Picos de Europa - 3-day Loop

Today, depart from Sotres for your first stage. After just over a kilometer, you'll pass the 'Invernales del Texu,' a kind of abandoned village built by shepherds to shelter their herds in winter. You might encounter a herd in the surrounding valleys. The path then ascends, offering a magnificent view of the Naranjo de Bulnes, one of the most distinctive peaks of the Picos de Europa. Continuing through green valleys where cows graze. Along the way, you'll pass Refugio de la Terenosa, where you can stop for a drink. After the stop, you steadily ascend further. The paths become gradually rockier, and the views become more rugged. You might spot an ibex high on the rocks!

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

The day begins at the Refugio Vega de Urriellu, beneath the imposing Picu Urriellu, also known as Naranjo de Bulnes. From here, the trail heads south, descending through the rocky Canal de la Celada before gradually climbing halfway up to the plateau not far from Peña Vieja (2,406m). This section offers breathtaking views of the rugged limestone peaks of the Picos de Europa.

As you cross this high mountain area, the path passes through Áliva, a vast plateau surrounded by towering cliffs and glacial valleys. The rolling alpine meadows contrast sharply with the jagged peaks, with herds of cows and horses grazing peacefully in the distance. A steeper descent begins here, following a gentler path that winds through open pastures and scattered beech woods.

The final stretch leads down to Espinama, a quiet mountain village on the edge of the Liébana valley. As you reach the end of the valley, the landscape changes once again, with lush greenery framing your arrival. This is the end of your second leg—now relax, it has been a long day!

The last day of your adventure starts in Espinama and follows a scenic route along the River Duje, which cuts through the Valle de Áliva. The trail climbs gradually, offering a gentle but steady climb through alpine meadows, with the imposing peaks of the Picos de Europa towering above.

Continuing north, you'll pass the Portilla del Boquejón, a mountain pass that offers breathtaking views of the valley behind you and the rugged limestone terrain ahead. Soon you'll reach 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.

From here, the descent begins as you make your way through 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!