The Vindio Route

 

  • The Vindio Ring is a circular route that runs through the western massif of the Pics of Europe over 4 stages. Of great scenic beauty, it is the easiest of the three rings in terms of physical and technical demands. Four stages that combine green landscapes, lush forests and high mountain alpine terrain where the great limestone rock walls reign supreme. In addition, we will visit the three refuges that occupy this massif, the Vegabaño, Vegarredonda and Vega de Ario refuges.

    Day 1

    Duration: 8:00

    Meeting point: Posada de Valdeón

    Route description: Posada de Valdeón - Caín - Cares gorge to Trea canal - Canal de Trea - Vega de Ario Refuge

    7-9h 15km +1300m -550m

    After the presentation and checking the equipment to carry, we will start the day descending from Posada de Valdeón to Caín* where we will take a short break before entering the famous route of the Cares Gorge. Just 2km later we will find on our left the path that goes up the Trea canal, a powerful channel that we will have to climb to reach the refuge where we will spend the first night, the Vega de Ario refuge.

    *It is possible to make the journey from Posada de Valdeón to Caín by taxi.

    Day 2

    Route description: Refuge Vega de Ario - Refuge Vegarredonda

    Option 1 (Pic Conjurtao - Aliseda): 5-7h 9 km +600m -750m

    Option 2 (Covadonga lacs): 6-8h 14,5 km +985m -840m

    Today is a quieter day and we have several options, either at the choice of the group or due to bad weather we will have to choose one of the two itineraries. Option 1 is a labyrinthine rocky terrain with no defined path where we will summit Pic Conjurtao 1925m and then descend to Refuge de Vegarredonda where we will spend the night. Option 2 (to be chosen by the group or the guide depending on the weather) would be to descend to the Covadonga lacs and climb via El Retiro to the Refuge de Vegarredonda.

    On this day, if we feel up to it, we will have the option of climbing Jultayu Pic early in the morning or the Ordiales lookout and Pico Cotalba at the end of the stage.

    Day 3

    Route description: Refuge Vegarredonda - Vega huerta - Refuge de Vegabaño

    9-11h 16km +1200m -1400m

    A long stage where we will enter the heart of this massif to feel how the enormous limestone rock walls embrace us, crossing several hollow, such as the hollow de las Pozas or the hollow de la Llerona until we reach Vega Huerta, an idyllic place where we will take a break. This is the most beautiful and toughest stage of the Ring, as we pass from a lunar landscape of limestone rock to enormous beech forests until we reach the cosy refuge of Vegabaño, a peaceful place with enormous green pastures and streams.

    Day 4

    Route description: Refuge de Vegabaño- Posada de Valdeón

    4-5h 11km +400m -800m

    Last stage of this wonderful journey through the western massif of the Pics of Europe. A quiet stage where we will climb up to the Dobres pass and then descend along a good forest path to Posada de Valdeón.

    DIFFICULTY

    * It is necessary to be in good physical shape to carry out this activity, as they are long stages with steep slopes.

    * It is necessary to be in the habit of doing routes in mountain terrain, we will walk through rocky areas where the path is not marked.

    EQUIPMENT

    * The list of the necessary equipment will be sent by e-mail to the participant when booking.

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

    * The shelters have blankets, so it will not be necessary to carry a sleeping bag.

    4 Day

    TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY 2/4

    PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY ¾