RING OF PEAKS TRAIL TOUR
Trail Running Tours
Start Date | July 4, 2025
5 Stages
TRIP SUMMARY
- Guided tour of 5 stages / 4 nights duration through Picos de Europa
- A circular route of .The Picos de Europa Ring in its version of 3 massifs It is a high mountain circular route of 110km distance and 9000 meters of positive elevation gain which runs through the three massifs that make up the Picos de Europa: the Western or Cornión, he Central or Urrieles, and the Oriental or Andara.
- An exclusive and small group formed by Trail Running enthusiasts who live the same passion as you for the mountains.
- A journey of total disconnectionFor a few days, your world will only be the mountains, your group of companions, your backpack, your muscle aches and you.
- Group reduced to 10 trail runners maximum
TRIP DESCRIPTION
The Ring of Peaks It's a multi-day circular trek through the heart of the Picos de Europa, connecting mountain refuges along spectacular trails. It covers the three massifs of the national park—Western, Central, and Eastern—offering a unique high-mountain experience, with wild landscapes, alpine passes, and traditional villages. A challenging and memorable adventure for trail lovers.
What makes the Ring of Peaks – 3 Massifs unique
• Diversity of landscapes: from the lush forests and valleys of Valdeón, to the rocky ridges and alpine passes of the central massif, passing through the green sheepfolds and abandoned mines of the eastern massif.
• Authentic mountain shelters: You sleep in high-altitude shelters or rural hostels, where you share experiences with other mountaineers and enjoy the pure mountain atmosphere.
• Culture and tradition: The route passes through villages such as Sotres and Bulnes, where the pastoral culture and the production of Cabrales cheese are kept alive.
• Spectacular fauna and flora: It's easy to see chamois, vultures, and, with a bit of luck, the bearded vulture in flight. The landscape changes with each step, showcasing the ecological richness of the National Park.
ROUTE
Day 1: POSADA DE VALDEON-REFUGIO DE ALIVA
The route begins in Posada de Valdeón (one of the natural gateways to the Picos de Europa) and ascends toward Collado Jermoso to Cabaña Veronica. It crosses a spectacular landscape of beech forests, high-altitude meadows, and steep limestone walls. The arrival in Áliva offers a contrast: green pastures and a gentler environment surrounded by high peaks.
Points of interest: Valdeón Valley, Jermoso Pass, Veronica Cabin, Áliva Passes.
Distance: 14.5 km | Elevation: 1100m+ 600-
Day 2: ALIVA SHELTER – SOTRES
From Áliva, head east, descending toward Espinama or following a track toward the Collado de Cámara. You enter gentler terrain before reaching the Eastern Massif. The route gains altitude again to cross into the area surrounding the Puertos de Áliva, the Collado de Jidiellu, and the Ándara Massif.
The final descent towards Sotres runs through grassy plains and cattle trails.
Points of interest: Vega de Áliva, Collado de Cámara, Jidiellu Canal, Mazarrasa mines, views of the Eastern Massif, Sotres meadows.
Distance: 23 km | Elevation: 1200m+ 1300-
Day 3: SOTRES – PONCEBOS BRIDGE
This stage connects Sotres with the Massif Central. You can climb through Pandébano and reach the Urriellu Refuge (at the foot of the iconic Naranjo de Bulnes). We continue our route to the Jou de los Cabrones pass, a rather technical area, before descending to the village of Bulnes and continuing to Puente Poncebos along a cobbled path. This is one of the most spectacular stages of the ring, both for its alpine setting and its symbolic value.
Points of interest: Pandébano Pass, Urriellu Shelter, Naranjo de Bulnes (Picu Urriellu), Jou de los Cabrones Shelter, Bulnes village, Poncebos Bridge
Distance: 23 km | Elevation: 1300m+ 1400-
Day 4: PONCEBOS BRIDGE – VEGARREDONDA SHELTER
Long and demanding stage. It begins following the famous Cares Route, one of Spain's most impressive trails, carved into the rock above the river. After about 12 flat km, the route climbs the steep and aerial Trea Canal to the Western Massif. We'll take the opportunity to visit the Lakes of Covadonga. The arrival in Vegarredonda is through high mountain pastoral surroundings.
Points of interest: Cares Gorge, Bolín Bridge, Trea Canal, Vega de Ario, Lake Ercina
Distance: 27 km | Elevation: 2300m+ 1500-
Day 5: VEGARREDONDA REFUGE – POSADA DE VALDEON
Last stage of the ring. From Vegarredonda, we ascend toward the "Llago" free refuge, where we can contemplate the imposing wall of Peña Santa de Castilla. The trail borders spectacular canals and mountain meadows until it begins its descent along the Perro Canal, leading through lush forests to the Vegabaño refuge, the last refuge on our tour before reaching Posada de Valdeon.
A very varied day, with limestone stretches, meadows, and beech forests, perfect for rounding off this great journey.
Points of interest: Vega Huerta, Collado del Frade, Dog Channel, Cold Slope, Valdeón Valley.
Distance: 22.4 km | Elevation: 1178m+ 1713-
EVENT DATA
STARTING PLACE
Valdeon Inn
DISTANCE
110 km
UNEVENNESS +
9000 Meters
DURATION
5 Stages
TOUR START DATE
July 4, 2025
TOUR END DATE
July 8, 2025
Nº PARTICIPANTS
10 Participants
MANDATORY MATERIAL
Hydration Backpack 20 - 25L
Folding walking sticks
Water 1 - 1.5L
Waterproof/Windproof Jacket
Sack sheet
Towel
Gloves
Footwear for relaxation
Earplugs
Personal hygiene material
Sunscreen
Frontal
LEVEL PARTICIPANTS
Epic
CHECK YOUR PHYSICAL LEVEL
If you have any questions, please contact us, we will be happy to help you and see if this adventure is for you.
