The Ring of Picos de Europa: a route to get to know the National Park

The Anillo de Picos or the Rings, are three circular routes of different lengths through the Picos de Europa. The Vindio Ring is the shortest of the three and runs through the Vidios Mountains in the Western Massif or Cornion Massif, the Extrem Ring covers the first route and adds the central massif or the Urrieles massif, and the Ring 3 solid incorporates the 2 previous routes and also runs through the Eastern Massif or Ándara Massif.

The route can be completed in approximately 3 stages for the Vindio Ring6-7 for the Extrem Ring and about 9 for the Ring 3 Solid.

The highest peaks are to be found in the Central Massif, with some exceeding 2,600m in height, such as Torre Cerredo (2,650m) or Llambrión (2,642m), although the most emblematic peak is undoubtedly Naranjo de Bulnes or Pico Urriellu (2,519m).

The Ring of Peaks is a route designed by the rangers of the refuges The aim of the project is to raise awareness of its natural beauty spots and to promote trekking in the area. The different routes link the existing refuges in circular circuits.hence the name of the Ring. The refuges it passes through are: Vegarredonda, Vegabaño, Vega de Ario, Collado Jermoso, Cabaña Verónica, Vega de Urriellu, Jou de Cabrones, Tenerosa and Casetón de Ándara.

The Vindios Mountains are the name of a sector of the Picos de Europa that served as a refuge for the Cantabrian tribe of the Vadinians, who were the last to fight against the Romans. This is why this route is also often known as the Vindio Ring.

Here is a video of Hidden DonoSStia. A different way of getting to know the route thanks to Iñigo and his "en route plots".

The itinerary

Along the route, we will pass through such well-known places as the Cares or the Vega de Urriellu, at the foot of Naranjo. The route also takes you into the foothills of the Peña Santa de Castilla, Posada de Valdeón, Torre del Friero or Cabaña Verónica.

As it is a circular route, the Ring of Picos de Europa can be done in either direction. The start of the route can be any of the places accessible by car that the route passes close by, such as Poncebos, Sotres, Valdeón or the lakes of Covadonga.

Modalities

Officially, the following have been set up 3 modalities to follow the route. You can consult the official website here (http://www.elanillodepicos.com). These gradually increase in distance, elevation gain and days of running. In the following, we will mention details of the three modalities.

Vindio Ring

This modality owes its name to the Vindios Mountains.

• MassifThis circuit covers the Western Massif (Cornion).
• Distance: The total distance is 63 km long.
• Unevenness:  The difference in altitude is + 3,900 m.
• No. of stages: The circuit consists of 4 stages.
• Difficulty: The difficulty of this ring is medium.
• Aimed atIntermediate level mountaineers can do it.
• Shelters: The refuges included in this modality are: Vega de Ario, Vegarredonda and Vegabaño.
• Entrance to the sheltersYou can access the refuges through Cangas de Onís, Sajambre or Valdeón.

Extrem Ring

• MassifIn this mode, in addition to the Western Massif (Cornión), the Central Massif (Urrieles) is covered.
• Distance: The total distance is 82 km long.
• Unevenness:  The difference in altitude + 7,050 m.
• No. of stages: The modality consists of 7 stages.
• Difficulty: The degree of difficulty is high.
• Aimed atRecommended for experienced mountaineers.
• Shelters: On this route you will find the refuges: Vega de Ario, Vegarredonda, Vegabaño, Collado Jermoso, Cabaña Verónica, Vega de Urriellu and Jou de los Cabrones.
• Entrance to the sheltersYou will have easy access to the refuges through Cangas de Onís, Sajambre, Valdeón, Liébana or Cabrales.

Ring 3 Solid

Due to the total area covered by this modality, it is also known as the Integral Ring.

• MassifIn this mode, the Western (Cornión), Central (Urrieles) and Eastern (Andara) Massifs are covered.
• Distance: The length of this route is 114 km.
• Unevenness:  The circuit has a difference in altitude of +9,150m.
• No. of stages: The route is divided into 9 stages.
• Difficulty: The difficulty is very high.
• Aimed atRecommended for experienced mountaineers and mountain runners.
• Shelters: In this mode you can visit the refuges of: Vega de Ario, Vegarredonda, Vegabaño, Collado Jermoso, Cabaña Verónica, Casetón de Andara, Vega de Urriellu and Jou de los Cabrones.
• Entrance to the sheltersYou will have access to the refuges through Cangas de Onís, Sajambre, Valdeón, Liébana, Sotres or Cabrales.

Frequently asked questions about the Ring of Peaks.

Recommendations

The following are some of the recommendations that we suggest you put into practice when you are going to make the Picos de Europa Ring:

• You must carry a valid National Identity Card, as well as the federative card, if you have one, in order to enjoy the discounts.
• It is very useful to carry cash (no credit cards) to buy some supplies, such as water and food.
• It is advisable to carry a small first aid kit The supply of some medicines is not easy to obtain for some staff.
• You must inform the company providing the service in writing of any medical conditions, such as allergies or phobias.
• It is advisable to bring earplugs and an eye mask, as you will be sharing rooms with other people and will avoid the discomfort that noise and light can cause when sleeping.
• For food during the day, we suggest light meals such as energy bars or dried fruit and nuts. Breakfast and dinner are provided at the refuges, although you can also hire a picnic to take with you on the day.

Pico Urriellu / Cover photo: Pixabay