FAPAS

In answer to client’s concerns about what they can do to support the area visited during their Picos de Europa adventure, we have developed a link with Fund for the Protection of Wild Animals. Our itineraries centred in the Cantabrian Mountains of Northern Spain, introduce our clients to the beauty and serenity of the Picos de Europa. 

Spreading across the provinces of Asturias, Cantabria & Leon, the National park is a perfect example of an Atlantic ecosystem, packed with beech and oak groves. It is home to 2 of the most emblematic animals to live in Spain; the brown bear and the Iberian wolf, but there is far more to the area than that. 

Brown bear in the Picos de Europa

In 1982, FAPAS, a non profit association was born out of the work that a group of friends began, to protect the small population of Griffon vultures that still survived in the Picos (8 pairs). They set up a carcass collection service in the area around Llanes, and created a carcass dump for animals that had died of natural causes, that served as an essential feeding ground for many birds in Northern Spain.

As the charity grew, it focused on the study and conservation of Biodiversity of the most representative species of the Cantabria ecosystems. 

FAPAS run a varied range of projects, practical and innovative initiatives from building bear resistant bee hives, monitoring the local Osprey movements, carrying out a census of the Iberian wolf population and helping to educate local communities about living in harmony with top carnivores, and planting fruit trees to support the local bear and grouse populations.

Our adventures in the Picos de Europa give you the opportunity to learn more about FAPAS, to see its work in action, and to make a donation, should you wish, to support the volunteers and dedicated team and help preserve this beautiful area. 

Related Adventures

Grading

To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.


All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.


Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.

Grade 1-3: Entry Level

You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences. 

Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m). 

You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.

Grades 4-6: Intermediate

You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times. 

You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.

Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.

Grades 7-9: Challenging

You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven. 

Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).

Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).

Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.

Get in touch

CLICK HERE to schedule a call online with YellowWood Founder Sam McManus.

Or call us directly 24/7 on:

+44 207 846 0197
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