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No parking problems when we went (September), a small path with a slight incline, then follow the path and signs for Pordeciar. To return, we chose a few paths, there are quite a few that intersect, the route can be changed with GPS. There are no steep slopes, but the return journey may be more difficult in wet weather, with slippery rocks and soil. There is a small bench that makes a good picnic spot facing the magnificent peaks...
From Potes to the ghost village of Pordeciar
A circular loop from Potes to Pordeciar, a ghost village where it feels as if the inhabitants have just left. Paths surrounded mainly by cork oaks and arbutus trees. Some of the oaks have been pruned for cork harvesting. An easy route with no difficulty, there are many possible paths and the village of Porciedar is marked by wooden signs. There is an excellent view of the highest Picos de Europa peaks.
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 6.15 mi -
Average duration: 4h 05 -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 1,424 ft -
Descent: - 1,414 ft -
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Highest point: 2,231 ft -
Lowest point: 1,020 ft
Photos
Description of the walk
Waypoints
- S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,033 ft - Parking near the N-621.
- 1 : mi 0.65 - alt. 1,352 ft - Pass to the right of the old Porcieda sign.
- 2 : mi 1.27 - alt. 1,719 ft - Turn left.
- 3 : mi 2.49 - alt. 2,110 ft - On the left
- 4 : mi 2.93 - alt. 2,116 ft - Abandoned hamlet
- 5 : mi 3.25 - alt. 2,201 ft - Round trip
- 6 : mi 4.52 - alt. 2,156 ft - Summit, bench
- S/E : mi 6.15 - alt. 1,024 ft - Parking near the N-621.
Other walks in the area
The Mythological Trail of Mount Hozarco and the Santa Catalina Viewpoint
Visorando Member2.23 mi
+696 ft
-699 ft
1h 40
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Departure from Peñarrubia (Cantabria)
Discover the mythological trail while enjoying the panoramic views of Mount Hozarco in Peñarrubia. In the heart of the Picos de Europa, this is a trail for the whole family to enjoy as you discover the different creatures of the region.
Pico Sagrado Corazón
10.87 mi
+3,806 ft
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Andara Massif. This peak enjoys great prestige due to legends. At the summit is a bronze statue dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Every 10 years since 1900, there has been a pilgrimage. It presents no technical difficulty.
Access is via a car park at Jito de Escandari.
Descent from the Fuente Dé cable car, Picos de Europa.
7.78 mi
+755 ft
-3,346 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Camaleño (Cantabria)
After taking the cable car up, you can walk down via a long circular route that goes round the mountain in a clockwise direction.
Download the route before you go up, as there is usually no mobile signal.
The path (PR®-PNPE-24) is easy for about 7 km. It is generally well signposted, but not always. After the wooden bridge, the path is narrow and more difficult for about 500 metres. It then continues through the woods, without difficulty, to Fuente De.
The hike is long, so it’s best to be well-equipped and in good shape.
Fuente Dé
Association / Club / Walk leader9.05 mi
+1,391 ft
-3,629 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Camaleño (Cantabria)
This asymmetrical hike begins with an ascent by cable car, which explains the big difference between the positive and negative elevation gains.
Superb views of the Picos de Europa and a good workout for your calves on the descent.
From the Vega Urriellu Refuge to Poncebos via the Amuesa and Bulnes routes
8.84 mi
+1,923 ft
-7,467 ft
7 hrs
Extremely difficult
Departure from Cabrales (Asturias)
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.
From Tielve to Sotres
4.82 mi
+1,942 ft
-794 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Cabrales (Asturias)
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.
Village of Bulnes
4.57 mi
+1,913 ft
-1,906 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Cabrales (Asturias)
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.
Ruta del Cares from Poncebos to Caín and back
12.65 mi
+9,652 ft
-9,629 ft
14h 15
Difficult
Departure from Cabrales (Asturias)
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.
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