Self-Guided Walking Holidays in the Picos de Europa

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all the Collett’s staff involved in setting up and running our recent Picos walking holiday. We had such a marvellous time. The area was stunning and our organisers – Cat, Rachel and George – gave us a wonderful introduction to the surroundings. They were, at all times, kind, helpful, knowledgeable, well-organised and good fun! As this was our first Collett’s hoiday, we were in slight trepidation, not sure what to expect, but we felt at ease soon after arrival and could relax and enjoy it.

The family-run hotel was very comfortable and homely, with very helpful staff. The only improvements we could suggest would be putting fans in the rooms, as it was extremely hot, and perhaps a non-slip mat in the shower.

We will certainly look to book with Collett’s again!

Many thanks once again for a sterling service!

Our first holiday with Colletts and it was all that we hoped for. The accommodation at the Posada El Corcal was of a high a standard, clean and comfortable. The buffet breakfast was great and staff were happy to provide cooked options on request. The lunches provided by Colletts were very good and enough to keep any walker going! As vegetarians we were dubious about what we would be offered to eat for dinner but there were good options every night and the quality and quantity of the food was very good. The walks were as described and the staff guiding were friendly, helpful and considerate of the groups needs. It is a very quiet unspoilt location, in a very beautiful area. Thanks to all the staff at the Posada and Colletts who made this a very enjoyable trip.

We have just returned from a wonderful week in the Picos de Europa. Our trip was made all the more enjoyable thanks to the wonderful Collett's staff. Their professional approach, enthusiasm and local knowledge was impressive and we really enjoyed their company. The Picos is an interesting part of Spain, lovely people and stunning scenery which feels remote and untouched.

The Flower Leader, David Charlton made this holiday extra special, with his enthusiasm, local knowledge, plant recognition and constant willingness to answer questions.

We were looking at other companies for a walking/scenery flora holiday but Collets website was the best and brightest and easy to use to check accommodation - also the small traditional guest houses looked much more homely and comfortable and more suitable for us as an older couple and not keen on busy noisy places x also nice to be looked after in Spain with our little or no Spanish language skills! We were very happy when we saw the lovely photographs and they all lived up to your descriptions.

Value for money? Definitely over and above and extra to that was the care and attention from the family run guest house and bar...

It was our first walking holiday abroad and as older travelers we were a little worried about the travel and destination but Collett's information and photographs helped us to make good decisions and made us more confident and we weren’t disappointed and would definitely book again.

A truly great holiday made better by the dedication and enthusiasm of Sonny, Anna and Emily in the Picos. There is no doubt that we will travel with you again. Many thanks.

From the off, our lovely Colletts hosts Sonny, Izzie, Anna, and Emily made this a wonderfully convivial holiday, added to by an interesting and friendly mix of guests. The Colletts 'office hour' every evening gave us an opportunity to investigate and discuss each walk that was offered, and to consider its merits. Beers and G&Ts, delivered on request by the team, also helped make this a part of each day to look forward to. Then, on every walk, one of the team lead the way while chatting to everyone as we went, all of us enjoying the company and stunning scenery. Our lunches were tasty and filling, and the hotel was comfortable and spotless with the adjacent bar and restaurant offering perfect surrounds for our meals and drinks together to finish off each day. We also enjoyed discovering nearby Potes, which has some beautiful bars overlooking the river, and restaurants with traditional Spanish dishes to choose from. All in all, we had a fabulous week and can't wait to repeat the whole experience while discovering some more of the many walks Colletts has put together. Thank you Emily, Sonny, Izzie and Anna for all the effort you put in to make this such a special holiday for us and our group.

Wonderful holiday, made enjoyable by your staff Sonny, Emilie, Izzy and Anna, a great group of people, very helpful, knowledgeable and good fun. Accommodation and variety of walks were brilliant and Sonny & Emilie managed the entire trip with skill and laughter.

Thank you for a wonderful stay in the Picos. We really enjoyed the walking, the supportive and helpful staff in particular, the scenery and the company. The hotel was good, too. Great.

