Circuit de Vega Urriellu

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.

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.

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.

A mountain trail that winds its way around the bed of the River Cares and climbs up to the old village of Bulnes, offering breathtaking views at the foot of the Naranjo de Bulnes, one of the legendary peaks of the Picos de Europa.

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.

A lovely walk starting from Las Arenas, recommended by the Cabrales region’s tourist office: “No. 9: Excursion to Las Invernales de Vanu”. The path climbs initially through a forest of maple and plane trees, offering magnificent views of the famous Pic Urriellu in Asturian (or Pic Naranjo de Bulnes in Spanish), then descends, crossing the Vanu pastures and their many 18th-century sheepfolds, which are still in use today.

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.