Picos de Europa - 3-day Loop

Today you set off from Sotres for your first stage. After just over a kilometre, you'll pass the 'Invernales del Texu', a sort of abandoned village built by shepherds to shelter their flocks in winter. The path then climbs, offering magnificent views of Naranjo de Bulnes (also known as Picu Urriellu), one of the most striking peaks in the Picos de Europa. Continuing through green valleys where cows graze, you’ll pass Refugio de la Terenosa, where you can stop for a drink. On the way you'll pass the Refugio de la Terenosa, where you can stop for a drink before the steady climb. The path becomes increasingly rocky and the views more rugged. You might even spot an ibex high up on the rocks!

Your destination for the day is the Refugio de Urriellu, at the foot of Picu Urriellu. The current building has been in use since 1990, and due to its remote location, construction materials were brought in by Spanish Army Chinook helicopters. During your stay, you're likely to meet Tomás Fernández López, who has been the hut's manager since 1991 and knows the area like no other.

Your day begins at Refugio Vega de Urriellu, nestled beneath the dramatic Picu Urriellu (also known as Naranjo de Bulnes). Before setting out, we strongly recommend checking conditions with the hut warden. This stage is one of the toughest and most varied of the entire route—physically demanding, technically challenging, and requiring constant attention to navigation.

The trail heads southwest and descends through the Garganta del Jou Sin Tierre, a lunar-like karst landscape of grey rock, craters and, depending on the season, snow patches. This first section is slow and requires secure footing: expect scrambling, loose rock, and stretches where the path seems to disappear. There are unmarked areas where you must rely strictly on your navigation tools. Mobile reception is absent until the highest point of the stage (shortly after exiting Jou de los Boches), so it is crucial not to lose sight of the GPS track at any moment.

From Jou de los Boches, continue towards the path on the left, following the “El Anillo de Picos” route past the Garganta de los Boches. Shortly after, the trail splits in two, both leading to Collado Horcados Rojos. We recommend taking the left-hand option, as the right-hand variant includes a very steep and exposed section that requires advanced mountaineering skills.

At Collado Horcados Rojos, you will rejoin the main trail. From here, the terrain eases slightly, turning southeast and crossing the spectacular Horcados Rojos area—one of the visual highlights of the trek and a fantastic place for photos.

Once you reach the Mirador de El Cable, you are close to the cable car station that descends to Fuente Dé. Taking it avoids a very long and steep downhill and offers sweeping views of pastures and scattered beech woods. The rolling meadows contrast sharply with the jagged peaks, with cows and horses grazing peacefully below. Congratulations—you’ve reached Fuente Dé, the end of a demanding but memorable second stage!

Note: The first third of today's stage (around 4 km, T3 terrain) is particularly demanding, both technically and navigationally. Move carefully, use your hands when needed, and do not overestimate your ability. Stay on the GPS track at all times and take your time on exposed or unmarked sections.

The last day of your adventure starts at Fuente Dé and you can either start walking or take the cable car back up to the viewpoint and continue from there. Whichever way you choose, halfway along you will find yourself on the Vega de Sotres path, parallel to the River Duje, surrounded by a rocky panorama as you enter Cantabria.

If you take the cable car from Fuente Dé to el Mirador, walk towards the Áliva Refugio Hotel and take the Anillo de Picos trail.

However, if you decide to walk from the beginning, your route will be J-shaped. First you go south around Los Setares and La Serna, then north around Pico de Valdecoro (1763m) to the Portilla del Boquejón, a narrow cobbled pass that separates the high mountains to the north from the green vegetation to the south. Soon after, you'll come to the Ermita de la Virgen de la Salud, a small chapel in a peaceful highland setting that marks the highest point of today's walk. Barely 1km later, you'll come to the Anillo de Picos path.

From here the descent begins as you cross the Vegas de Sotres, a vast open pasture where cattle graze under the watchful eye of the surrounding peaks. Along this stretch you'll find a natural spring, the perfect place to fill your water bottle before the final descent. Finally, the trail leads to Sotres, the highest village in the Picos de Europa, where your journey ends - the perfect opportunity to celebrate with a well-deserved Asturian meal!