We both thoroughly enjoyed our holiday in the Picos. We spent a lovely week walking, eating, drinking and socialising, with others who shared a common interest. The atmosphere was most convivial. The leaders Sonny, Emily, Anna and Izzy were friendly and welcoming, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Office hour provided an opportunity to share experiences of the day and plan the walking for the following day over a relaxing Picos gin and tonic. What fun!

I cannot praise enough you selection of resort staff. They are sociable, knowledgeable and long-suffering. Congratulations to your recruiting people.

We have been twice before - to the Pyrenees and Dolomites. The staff have always made the holiday. We had already met Keith and Henry last year and we were pleased to see them again. All the team are great fun, easy to talk to and get along with and they have a whole range of interests which they can talk about on the walks.

The team at the Picos were great, as usual you have selected your team very carefully and they all added to our enjoyment with their enthusiasm and intelligent conversation and knowledge.

Previous Collett's holidays. Like the flexibility of the arrangements and the walks. Staff very ;lovely

Accommodation was great. We soon got used to spanish bread and enjoyed the choices for lunch.

Office hour is a really good idea. It meant we could consider the next day's plans but the opportunity to talk with other holiday makers and the staff was also welcome. We made good use of the reference books to identify what we had seen and were able to look at other people's photos from their days out. We also enjoyed the walk leader's slideshow of local flora. It gave us an idea of what to look out for on upcoming days.

We were able to vary what we chose to do and make it a really good holiday. Any restrictions we experienced were our own and their were even more things we could have done. (e.g. Swimming - next time!)

We can't speak too highly of John and Jo Morris's guidance on the walks. They were both very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the flowers in the area which is what we were interested in. They followed up questions and came back to us later if there was a query which couldn't be answered on the spot. We enjoyed their book which was written by a previous walk guide and loved their own passion for the place. They were very receptive to our interests and went out of their way to show us orchids when we asked. Following the holiday we sent photos to John both for his interest and to check ids. He was quick to respond and accurate and enthusiastic in his replies.

After arriving an hour late and being met by a smiling and helpful Henry, we knew right away that were going to have a great holiday......especially as one of us had been suffering from ill-health recently. The other guides - Emily, Natalie and Becky were also aware of this and planned very easy walks for us accordingly.
Accommodation-wise, the lodge had to be rated 'a 5'...so clean and beautifully decorated throughout. The breakfasts and evening meals served were most adequate for hiking folks; thank you Lily.
We must say a special word for Collett's young guides - Henry, Emily, Natalie and Becky.....even though there was a huge age-difference we felt a genuine friendship developing between us. We wish them all the luck in their futures.
Our walking holidays could be coming to an end in the next few years; we hope to spend some more of them with Collett's.
p.s. To Viv: Our contact with yourself was most pleasant and helpful; thank you for booking us on to the ferry-ship it was very different......and fun!
Regards: Joe and Pat .

Emily Natalie Henry and Becky made our holiday so much more fun with their friendliness and helpfulness. Maybe you could market your holidays for younger people - we area couple in our 50s and our 18 year old daughter and we all enjoyed ourselves but I was worried that there would be poor walkers in their 60s + - your photos in the brochure do not do the holidays justice.

We have been on three previous holiday's with Collett's and find the holiday's to be very reasonably priced, flexible and run by friendly staff. They are always really enjoyable.

We had a really great holiday thank you. The hotel was relaxing and very well specced, very clean and it was lovely to see/meet the owner and his family. The rooms we had were spectacular. Your guides are obviously chosen very carefully, and they were excellent - caring, respectful of our shortcomings, funny, knowledgeable, interesting.

Office hour was a great opportunity to meet other guests and speak with guides who made it their business to include everyone - a USP for Collett's! Performance of staff beyond outstanding! Lovely young people...but Colletts needs a new term for 'non-guides'!

We knew we had missed the early June flower walks, but there were plenty of flowers left in the meadows so it would be nice to carry those on for another week or two.
What would have been useful is some place to clean our boots ie a tap and an old brush hidden away at the back of the hotel.

Location and service. Have stayed at Collett's in the Dolomites and Pyrenees and have had an outstanding experience at both locations.

We have travelled before with you and had a fantastic experience in the Dolomites, you offer exactly the type of holiday we look for.

