Hikes in Picos de Europa

This is an out and back route from Poncebos (26km), unless transport can be arranged at Caín de Valdeon (where there is a nice bar!). As it is out and back. It gives the opportunity for a shorter day, which is nice if you just wish to sit and enjoy the gorge. The gorge is utterly spectacular and dramatic. An early start will reward when the light isn't so harsh.

We did this hike as the holiday weekend crowds had closed the road to the Urriellu area. This was an impromptu alternative. Glad we did it as it gave us a glimpse of pretty alpine meadows and sleepy hamlets with distant views to the dramatic Naranja de Bulnes and other peaks. Too hot to complete the circular from Tielve so we sat in a bar instead and had some cold drinks.

We used the cable car from Fuente Dé for access to the high mountains. A spectacular hike to the remarkable Refugio Cabaña Verónica, perched precariously on a rocky ridge. Then a loose scramble up from a col to the fine summit off the Torre de Horcados Rojos (2503m), seemingly overlooking the world!

From the top of the Fuente Dé cable car we had to hike 8km with 1000m of ascent over the mountains to the west, crossing the Colladina de las Nieves and the small passes at Las Colladinas. This is a very spectacular walk although care would be needed in mist as the trail is quite rocky.

Arrival at the beautifully situated refuge is always a joy to behold. At the Refugio Collado Jermoso conditions were almost perfect for enjoying the beautiful sunset and stunning early morning cloud inversions. This is a beautiful mountain refuge if you ever get the opportunity to stay here.

A spectacular morning departure from the refuge with cloud inversion until this all cleared at the Las Colladinas. Then it was a rough descent to the green, lush valley of the Vega de Liordes. Beautiful views of the surrounding mountain summits. We past some ancient mines before descending the steep zig-zags back to Fuente Dé. How on earth did they make that incredible path?