Trekking Peaks of Europe - Extreme Ring - Western and Central Massifs

The purpose of this trek is to provide a better understanding of the Peaks of Europe -  National Park. Historically, the Peaks Ring traverses the Vindio mountains, the last refuge of the Cantabrian tribe that fought against Roman troops. This tribe, known as the Vadinienses, sought refuge in the mountains of the Cantabrian Range, now known as the Peaks of Europe . Each stone along the way holds many stories. The Peaks Ring has three variants: the first, "El Anillo Vindio," covers the Western Massif; the second, "Extrem, Ring" includes the Western and Central Massifs; and lastly, "El Anillo Tres Macizos," which encompasses the Western, Central, and Eastern Massifs.

The Peaks of Europe  Ring is undoubtedly one of the most important treks in the world. Its rugged and delicate paths, its wild route and complex topography, along with its significant elevation gains, make it an unmissable trekking experience.

ITINERARY

6-day Trek: This trek completes one of the most challenging and interesting mountain circuits currently available in Spain's mountain ranges. During this traverse, you can explore many of the most beautiful corners of the Central and Western Massifs of the Peaks of Europe. Upon successful completion of this spectacular trek, a stamped passport will be provided as proof of completion.

DAY 1: Meeting point in Cangas de Onís, from where we will travel to the Covadonga Lakes and leave the vehicles. We begin the Extrem Ring trek of the Peak of Europe, ascending to the Vega de Ario Refuge where we will have dinner and spend the first night.

• Distance: 13 km
• Positive Elevation: 650 m
• Negative Elevation: 100 m
• Duration: 4 hours

DAY 2: The second day will mostly involve descending. We will take the path leading to the Trea Gorge and descend directly to the Cares route, from where, in just half an hour, we will reach the village of Caín, where we will stay.

• Distance: 7 km
• Positive Elevation : 100 m
• Negative Elevation: 1,300 m
• Duration: 5 hours

DAY 3: On this day, we traverse part of the Cares Route until we take the detour leading us down to the La Vieya Bridge to cross the Cares River. We then start a long ascent, first passing through Pando Culiembro, and then onto the rocky and uncomfortable paths of the Piedra Bellida Gorge. Upon exiting the gorge, we face the Cuesta del Trave and enter the world of limestone rock until we reach the Jou de los Cabrones Refuge where we will stay.

• Distance: 10 km
• Positive Elevation: 1,640 m
• Negative Elevation: 200 m
• Duration: 7-8 hours

DAY 4: This day will be physically demanding. We start by heading towards the Vega de Urriellu Refuge, where we will stamp our passport and continue to the next refuge, Verónica Cabin . We will then cross a particularly chaotic karstic area to reach Tiros Casares and follow the route to the Colladinas and the Collado Jermoso Refuge, where we can enjoy a spectacular sunset.

• Distance: 16 km
• Positive Elevation: 980 m
• Negative Elevation: 930 m
• Duration: 8-9 hours

DAY 5: Another long day awaits us. We descend from Collado Jermoso via the Argayo and Traviesas del Congosto to reach Collado Solano. We continue towards the Vega de Asotín and then enter the beech forest of the same name. Via the Sedo de La Rienda, we reach the village of Cordiñanes. On the Cares Route, we ascend to the village of Posada de Valdeón, continue to Soto de Valdeón, and then begin a long but comfortable ascent to the Dobres Pass. Walking through the lush Valdeón and Sajambre forests, we will reach our destination, the picturesque Vegabaño Refuge.

• Distance: 18 km
• Positive Elevation: 1,450 m
• Negative Elevation: 800 m
• Duration: 8-9 hours

DAY 6: We start the final day by ascending to the Collado del Frade, passing through the Canal del Perro, the Camino del Burro, and reaching Vega Huerta. Continuing along rocky paths, we head towards the Jou Las Pozas, circumnavigate La Torrezuela, then Porru Bolu, and descend to the Vegarredonda Refuge, where we will stamp our passport. We then have a comfortable descent to the Covadonga Lakes, where we will conclude our demanding Extrem Ring of the Picos de Europa and find our vehicles.

• Distance: 22 km
• Positive Elevation: 1,050 m
• Negative Elevation: 1,340 m
• Duration: 9-10 hours

Note

Central and Western Massifs of the Picos de Europa (6 days, 5 nights)

Included Services

• Mountain Guide
• Ring Passport
• Transportation from Benia de Onís to the starting point
• Transport of a supply backpack to the El Diablo de la Peña hostel in Caín and subsequent pickup for delivery on the last day
• Collective safety equipment
• Overnight stays at the following accommodations: Casetón de Andara, Hotel-Refugio de Aliva, Refugio de Urriellu, Refugio de Cabrones, Refugio de Collado Jermoso, El Diablo de la Peña hostel, and Refugio de Vega de Enol
• Breakfast at: Casetón de Andara, Hotel-Refugio de Aliva, Refugio de Urriellu, Refugio de Cabrones, Refugio de Collado Jermoso, El Diablo de la Peña hostel, and Refugio de Vega de Enol
• Dinner at: Casetón de Andara, Hotel-Refugio de Aliva, Refugio de Urriellu, Refugio de Cabrones, Refugio de Collado Jermoso, El Diablo de la Peña hostel, and Refugio de Vega de Enol
• Farewell lunch in Benia de Onís
• Accident insurance

Services NOT included

• Meals not specified.
• Personal trekking gear.
• Personal extras, such as beverages, laundry, telephone, etc.