This was the second time I have used Colletts and as usual I was very impressed with the comfort and location of the accommodation and the confident, friendly nature of the staff. Mike, Oscar and the two Emma's looked after us like old friends. Oscar's unique way of 'rapping' the mountain rules still makes me smile now! The accommodation was comfortable and clean, and the packed lunches generous.
If I have any criticism it would be with the food in the evening. For a place with such fantastic cuisine, the quality of the food was mediocre and the choice rather limited. That said, it was perfectly adequate and I never left the table hungry!
Thanks for another great holiday, we will be back again in a few years I am sure.

Second time we've been away as a group with Collett's. You know what you're going to get and its very good indeed, made particularly by excellent staff who do indeed deliver on their mission to make the trip enjoyable.
Thank you for another brilliant time, we will be back!

The Colletts staff made the holiday. Mike, Emma (S), Emma (M) and Oscar were superb. They were so welcoming and enthusiastic and whilst suggesting possibilities for the next day's walk they always took into consideration weather, heat, people's ability etc. They were really good company at Office Hour, Meals and on the walks and nothing was too much trouble for them.

Overall very pleased with our first Colletts holiday, and cannot emphasise enough the part played by the Colletts staff in Tama and the friendliness of the Posada El Corcal people.

My questions were dealt with quickly and efficiently. We arrived earlier than expected but were shown to our room. The Collett's representative found us soon afterwards. The evening meals were very good, with unlimited good wine, and served nearby. It was lovely that all guests ate together along with 2 members of the Collett's team.

We enjoyed Office Hour as a way to chat together with the Collett's team and other guests. We only did one walk by ourselves and it was ok, some guests said the directions were not always clear.

The Collett's team at Picos really made the holiday for us. We could have done the walking by ourselves but it would not have been nearly so enjoyable. We enjoyed walking in a group as well as eating together every night with the other guests and staff members.
We felt that the Collett's staff made sure that the walks were safe for us in the weather conditions and frequently asked if everyone was ok. Everyone seemed able to walk at their own pace and felt comfortable. As experienced walkers everyone knew of the risks involved and acted responsibly. It was not an issue as I felt it might be.

We wanted the flexibility of being able to choose every day whether to walk in a group and which level of walk to choose.

Food was filling and varied. There was always a starter , main course and sweet.

Our staff were extremely knowledgeable about the area and the walks. We only went on one walk without staff and a more detailed map would have been useful as some of the directions were slightly ambiguous. (But this is only being perdantic!)

We were only a group of 4 so we organised our own transport between ourselves and other itineraries were not required as the weather was good and we always used a guided walk.

We enjoyed our walking holiday with you in the Pyrenees (last year). John and his wife Jo were very knowledgeable and delightful company. We saw a good variety of flowers, and some impressive scenery,as well as vultures and storks.

Beautiful area, excellent hotel with friendly staff and a great team from Colletts who worked hard at making us welcome.

We arrived during "office hour" and were immediately welcomed into the fold - it felt like we were meeting up with friends. The Spanish bread in the packed lunches was a challange! The evening meals were basic but tasty and filling.

The helpfulness and the (non) guiding of Emma (x2) Mike and Oscar turned an excellent holiday into an outstanding one. Speaking personally, as an older and less fit member of our party, the Collett's offering enabled me to walk everyday in good company, leaving the rest of the party to do more challenging walks.

Food at dinner was fresh and tasty - but a bit basic. However the choice was good - and portions generous. I didn't pick up that there was no walking directly from the hotel (but I did make the booking in a hurry and might have missed the information). We thought the hard walking was actually moderate - compared with some of the routes in Ehrwald for example. The walks were rather short and we didn't manage to get right up into the high picos. However we realise that this is probably a factor of the location of the accommodation - and the area is very beautiful so we were glad we visited.

This was our 4th trip with you, We like the way you do things!

The resort staff/hosts were all great - as is usual with Colletts. You had a really good mix and they were all very enthusiastic. Loved Oscar's rap.

Wonderful hotel in peaceful place. Collett's hosts were really sound and made sure we had a great time. Walks were enjoyable, adequate for the heat, nothing difficult or technical. Area is very green, on the edge of the national park; to get into the higher mountains you need to take the Fuente Dé cable car or do your own thing.

