From the Vegarredonda Refuge to the Vegabaño Refuge

(S) Leave the refuge heading south-southeast towards the old refuge.

(1) Shortly after the old refuge, you will find a drinking fountain. Continue the ascent via Vega el Muslo until you reach a junction.

(2) Follow the signs for Vega Huerta and Vegabaño to the right, facing Porru Bolu. Turn slightly right to go round it on the right, passing through a narrow passage and crossing a Jou (hollow).

(3) Turn left and begin the climb known as Cuesta de Cebolleda. Once at the top, veer slightly left, follow the yellow markings or, failing that, follow the cairns. Also look out for the brown marks left on the light-coloured stones by hikers.
It is advisable to constantly check your progress on the map so that you always know your position, as the terrain is very rugged and it is best to know where you are.

(4) At the junction marked by a large cairn, let the signposted path to Horcada Santa Maria go off to the left and follow the path to the right towards Vega Huerta and Vegabaño.

(5) Go round Torrezuela on the right, then pass to the left of Jou las Pozas. Pass Cabra Blanca and Teso del Torco. Go round the Aguja de Corpus Christi on the left and begin the descent towards Vega Huerta.

(6) Unmanned refuge at Vega Huerta (3 beds, often occupied by climbers ascending Peña Santa, 2596 m). About 30 m east of the refuge is a spring with a double trough.
Leave the refuge heading south-west; be careful not to continue down the grassy slope but turn left: a large cairn indicates the direction to follow.

(7) Follow the direction indicated by the cairn to the left; this path leads to the Camino del Burro, which is very rough but easier.
Be careful with your bearings! The lack of clear markings makes progress difficult; pay close attention to the cairns and the brown marks on the ground, especially in foggy weather.

(8) Pass Altos de la Canal and Collado del Burro, then begin the descent down Canal del Perro. Watch out for slipping due to the steep slope and loose scree.
Continue along a grassy ridge, leaving the Refuge del Frade below and to the right.

(9) Cross the Collada del Frade, follow the signs for Vegabaño and begin the descent through the heath.

(10) At the junction with the forest, veer slightly to the right and begin the descent along a pleasant forest path.
Pass successively a spring, a fountain and a large oak tree (El Roblon on the map).

(11) Continue on your way, crossing a series of small wooden bridges.

(12) Go round the fence of an enclosure and reach a track suitable for vehicles.

(13) Turn left to reach the Vegabaño Refuge (E).

Please note: 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. https://www.libreriadesnivel.com/mapas/p... 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 bring warm clothing as it gets quite chilly in the evening. Carry the telephone numbers of the refuges with you to report any incidents, as well as the mountain rescue numbers.

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

Tel: Vegabaño Refuge 00 34 699 63 32 44

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 inform someone of the route you are taking and avoid setting off alone.

(6) About 30 metres east of the refuge, there is a fountain with a double trough
Spring.
Fountain.

(11) El Roblon (a large oak tree which you will see on the left of the path).