in the Nozalín gorge
This route links the Alba and Nozalin gorges via the Fresnos col, giving superb views of the neighbouring mountains. Walking the Nozalín first may be more attractive, but route finding is easer starting with the Alba gorge, and the route is described in this direction.
Distance: 11.7 km
Total ascent: 656 m
Duration: 4 hours 25 minutes
Maps:
Parque Natural de Redes (1:40,000)
IGN 54 (14-05) Rioseco (1:50,000)
Route: PR.AS-120 as far as Fresnos.
1. Ample parking is available at the entrance to Soto de Agues at the visitor's car park. There is no parking in the village.
2. From Soto de Agues, follow signs to the Ruta del Alba at the southern end of the village. The route starts by a "lavadero" or restored wash-house.
3. Follow the Ruta del Alba past the fish farm (Piscifactoria del Alba).
4. Follow the Ruta along a concrete road for about 4 kilometres, passing the “Puente Precia Varia ", to the "Puente Retortoriu".
5. Take the track on the left, crossing the Alba River.
6. Immediately (300 metres) turn left on the rural track.
7. Follow this track in zig-zags up to the Fresnos col for about 2.8 kilometres.
8. At Fresnos,at a height of approximately 1020 metres, there are several cabins and a pond.
9. You can divert left to the summit of Picu La Crepa (1074 m) for superb views of Redes park.
10. Follow a footpath sign to the Nozalín valley to the right of the pond, meeting a track that descends into the next valley.
11. This soon becomes a concrete vehicle track, and zigzags down to join the path in the valley.
12. The track is joined near a bridge which crosses the river from left bank to right bank.
13. Follow this track to Agues.
14. At the prominent split with 2 similar tracks, bear left and high, the waymarking is ambiguous.
15. From Agues, follow through the village to return to Soto de Agues.
Link to a map of the route, you can click on the View in Google Earth button to see the route in 3D.