We didn't use the laminates for self guiding, but were with one of the Colletts guides on a first-time walk (see below) where obviously things had changed since the route was written. There was ultimately no problem, but it underlines the necessity of keeping the route descriptions up to date if guests are going off on their own with them, especially given the poor quality maps available. (Oh for a Spanish "O.S.!)
All 4 of the staff were brilliant. Can't be easy when they've not been there very long.

We booked an early stay for various reasons, one of which was so that my wife could probably enjoy a flower walk and otherwise moderate walks (we generally do different walks anyway) and she also wishes to avoid the really hot weather. We found the time we were there rather dominated by "the flower people" and the high level walks I desired were not available because of snow, but that aspect was probably either our fault for booking too early or just happenstance. We were slightly surprised at the number of walks we went on where the Collets leader hadn't done the walk before - albeit that in most cases one of the others had - and in fairness there were absolutely no issues. Again, probably symptomatic of the earliness of our visit.

John and his wife Jo were very knowledgeable and delightful company. We saw a good variety of flowers, and some impressive scenery,as well as vultures and storks. - We enjoyed our walking holiday with you in the Pyrenees (last year).

We had been to the Dolomites last year using Colletts and had enjoyed it tremendously. The Collett's staff were very welcoming and helpful- real "people people".

We did this walk in 2014 but looking again for this year and wanted to recommend this holiday for anyone making their plans for 2016. All the arrangements were impeccable and a great mix of accommodation from the remote rifugio to the delightful hotel in Cortina on night 3; highlights were Rif Biella (great sunset) and Rif Lavarella (Finnish sauna). Late snow and my wife's imaginative diversions gave us a real sense of adventure and some tough days (think long day in the Lakes rather than Crib Goch!). A great introduction to the possibilities for multi-day walking in this fantastic area.

We have visted the Pyrenees, Dolomites and Alps with Collett's previously and were happy to try a new location!

We really enjoyed the Office Hour! The combination of organised group walks and the ability to walk independently if required, plus good accommodation and good value. Please would you thank Sarah, Sam, Cam and John for doing such a great job. They took great care of everyone and were also great fun, especially Sam with his anecdotes at our final dinner!

Cam Sam Sarah and Mo were fab they made the place come alive. We learnt loads of useful stuff as well some amusing tales. We now why cows can't go down stairs. Thanks Sam! We were fascinated by the team dynamics and how you get your people all pulling together so well.

Keep producing the same stuff. We love it. It is so good to know there'll be the Colletts formula of great location, excellent accommodation, well organised activity if we want it and good company with like minded others and well informed and genial staff. We've now been on 3 holidays with Sam. We will be booking skiing as soon as we have confirmation of possible dates from our boys.

We only booked 3 nights as we had not tried this sort of holiday or this area before and we went on to spend another 7 nights independently. we'd definitely consider a longer stay with colletts another time. We stayed in Corvadonga after Tama and think that would be another great base with more brilliant walks we found ourselves.

I did not really need the handbook too much having been on a Collett's holiday before, however, my previous recollection was that it was outstanding also. Very friendly welcome from Cam who took us up to our self catering accommodation and explain everything that was needed.

The staff at resort are a major asset to Colletts. they were exactly the correct personalities and worked hard but in a friendly manner to make sure everything went well. The whole family liked then all. There were no other guests on three of the days that we stayed but we had company on the other three days. We obviously had the company of the Collett's guides on all they days too. We walked with all four guides during our week and they were all exceptional. Had previously gone to Pyrenees with Collets and on that occasion it was on the basis of a recommendation by a friend.

Thanks for a fantastic holiday yet again and a big thanks to Cam, Sam, Sarah and Mo. Might try the Dolomites. Happy with current choice in brochure.

David Charlton could not have been more helpful. He had done his (plant) homework and saved us a lot of time. He was able to direct us to the places we needed to go. He took us to a good spot on the afternoon of our arrival! We are thoroughly experienced, and know how to look after ourselves. We have walked in mountains right across Europe with no problems.

We know you and your ethos. We were wildflower guides for you in the Dolomites for seven years. When we decided to have a look at the Picos, there was no competition! You were the choice. On-site knowledge with flexibility; what could be better!

