From the Vega de Ario Refuge to the Vegarredonda Refuge

(S) Leave the refuge via the south-west exit and follow the yellow and white markings. Along the route, you will find itos (cairns in Spanish).
The path is clearly visible. Pass a shortcut on the right and continue rounding a peak (Cabeza la Forma). Reach the orientation table.

(1) Follow Lago Ercina and continue the descent.

(2) At a place called Los Pozos, follow the path on the left.

(3) At this junction, you have the choice of continuing to the right or going to the drinking fountain located about fifty metres to the left and then rejoining the path a little further down.
Descend to Valle el Cabrital.

(4) Follow the signposted path up to Los Lagos, then head down towards Las Bobias.

(5) Pass a drinking fountain.

(6) Cross Majada las Bobias and continue along the main path. Pass through Jou del Geduyal, El Brazu and La Veguina in succession.
Then walk along the right-hand side of Lake Ercina towards the Maria Rosa Bar and Restaurant.

(7) Take the paved path up to La Picota, then head down towards Lake Enol.

(8) Leave the path on the left and head towards La Piedra del Llagu; climb slightly to go round the lake on the left and reach the Vega de Enol.
Continue across the meadow to reach the Chapel of the Good Shepherd.

(9) Continue to the south-west-bound track, marked in yellow and white, and follow it to a car park, passing a blocked path on your right.

(10) There is a drinking fountain about 30 metres to the left of the path.

(11) Cross a bridge and begin the climb towards Vega la Piedra.

(12) Turn left and continue the climb towards the Vegarredonda Refuge, following the yellow and white markings and the line of stones set into the ground.

(13) Pass successively through Vega el Espino, Becerrera de la Rondiella, La Redondiella and, once the refuge comes into view, skirt around it on the left.

(14) Turn right, then right again to reach the refuge (E).

Please note that the water in the Picos de Europa contains virtually no mineral salts. To stay properly hydrated, you must bring mineral salts to add to the water you collect along your route.

Map and compass essential. Map 1 Map 2

It is essential to book your mountain hut; to do so, visit the website
Do not attempt to book by telephone.

For €3, you can purchase a Picos de Europa passport, which you should remember to get stamped at each refuge.

Remember to pack warm clothes as it gets quite chilly in the evenings. Carry the telephone numbers of the refuges with you so you can report any incidents, as well as the mountain rescue numbers.

Stay very careful throughout your hike; do not stray from the path.

Tel: Vegarredonda Refuge 00 34 985 92 29 52

Picos de Europa National Park Information Office 00 34 985 84 86 14

Emergency services:

GREIM (Mountain Rescue and Intervention Group *) 00 34 985 84 80 56 or 112

• Mountain Rescue and Intervention Group (Asturias)

GREIM (Mountain Rescue and Intervention Group *) 00 34 942 73 00 07

• Mountain Rescue and Intervention Group (Cantabria)

Red Cross * 00 34 987 74 05 04

• Red Cross (León).

In all cases, always let someone know the route you are taking and avoid setting off alone.

If you have some energy left, from the Vegarredonda Refuge you can climb up to the Mirador de Ordiales (a round trip of about 2½ hours). The Mirador de Ordiales offers a stunning view of the Dobra Valley, situated 1,100 metres below.
This is the resting place of Don Pedro José Pidal y Bernaldo Quiros, Marquis of Villaviciosa, who initiated the creation of the Covadonga Mountains National Park. He was the first to conquer Picu Urrielle, or Naranjo de Bulnes, accompanied by Gregorio Pérez, known as ‘el Cainejo’.