Spain in October
 

Hi,

I was due to be travelling around northern Spain for the next two weeks with my son, both on bikes, but circumstances now mean we'll have to delay until October. We were planning on doing a big loop around the north, including Picos de Europa and the Pyrenees but I'm guess that by October the weather might have started to deteriorate a little...

We're going to be arriving into Santander and my question is what to expect weatherwise...should we instead head further south or keep to the north? How is the weather in Picos de Europa in October? Any other suggestions for routes or destinations? We'll be keeping the mileage relatively low, 150 to 200 miles per day.

Thanks

I to will be doing the Picos de Europa, but in early September. Also wondering about the weather, and inexpensive accommodations. Hope you get some reply's.

I'd be pretty confident on good weather in early September (it's only a matter of days after August to state the obvious!)....I think it'll be better than mid summer actually....

Don't worry too much about October. It's actually one of the best months to ride in the North of Spain as the weather tends to stabilise after storms in September put paid to summer ...

The scenery is also lovely with the best of the autumn tints and the lower sunlight during the day brings out the best of the landscape IMHO.

You also have roads that are even more empty than usual - important in the Picos, less so in the Pyrenees - but note that most campings will close after the big national holiday on October 15th. It's also jolly cold at night ...

It's always best to stay on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees as the north face is prone to fogs, drizzle, etc. at that time - actually anytime! - and in Spain there's more accommodation, which is also cheaper, and of course the food's much better! :)

Your aim of 150-200 miles per day is just about right - do explore the lesser roads, not just the 'classics' like the N-260.

REgs

Simon