Yes. The Pasada el Corcal was lovely. Mrs Soberon Bedoy was lovely too, and fun as well. The staff in Casa Fofi were friendly and attentive. There was one meal that we could not eat because it contained shellfish. It was whipped away and replaced within minutes! First class service.

Friendly and attentive staff in superb accommodation. Nothing was too much trouble for them. A wonderful location in superb scenery. Cantabria is a different Spain, with lush, green countryside,spectacular mountains and wonderful flowers.

Went to Austria with Collett's last year and loved it. Some of the walk information sheets need more detail if you are walking unguided, particularly as some paths and tracks used are not marked on the map. The Collett's staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. They were also very good company and helped to make this a wonderful holiday.

We arrived on a Wednesday and knew this was the day off for the team, so were fully aware of what to expect. No complaints, and the owner of the Posada handled things as well as he could. Your team at Tama were outstanding in their helpfulness and good cheer, not least as they were short-staffed for nearly all of our time there. taking Mo as a passenger on our car twice was in itself great entertainment, and on one walk she handled a guest armed with GPS and a great sense of certainty with great deftness. Previous clients at Corvara. We mostly prefer to walk independently, so your formula of providing a choice between organised walks and advice/directions suits us perfectly.

Outstanding treatment from Cam, Mo, and Sarah, thanks for contributing so much to the enjoyment of our holiday. For us Collett's is 75% about the staff.

Mo, Sarah, Can and Sam were a credit to Colletts. Approachable, knowledgeable, helpful and great company, both during the walks and in the evenings.
Excellent first-time walking holiday. Considering Austria next year with Colletts.

All four staff (Sam / Cam / Mo / Sarah) were both friendly and professional and dealt with a mixed variety of guests exceedingly well. David's flower talks and general enthusiasm opened up a new subject to me and I hope to visit next year with my wife when hopefully David will be there again.

Been with you before. The main benefit is the total flexibility to mold the holiday to one own requirements while providing an excellent local knowledge.

Staff all extremely helpful and friendly – nothing too much trouble. David's flower talk (powerpoint presentation) very good. Other presentations might be helpful re range of walks.

Start of season therefore not enough people to do some walks. Rather a lot of lower level walks through woods,valleys,farmland on offer. Best day was high above Fuente De and I would like to have had the option of more high level walking. Flower walks excellent – again especially on high areas.

Looked on internet for walking holidays in Spain. Came up with Colletts amongst others, and Colletts suited our wishes best. We were met by Sarah and the welcoming could not have been better. When we met each of the other staff, we had the same greeting. Excellent.

We had a very pleasant send off by the young staff and the hotel's Lily. We were sadto be leaving.

1. We had a car problem. It was useful that Mo was fluent in Spanish to help me at the garage. All your resorts should have a fluent speaker in the local language. 2. The survey could be sent out earlier. To be completed almost immediately after arriving home. 3. Having lovely and helpful people at the end of a phone line felt as if we were all part of the 'family'. Please don't become so successful that you finish up with needing a call centre. 4. and a final big THANK YOU.

We arrived 2 hrs earlier than stated so staff member was not quite prepared for us, but VERY welcoming and everything was explained well. As former Collett's customers we knew what to expect. Office Hours is always a good opportunity to meet other existing and new guests and talk about experiences, swap information etc. Really enjoy office hour, it is a really good Collett's innovation.

We came for the flower walks in the Picos and were VERY impressed with David Charlton's knowledge and friendly, patient manner with the less vigorous walkers (me) and the more 'independent' group members (my husband!)

Have been on previous Colletts holiday in a different location (Dolomites) so have previous experience of Colletts' friendliness, flexibility and excellent choice of activities, locations combined with comfortable accommodation.

Colletts' caring young staff, backed by the combined experience and detailed preparation provided by the company as a whole, make for a truly enjoyable break. Activity choices are always interesting but at the same time provide the flexibility to be as active or as laid back as you want to be, with expert guidance.

David Charlton was excellent. His knowledge good his use of both latin and english was very helpful. He was very enthusiastic. Sarah's photos were brilliant. There were 3 of us each needing transport for different things and one car. The staff handled this very well. We are seasoned walkers and cary our own safety gear. We seriously wonder what was in some of the very small packs that people carried.

