El Anillo Extrem

 
  • The Extrem Loop is a circular route that runs through the western massif and the central massif of Picos de Europa. A spectacular but challenging 6-day trek where we will cross from high mountain landscapes to green valleys, lakes, forests... and where we will spend the night in all the refuges that are part of these massifs. It is recommended for experienced mountaineers in good physical shape, as we will find different technical passes where we will have to use our hands to make progress on small climbs and the occasional steep slope, as well as the significant elevation that we will have to overcome in each stage.

    Day 1

    Duration: 8:00

    Meeting point: Teleférico de Fuente Dé

    Route: Fuente Dé - Cabaña Verónica - Collado de Horcados Rojos - Vega de Urriellu - Corona del Raso - Refugio de Cabrones

    7-8h 12km +1200m -1000m

    After the presentation and checking of the equipment to carry, at the cable car, we start the day with a climb of about 500 metres of positive ascent to the strange Cabaña Véronica. Then we start the descent to the Jou de los Boches, undoubtedly the most technical part of the trek, and continue to the Urriellu hut. From here we climb to a small gap that will take us to the Cabrones hut in the heart of the National Park.

    Day 2

    Route: Refugio de Cabrones - Majadas de Amuesa - Canal de Piedra Bellida - Canal de Trea - Refugio d’Ario

    9-11h 15km +1900m -2100m

    Today, the most physical day of the week, could be summed up as a big descent and a big ascent. The first part of the descent is fairly easy, while the second part is steeper and passes through more technical scree. This descent will lead us to the famous Cares route.

    The day is not over yet. After a short break, it is time to face a ascent of about a thousand metres along the famous Canal de Trea to finally reach the Vega de Ario refuge.

    Day 3

    Route: Refugio Vega d’Ario- Picu Conjurtau - Refugio de Vegarredonda

    Opcional: Picu Cotalba - Refugio de Vegarredonda

    4-5 h 8km +600m -700m

    Con el Picu Cotalba:

    8-9 h 15 km +1300m -1400m

    After yesterday's hard day, this stage is a little shorter and will allow us to recuperate a little. There are two options to go to the Vegarredonda refuge: via the Covadonga lakes or via the Picu Conjurtau. This second option is flatter, but more technical and strenuous.

    Once at the hut, those who wish can continue to the summit of Picu Cotalba and admire the spectacular views of the Western Massif.

    Day 4

    Route: Refugio Vegarredonda - Fuente Prieta - Vega Huerta - Refugio Vegabaño

    7-8h 15km +1200m -1400m

    Today we will cross the Macizo Occidental from north to south, passing through high passes such as Ceboleda, Pozas and Buro. They will take us to the charming Huerta vega at the base of the spectacular Peña Santa with its vertiginous walls. We then descend some 800 metres to the Vegabaño refuge.

    Day 5

    Route: Refugio Vegabaño - Posada de Valdeón - Canal de Asotin - Refugio de collado Jermoso

    8-10h 17km +1800m -1000m

    After the high mountain, this stage will take us through the fields and forests at the valley bottom to the small village of Cordiñanes. The second part of this section will take us up the Asotín canal to the Collado Jermoso hut and back into the centre of the central massif. From this pass we can admire one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Picos de Europa.

    Day 6

    Route: Refugio Collado Jermoso - Vega de Liordes - Pedabejo - Fuente dé

    6h 12km +500m -1500m

    This last part of the route, mainly downhill, passes through Las Colladinas to find a narrow path on the mountainside and reach the beautiful and peaceful Lliordes valley with its herd of cows. From here we cross our last pass to descend to the Liébana valley.

    DIFFICULTY

    * You need to be in very good physical shape to do this activity, as these are long hikes with steep slopes.

    * It is necessary to be used to walking in mountain terrain, as we will walk through rocky areas where the trail is not marked.

    EQUIPMENT

    * The list of the necessary equipment will be sent by email to the interested party when booking.

    * Each participant will have to carry their own equipment throughout the activity.

    * The refuges have blankets, so it will not be necessary to carry a sleeping bag, but it is compulsory to carry a inside sleeping bag.

    6 DAYS

    TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY 3/4

    PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY 4/4