Asturias walks

Closed sections marked 2.3 km from the start (October 2025). The Ruta del Cares is undoubtedly the most beautiful route in the entire Picos de Europa mountain range, also known as Garganta Divina (Divine Gorge in Spanish). This path, carved into the rock on the mountainside, overlooks the Rio Cares for more than 10 kilometres. It will take you from Poncebos to Caìn through a breathtakingly beautiful gorge. N.B. The total elevation gain is overestimated: expect around 700 metres.

Bulnes is worth a visit for many reasons, whether by funicular railway or on foot. The village has an unusual atmosphere, a rural setting where you will see barely a dozen neighbours and a good number of Asturian houses, many in ruins, including the parish church. The advantage is that you can take the funicular railway one way or both ways. But hiking both ways is really the best option! Don't miss the Picu Urriellu viewpoint, also known as Naranjo de Bulnes, which is located a few minutes from the village of Bulnes. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of this famous peak in the Picos de Europa.

The Costa Verde in Asturias is one of the most beautiful coastlines in Spain, with cliffs, superb beaches and rugged coastline. Streets and paths lead us to the beautiful beaches around Llanes.

WARNING! Following the removal of the handrail on the descent from Horcados Rojos (point (7) on the section from the Collado Jermoso Refuge to the Vega Urriellu Refuge), this hike is not recommended for anyone without good climbing experience. According to Tomas, the warden at the Vega Urriellu Refuge whom we met on 05/08/2023, an alternative route is being considered to bypass this difficulty. However, pending a solution, (the stage in question has been removed from the guide). Please therefore take care not to embark on this journey unprepared A magnificent circular route in the heart of the Picos de Europa. Composed mainly of karst rock, the Picos de Europa offer an extraordinary landscape. Sharp peaks, chaotic rock formations, scree slopes, dizzying drops and deep chasms. You will see numerous herds of chamois, flocks of vultures (always in great numbers), a few bearded vultures and all manner of domestic animals grazing peacefully.

This hike requires leaving a vehicle at the finish point to bring the drivers back to the start. The route is in the uphill direction as this represents less risk of falling than downhill.

This stage starts gently but soon becomes tougher as it ascends to the border with Galicia. This is where we say goodbye to Asturias and begin our journey across Galicia towards Santiago de Compostela. This is a long day but full of interesting encounters with people and places along the way. The change of region is also noticeable in the markings and villages the route goes through.

This stage has highs and lows, reaching 1,041 m above sea level (3,415 ft) and droping to 209 m (686 ft). The route goes past a wind farm on the tops and crosses over the dam that holds the water of the Salime Reservoir. Some spectacular views and changing countryside make this stage one to remember.

This stage has two route options: the High Road or the Low Road, otherwise known as Hospitales or Pola de Allande. One deciding factor might be the weather as the higher route is quite exposed. On the other hand, the lower route means more distance (17.9 km as opposed to 15 km). The recommendation is for the Hospitales route as it appears more authentic and has less tarmac to cover.

The day starts with a climb even though Tineo is already perched over the Villar valley. The route takes us along the southern flank of the Pico Navariego, staying high above the valley and the road below, finally dropping down to Obona and then a fairly flat stroll all the way to Borres.

This stage is a bit shorter than the two previous stages and only has a gentle climb at the start. At the beginning, the route follows the river Nonaya and borders the Sierra de Bodenaya. After crossing the river Casandrasín, our journey takes us along the valley with the Sierra de Tineo up to our right. Plenty to see and a few villages to explore, just hope the rain stays off.

This stage follows the motorway and a couple of rivers. There's plenty rural scenery, some ups and downs, tracks through woods, small villages, past ancient monasteries and plenty of hórreos.

The Camino Primitivo is the Camino de Santiago that goes from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela through the regions of Asturias and Galicia. It owes its origin to the pilgrimage of King Alfonso II of Asturias in the 9th century, the first of the routes to Santiago de Compostela (hence the name "Primitivo"). Other routes have developed over the centuries but this one holds a certain timeless magic.

Apart from the section going out from Oviedo, the route for the most part goes along paths and roads that lead through pleasant rural scenery, with frequent ups and downs, tracks through woods, meadows and small villages.

A very beautiful hike that begins with the magnificent Ruta del Cares. You then take the very steep Trea gorge to reach the Vega de Ario, where the refuge is located.

Most of this stage is downhill. However, contrary to what one might think, this does not make the stage easy. The descents are steep. Just like the passage through the Brecha de los Cazadores or the section linking the Jou de los Cabrones refuge to Campa del Trave with its rugged landscapes, or the dizzying Canal de Amuessa and its 950m descent that seems endless. A difficult stage, but one of spectacular beauty.

This is going to be a magnificent day; the route passes through rugged terrain with exceptional scenery. You will see herds of chamois, vultures and, with a bit of luck, bearded vultures. From the top of the Cuesta Cebolleda, if you turn around, you will have a magnificent view of Lake Ercina and the Cantabrian Sea.

A magnificent stage that begins with a descent to the superb site of the Covadonga Lakes, before starting a pleasant climb to the Vegarredonda Refuge.