You have a good formula which works well. I may go to Austria or the Dolomites yet again.

David Charlton as the flower specialist was outstanding. When is he joining you again?! All staff were excellent in pre-walk health & safety and "check lists". Been 4 years ago to Dolomites and always wanted to go to Picos. When heard David Charlton was there leapt at the chance. Thank you

Another great holiday in a wonderful part of the world, enhanced by the helpfulness and enthusiasm of the Colletts team in the Picos. Good to be able to join David Charlton on some flower walks - Fuente De a real alpine delight this year!

We arrived on a Wednesday so the Collett's team were on their day off. We popped round to the restaurant and got the key to our room so that was fine. The meals were good and the service v friendly but we had stayed in the Hotel Panorama last year in Corcarra and it was not up to that standard. We thought the staff were first class. Some of the walks and the getting to the start of walks was slower than we would have liked …. but we enjoyed ourselves anyway. We like the flexibility of the holiday in terms of arrival dates, no. of days stay etc. Had a great time in the Dolomites last year so were keen to try a new location this.

We had a wonderful stay with Collett's last year in the Dolomites (Haus Valentin) and that encouraged us to book again.

Really enjoyed Pyrenees Holiday a couple of years previously. flexible dates for arrival and departure very useful indeed: a strong selling point.

Any start date, any length, guided/self guided or the beach, dine hotel, apartment or in town.

We were very happy with our holiday in the Dolomites at Chalet Angelo (?) and wanted a similar kind of holiday with the extras which you provide very well.

Having stayed with Colletts in the Dolomites, we were looking to use the same organisation and structure( self catering, office hour, guided walks) for our holiday in the Picos. It meant we could arrive with the security that someone had already researched and knew where the best walks were and had local knowledge of conditions and other places to visit in the area.

Had previous walking holiday in Dolomites with you and it was excellent

You were providing a holiday which was very flexible as regards guided versus self-guided walks. The brochure was inviting and gave us the information we needed to make a decision.

wanted to visit the area .Recommended by friends and like the option to do longer and shorter walks.

We have had a number of holidays with Colletts and have enjoyed them all (winter and summer)

We wanted to walk in the picos. I have used Colletts previously. Outstanding!

Had enjoyed a holiday with you before and though that we would again. Your location in the Picos fitted in with the rest of our itinerary

Booked on pure spec from your web site - had never here'd of you before - but the format of slightly informal walking appealed were we could do walks as we wanted as well as having someone available who knew the area - as it turned out we walked every day with the group - excellent holiday. We had a very good holiday - thanks to the staff & collets people at the Posada!

Previous experience in the Pyrenees. We knew it would be a good holiday

Collett's offered us the flexibility we wanted. Flexibility of when to go out and when to return, flexibility of low or high walks, as a couple we were both accommodated in this respect and office hour is a great idea. Also the value for money as your meals and drink are included was also a big plus for us.

Previous experience, the availability of different standards of walk which meant we could do our own thing, collective eating and socialising and the knowledge that we would be with like-minded people

WENT TO THE DOLOMITES AND HAD A FANTASTIC TIME. EVERYONE WHO WE HAVE SPOKEN TO WHO HAVE USED COLLETT'S HAS NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THEM.

We knew of their quality from having stayed twice with them in the Dolomites. Our plan was to have a week of camping then a week of luxury. This worked well except that our first week was in a self-catering chalet. Being looked after by Colletts staff was most enjoyable.

We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday in the Dolomites and had been wanting to explore the Picos for some time. We like the freedom of choosing when to arrive, how long to stay and the fact that we could have self catering with a pool. We were very impressed with all the staff in both locations.

Previous experiences all of which were excellent

Previous visit to the Dolomites with Colletts and a chance to visit an area that we would probably not have gone to on our own.

We had been with you in the Dolomites and Leyburn. We were confident we wouldn't be disappointed. We were not!

Recommended by friends who know I love to walk in mountains, but have found it difficult to do so since being widowed in my fifth decade of marriage. Knowing there was a choice of walk each day was v. attractive, as was the flexibility of not being stuck in one rigid group. As it turned out the company was very congenial.

I had used them before and, given I was going on my own this time, I knew the structure and thought it would work in this situation. Super!

