Picos off road trails

Author	Message
Kisangani	Kisangani posted 16 Years Ago Topic Details
Group: G4 Member Posts: 253, Visits: 2.9K	Hi everyone, we are heading off to the Picos de Europa in northern Spain at the end of Sept. mostly to hike and MTB, but I've read there are some amazing trails that can be driven that interlink the three valleys. I've serched the internet as usual, but apart from the odd mention, there isn't a huge amount of detail. I was wondering if anyone had ventured that way and could make suggestions. Equally any advice on small campsites in the heart of the mountains? We can't wait, the pics and info we've read make it sound remarkable. Look forward to hearing from anyone Rich 2008 G4 D3 TDV6 BG08 VGY Team SA colours
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MaG4	MaG4 posted 16 Years Ago Post Details
Group: Forum Member Posts: 34, Visits: 88	Picos de Europa is an amazing place to visit. I have been there myself several times with other 4x4s in the past. However, be advised that you will not be able to do any offroad whatsoever as it is a national park, and besides, Spanish Law regarding offroading is EXTREMELY strict. Because the Picos are in a natural reserve, the nature cops known as "Seprona" are constantly surveilling the mountains for people like us. Fines start from 600 euros up.... In addition, to make things even worse, there have been massive fire outbreaks throughout the whole of Spain for the past month, so the Seprona and Police are really out there looking for any infractions... There are several camp sites in the area...which have small parcels in the back where you can park your G4 and lay a tent...but not even in these camp sites, bbcues are NOT allowed. It is truly sad that thr Spanish Government is so strict in this sense. This is why most serious offroaders which live in Spain like myself, have to either head north to France or South to African Continent for adventure.
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Kisangani	Kisangani posted 16 Years Ago Post Details
Group: G4 Member Posts: 253, Visits: 2.9K	Morning Marcel, thank you for your information. Wow, your laws seem pretty strict on just about everything, firstly your roof lights, now the off road fun police. And I thought the UK was over protective. I'm glad you highlighted the strictness, as like I said finding any information out about off roading has been limited, and 600 euro plus sounds like a lot of Rioja, jamon and queso down the drain! Are you able to use local guides for example to get around the laws? What did you guys do when you've been there? Sounds like I'll be sticking to two wheels again!! I suppose the upshot of strict laws is beautiful unspoilt landscapes, maybe an example some of the green laners could take up in this country. We are hoping to head to Morocco next year, then 2012 home to South Africa. You used to be able to drive any and every where in SA, very much to the detriment of the nature, fortunately they have tightened their laws too, but the nature of the country demands use of a 4 x 4 is essential rather than a bit of fun on the side. The campsite we really wanted to stay in is in Santa Marina de Valdeon, but they are closed at that time of year, so we are hoping to find one near Potes. On the basis of what you say about the seprona, do they still allow wild camping? One final thought, following your trials getting you lights fitted, which look great and seem to work really well, I am making the assumption that foreign registered vehicles with roof lights are temporarily exempt from this regulation?? Thanks again for your help Rich 2008 G4 D3 TDV6 BG08 VGY Team SA colours
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The OC (Augusto)	The OC (Augusto) posted 16 Years Ago Post Details
Group: G4 Member Posts: 890, Visits: 3.6K	Rich If you want to do some off-road you could visit the Land Rover Experience in Les Comes, check the other post about it. They have over 60km in forest tracks within a private state... Enjoy Augusto (The O.C.) Secretary - G4 Challenge Owners Club D3 2006 event BN55 WRG LRG4C11 Stages 3 & 4 Bolivia
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MaG4	MaG4 posted 16 Years Ago Post Details
Group: Forum Member Posts: 34, Visits: 88	Hello Rich, Indeed, the laws here are terrible. What Augusto suggests is a great alternative. As for your other comments: - Local guides: not really. In that area, all roads are paved and you must stay on them. You may come across a couple of dirt roads but these are generally closed off or private hunting grounds. If they catch you on them, your gonna have a rough time. - Last time I was there was about 2 years ago, and we didn´t go for offroading, but rather for sightseeing. - Campsite: there are several around. All are pretty much the same: you can either rent out a cabin or rent a parcel where you can park your car and put up your tent. Not too adventurous because there are about 30 others right next to you....There are campings which also have pools, bars etc and others that offer less ammenities. - Camping in the wild: Totally out of the question. This has been forbideen all over Spain for I think over 7 years now. I have tried to find locations in the past but always face same issue: if they catch you, your pretty much done....and even more when your from Spain...because they will fine you, and take points off your license. - Lights: A delicate issue. In reality, you should not have any problem because your car is registered abroad and you are only visiting. However, do not turn them on ever, and if you can, cover them up. If they stop you and ask about them, you simply say the car is registered abroad, show them the papers,...and they shouldn´t say much. Marcello
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Kisangani	Kisangani posted 16 Years Ago Post Details
Group: G4 Member Posts: 253, Visits: 2.9K	Hi Marcello and Augusto, all information duly considered and very much appreciative of your time, such a real shame we will be more restircted than I'd imagined. However, I'm sure we will be still able to have an amazing time. I'd love to join in on the jolly to Les Comes, but this trip is planned to coincide with a family visit form SA, so our dates are fixed for late Sept - early Oct. Originally it was just going to be my wife and I, and then we would have flexibility, but as its become more of an international affair our hands are tied. Thanks again guys, no doubt some photos will materialise after the event. Cheers Rich 2008 G4 D3 TDV6 BG08 VGY Team SA colours
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The OC (Augusto)	The OC (Augusto) posted 16 Years Ago Post Details
Group: G4 Member Posts: 890, Visits: 3.6K	Rich Just to clarify, you can go to Les Comes at any time on your own. They have great facilities (Adrian, Mark and Dave stayed there). Not wanting to make propaganda, just clarifying, enjoy ;) Augusto (The O.C.) Secretary - G4 Challenge Owners Club D3 2006 event BN55 WRG LRG4C11 Stages 3 & 4 Bolivia
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Sweaty	S Sweaty posted 16 Years Ago Post Details
S Group: G4 Member Posts: 98, Visits: 442	Just a little addendum . I'm going to the Spanish Pyrenees in the next couple of weeks and although I defer to Marcel as the local expert, 4x4 excursions appear to be commonplace in this region so my plan is to either tag along or beg ,steal or borrow the local operators authorised trail routes.IF I am successful I will share them with the club. If I am unsuccessful I will venture into the French 'Haute Pyrenees' and try the trails there which is where Landtreks the experts in Pyrenees tag along/guided 4x4 tours operate from . Unfortunately they are booked for the dates I'm travelling but they have space when Rich is travelling (just in case it's of interest). Wacky thought but is anyone interested in hiring a Landtreks guide for an all G4 trans Pyrenees expedition in 2010? Just a thought!! www.landtreks.com CheersSweaty 2006 Thailand G4 Press Vehicle FFRR BV55 YYZ (aka ''Gina'' as in ''Orangina'' geddit?) with JE Engineering 90 litre Twin LPG Conversion (love it). Fleet 89 GB 140 Defender 50th Anniversary NAS Spec Soft Top V8 Auto Triumph Rocket III (Gone)
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