From the Vega Urriellu Refuge to Poncebos via the Amuesa and Bulnes routes

(S) Leave the refuge heading north-west,^PR®-PNPE-18, green markings; cross a ridge and begin the ascent towards the Corona del Raso.
Take the Brecha de los Cazadores (caution: a tricky, narrow passage between two rock faces where you will need to climb).

(1) Turn left immediately after the Brecha de los Cazadores (watch out for gusts of wind!). Pass behind the Diente del Urriellu and cross the Hocada Arenera.

(2) Begin the descent to the right (bearing 260°) alongside Torres Areneras; ignore a path branching off to the left and continue the descent following the green markings.

(3) Go round the Jou del Agua on the left, passing a white-yellow-green marker, and climb up to the small pass leading to the Jou de los Cabrones.

(4) From here you can see the refuge. Begin the descent. At the bottom of the descent, keep to the right and head for the refuge.

(5) There is a fountain here; remember to fill your water bottles, as you won’t find any water again until the drinking trough located almost at the bottom of the Canal de Amuesa.
Pass the refuge and head north-west. This section includes tricky sections where you will need to use your hands and the ropes provided to secure your passage.

(6) From this point, the route becomes easier but remains very steep. Continue the descent to reach Majadas de Amuessa.

(7) Then turn right, heading due east, and begin the long descent down the Amuessa Channel, keeping to the right of the scree. Reach a grassy plateau and continue towards Bulnes d'en Haut (El Castillo).

(8) Drinking fountain (Fuente del Tornu). Continue on to reach El Castillo.

(9) Cross the hamlet heading east and reach Bulnes d'en Bas (La Villa).

(10) Cross the bridge and follow the track to the left, passing the upper station of the funicular.

(11) Ignore the path on the left and continue straight on along the Canal del Tejo.

(12) Cross the Puente del Jardu and then the Puente de la Jaya and climb up to the road.

(13) Turn left and head for the car park (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 the way.

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 have stamped at each refuge.

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

The section at the Brecha de los Cazadores is quite tricky, so be careful! Also take care on the ridge overlooking the Brecha de los Cazadores, as the wind gusts can be very strong at times.

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

Tel: Jou de los Cabrones Mountain Hut 00 34 650 78 03 81

Tel: Urriellu Refuge 00 34 984 09 09 81

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.

In Bulnes d'en Haut or Bulnes d'en Bas, or both, you can enjoy a well-deserved beer.