SECOND TRIP WITH COLLETTS AND REALLY ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE AND VALUE THE HELP OF THE YOUNG STAFF TEAM

First time for many years that we had done a walking holiday and guided walks with everything sorted out for us was attractive. Chose Collett's after internet research. We had a great time. The walks were well matched to our walking ability and the Picos mountains were amazing. The Collett's staff and the other guests were very good company and added to the enjoyment.

Serious thanks to Beth, Louise, Jack and David. An excellent, well-chosen team. They were the right people in the right job: helpful, social, practical,well-organised, good company and ready to help the guests whenever they could. We wish them well in the future. Have used Collet's before. Like the flexibility of the organisation, from the choices of dates, choices of accommodation, to choices of walks-group-not group. And the friendly atmosphere.

Previous experience with you in the Dolomites and Pyrenees. We like the flexibility of the dates and the flexibility of the walks.

Been 3 times before, Dolomites X2 and Pyrenees. This was my second visit to the Picos

We chose Collett's based on the information on the website and because of the location in the Picos. The web site presented the company as a small, approachable organisation which could offer a personalised approach.

It seemed well organised and friendly and I liked the possibility of opting into joining a group or doing our own thing.
I liked that various routes had been identified and graded, streamlining decisions as to what to tackle.
And I enjoyed eating dinner with others in the evening and sharing chat about the day - and life in general!

Because we have been on 2 previous trips and always had a good experience.

We love the Colletts concepts, the people we meet, the amazing staff you find, the flexibility and the quality.

The staff in both centres were excellent and were very skilled in making sure everyone was included and all ages were catered for at mealtimes, there company and knowledge was excellent in both resorts,however we would add that the staff in the Picos were outstanding, difficult to put your finger on the reason but they worked very well as a team and provided outstanding hosting skills. we wish the young people in both resorts all the very best , and can honestly say that they are your greatest asset!

The staff in both centres were excellent and were very skilled in making sure everyone was included and all ages were catered for at mealtimes, there company and knowledge was excellent in both resorts,however we would add that the staff in the Picos were outstanding, difficult to put your finger on the reason but they worked very well as a team and provided outstanding hosting skills. we wish the young people in both resorts all the very best , and can honestly say that they are your greatest asset!

Location, flexibility, self-catering options

I liked the walks they advertised, their experience in this area and the relaxed attitude and format.

Been with Collett's for the previous 6 years.
The format suits our requirements and have never had any problems.

Previous experience (2 trips to Dolomites).

Friend's recommendation.

we have been to the dolomites with you and decided to try the picos

I was looking for a holiday that would combine with a week based in Oviedo exploring the beaches and Asturias. I came across mention of the Picos and walking in a Guardian article and googled for walking holidays. Colletts appeared early on and given your base not far from me in Cambridge I made the first phone call and was impressed.

We stayed with you in the Dolomites in 2009 and had an excellent holiday. We like the guided walks - gives me a rest from navigating. We enjoy the company of like minded people, and love the flexibility of arrive any day and leave any day.

When I first located Collett's through the internet I had two enquiry calls - one with Rhian and one with Phil. Both were very helpful as I was quite tentative about whether it would be suitable for the four of us - with my two teenage girls 15 and 19. We flew into Asturias (our choice as the second of our weeks was in Oviedo) mid-afternoon and arrived about 6.30pm. Tom met us straight away and took us to our two lovely rooms on the first floor. It was so welcoming and straight forward. And then downstairs for first office hour and a beer. I appreciated Tom coming up to the bar to get the drinks!

I wouldn't alter at all-it worked really well for our week. We enjoyed being able to talk over the day and discuss the next walks; particularly appreciated the flexibility at the end of our week when there were few of us and our suggestions were listened to by Tom, Sarah, Rick and Dom and led to an altered and brilliant day. For our week the mix of walks and the groups worked really well.
On the Wednesday we went canoeing in Panes and appreciated Tom's help with this and booking.
Keep the good standard! I was looking for a holiday that would combine with a week based in Oviedo exploring the beaches and Asturias. I came across mention of the Picos and walking in a Guardian article and googled for walking holidays. Colletts appeared early on and given your base not far from me in Cambridge I made the first phone call and was impressed.

