The 3 Massifs loop

 

  • The 3 massifs route, a 7-stage circular route that runs through the three massifs of Picos de Europa. A spectacular route recommended for mountaineers in good physical shape and with previous experience in long treks through demanding terrain, who wish to live a unique experience walking one of the most impressive routes on the continent. Undoubtedly a great challenge where we will walk through all kinds of amazing landscapes; green valleys, luxuriant forests, canals between large limestone rock walls...

    Day 1

    Duration: 8:00

    Meeting point: Teleférico de Fuente Dé

    Route: Fuente Dé - Áliva- Vegas del toro – Canal de Jidiellu – Casetón de Ándara

    8-10h 18km +1250m -1400m

    Today we have a long stage ahead of us, so after the presentation and checking of the equipment to carry, at the departure of the cable car. we start the day with a pleasant descent to Vegas del Toro, passing by the Áliva refuge. From this point, we will enter the Eastern Massif through a steep ascent along the Jidiellu channel to the Valdominguero pass. After a brief rest, we will continue descending to the Casetón de Ándara refuge where we will spend the night.

    Day 2

    Duration: 8:00

    Route: Casetón de Ándara - Sotres – Refugio La Tenerosa – Vega de Urriellu - Refugio Jou de los Cabrones

    9-11h 20km +1500m -1300m

    After a good rest, we start descending to the village of Sotres to continue down to the Invernales de Cabao. At this point, we will begin the ascent to the Vega de Urriellu, passing through the col of Pandébano and the Tenerosa refuge, where we will stop to take a short break before the ascent to the Urriellu refuge. We continue ascending until we reach a small gap that will take us to the Jou de los Cabrones refuge, in the heart of the National Park

    Day 3

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

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

    Today could be summed up as a great descent and a great ascent. The first part of the descent is quite easy, despite the occasional technical pass, while the second part is steeper and passes through areas of more technical rocky terrain. This descent will lead us to the famous Cares route.

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

    Day 4

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

    Day 5

    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 foot of the spectacular Peña Santa with its vertiginous walls. We then descend some 800 metres to the Vegabaño refuge.

    Day 6

    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 bottom of the valley to the small village of Cordiñanes. The second part of this stage will take us up the Asotín channel to the Collado Jermoso refuge and back into the centre of the central massif. From this pass we will be able to admire one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Picos de Europa.

    Day 7

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

    6h 12km +500m -1500m

    This last stage, 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. Back to reality!!!

    DIFficulty

    *You need to be in very good physical shape to do this activity, as these 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 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 shelters have blankets, so it will not be necessary to carry a sleeping bag, but it is compulsory to carry a sleeping bag.

    7 DÍAS

    DIFICULTAD TÉCNICA 3/4

    DIFICULTAD FÍSICA 4/4