the Ruta del Alba

The most popular walk from Soto de Agues, especially at weekends, the route follows the Alba gorge a distance of some 8 kilometres to the "Cruz de los Ríos" surrounded by the mountains of the Montes de Llaimo. You can use a bicycle for part of the route. If the conditions are right there are good opportunities for swimming.

Distance: 14-16 kilometres for the round trip.

The walk can be shortened at will by turning round and returning.

Total ascent: 320 m

Duration: 4 hours 40 minutes

Maps: Parque Natural de Redes (1:40,000)

IGN 54 (14-05) Rioseco (1:50,000)

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 3 kilometres to the "Puente Retortoriu". Here a track branches left over the bridge to reach Isornu or Caleao.

5. Continue along the route, the concrete surface finishes here.

6. After another 2 kilometres you arrive at a picnic area with a track off to the left. If you have used a bicycle this is a good place to lock it to a fence.

7. Carry on through the Llaimo gorges, with deep pools and waterfalls, to the end of the route, where there is a (locked) cabin and picnic benches.

8. Return by the same route.

For a fuller description download a route card in English here.

Link to a map of the route. To see the route in 3D, click on the Earth button.