My wife and i had a wonderful week in the picos mountains. your staff together with the hotel and bar staff were warm and friendly and made us feel at home.our thanks to you all for a great week - please say hello to your resort staff ric tom dom and sarah the next time you see them and say hi from Pauline and Barry Cronin

I am just writing to say that we had a really great holiday week with your company in the Picos. The accommodation (Ojedo) was excellent, company interesting, and the walking tremendous. I am emailing really though to say what a fantastic team you have working there. I would like to ask that you pass on this email to say a big 'Thank you' to Rick, Dom, Sarah and Tom for their enthusiasm (Rick + Sarah), interest and patience (Tom), mischievous sense of humour (Dom) and general helpfulness (everyone). A special thank you to Tom for accompanying us on the excursion to the Cares Gorge, as he had to put up with just us for the day. A special thank you also to Rick for looking after me on our first day when I was finding the heat really difficult to cope with. Thanks also for the delicious cherries!
I can see why so many people repeat a Colletts holiday, and we may well consider this ourselves.

Kind Regards

Chris Kitteringham

I like the ambience, the staff and fellow holiday makers - it is what Colletts do so well. Loved the holiday, will be back in Corvara next summer and hope to go to the Picos next September!

We had a wonderful holiday and thank all the Colletts staff for making it so pleasurable!

The Colletts team were so good - great to iteract with such knowledgeable, friendly, interesting and interested young people. We felt the information and knowledge of the Colletts team, the quality of the walks and the quality of the hotel and catering made it very good value for money. 10% off the Brittany ferries helped too. So pleased you are now in the Picos as we came ourselves about 8 years ago & didn't enjoy it so much even though we were able to do the high level walking denied to us this time because of the late snow.
We are very glad that we chose Colletts & hope to try walking holidays with you in the Pyrennees in the future.

Hi Viv, Just a quick note to say that we thoroughly enjoyed our time with Collett's in the Picos de Europa last month. We were fortunate with the weather, and the accommodation and food were very good. However, what made the week memorable was the friendliness and enthusiasm of the Collett's staff at the venue. Ric, Sarah, Dom and Tom were all great company and went out of their way to ensure that we had a good time. We recall that the packed lunches they produced were also very good

We hope to return to the Picos in the fuiture, but maybe slightly later in the season when the walks at the top of the Fuente De cable car are not blocked by snow (unseasonally late this year).

One tiny item that could possibly be improved on was the afternoon tea/coffee arrangements, as sometimes the facilities were not available or the milk was not easily accessible (but we understand the problem of the staff not living on site, as they do in the Dolomites). But in the great scheme of things it is a trivial point.

So thanks again, and we hope to holiday with Collett's again before too long.

Kind regards,
David and Annette Pickering.

Had been on holiday previous year in Pyrenees and enjoyed it very much. Thanks.

SECOND TRIP WITH COLLETTS AND REALLY ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE AND VALUE THE HELP OF THE YOUNG STAFF TEAM

Have used Collet's before. Like the flexibility of the organisation, from the choices of dates, choices of accommodation, to choices of walks-group-not group. And the friendly atmosphere.

WENT TO THE DOLOMITES AND HAD A FANTASTIC TIME. EVERYONE WHO WE HAVE SPOKEN TO WHO HAVE USED COLLETT'S HAS NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THEM.

We wanted to explore the Picos with the help of some guidance and local knowledge. We liked the flexibility of being able to choose the level of walking and whether to walk on our own or with others.

We enjoyed our holiday in the Dolomites last year. We liked the set up, particularly the access to advice, information etc which removes the hassle of deciding what to do each day of the holiday.

We have never been with a tour company like this and decided that we might benefit from the specialist knowledge you offer in an area completely new to us

Because we had a good experience last ear in the Dolomites and wanted to visit the Picos.

Previous customers, our fourth holiday, we are attracted to the varied formula of walking, catering and ever changing company.

Our previous experience with Collett's in the Dolomites was a great one and we did not hesitate to consider holidaying again with you. We also like the operating model very much and are comfortable with it during our holiday activities.

This is our 4th holiday with you, and we already have the next one booked. No need to say more.......