pelayo's army in 722.
The loop begins and ends at two statues of King Pelayo: one in Covadonga and another in Cosgaya. You’ll walk four or five days, covering 65 kilometres (40 mi) and 3,700 metres (12,000 ft) of elevation gain. We decided to run it in two stages, spending the night in Bulnes in the heart of Picos. Therefore, there were two stages of more than 30 kilometres (16 mi) and around 2,000 metres (6,500 ft) of elevation gain.
Words are not enough to describe the beauty of the landscapes we crossed. From meadows to rocky peaks, passing through native forests, gorges and traditional villages of Asturias and Cantabria. I recommend checking out the photos, but nothing beats seeing these places with your own eyes, so go ahead and go explore.
We went the last weekend of September and the weather was great. The beginning of autumn is usually warm and sometimes even hot. I think spring and summer would also be good seasons to explore the route, although the heat can make it harder.
The biggest challenge in the Picos de Europa National Park is finding water. On the first day, you’ll need to refill your bottles at every opportunity, since water is scarce in the middle section. On the second day, you’ll find more sources, but there’s always a risk that they’re dry.
Bulnes has several hostels, but they fill up quite quickly, so I advise booking as soon as possible. It’s best to bring a packed lunch (on the first day you have to bring it from home and on the second you can buy it at the shelter).
Getting to and from the route is a little complicated. We arranged for relatives to leave us in Covadonga on Saturday morning and pick us up in Cosgaya the next day. Of course, we lured them with an invitation to a meal at Potes, a spectacular mountain town.
In Picos, the weather can change quickly, with a large temperature range and thick morning fog. We started with 14 to 24 litre trail backpacks. We brought thermals, coats, walking sticks, safety blankets and gloves. In the end, we didn't use almost any of that, but you never know when you'll need it, even when the weather is good. Don't skimp on equipment to ensure you have a successful trip.
A good pair of poles and some trail shoes with good grip are essential. The route is long, but step by step, you’ll get there.
If you want to see our adventure on video, here are the links to the club channel:
The loop begins and ends at two statues of King Pelayo: one in Covadonga and another in Cosgaya. You’ll walk four or five days, covering 65 kilometres (40 mi) and 3,700 metres (12,000 ft) of elevation gain. We decided to run it in two stages, spending the night in Bulnes in the heart of Picos. Therefore, there were two stages of more than 30 kilometres (16 mi) and around 2,000 metres (6,500 ft) of elevation gain.
Words are not enough to describe the beauty of the landscapes we crossed. From meadows to rocky peaks, passing through native forests, gorges and traditional villages of Asturias and Cantabria. I recommend checking out the photos, but nothing beats seeing these places with your own eyes, so go ahead and go explore.
We went the last weekend of September and the weather was great. The beginning of autumn is usually warm and sometimes even hot. I think spring and summer would also be good seasons to explore the route, although the heat can make it harder.
The biggest challenge in the Picos de Europa National Park is finding water. On the first day, you’ll need to refill your bottles at every opportunity, since water is scarce in the middle section. On the second day, you’ll find more sources, but there’s always a risk that they’re dry.
Bulnes has several hostels, but they fill up quite quickly, so I advise booking as soon as possible. It’s best to bring a packed lunch (on the first day you have to bring it from home and on the second you can buy it at the shelter).
Getting to and from the route is a little complicated. We arranged for relatives to leave us in Covadonga on Saturday morning and pick us up in Cosgaya the next day. Of course, we lured them with an invitation to a meal at Potes, a spectacular mountain town.
In Picos, the weather can change quickly, with a large temperature range and thick morning fog. We started with 14 to 24 litre trail backpacks. We brought thermals, coats, walking sticks, safety blankets and gloves. In the end, we didn't use almost any of that, but you never know when you'll need it, even when the weather is good. Don't skimp on equipment to ensure you have a successful trip.
A good pair of poles and some trail shoes with good grip are essential. The route is long, but step by step, you’ll get there.
If you want to see our adventure on video, here are the links to the club channel:
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Desafío Reconquista
62.9km
3,730m
3,250m
Last updated: November 26, 2024
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Activities
32.4km
08:07
2,230m
1,840m
32.4km
05:39
1,490m
1,370m
Collection Stats
Activities
2
Distance
64.8 km
Duration
13:46 h
Elevation
3,720 m
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