Webcam at the Puerto de San Isidro

And to check the weather conditions in the San Isidro and Pico Torres area, look at this webcam – it is snowing today:

https://www.webcams.travel/webcam/fullscreen/1257752806

Update

Walking Redes is not actively blogging at the moment – I am getting out there instead! To find more routes, you can use Wikiloc and search for "Parque Natural de Redes". Descriptions are generally in Spanish, but you can download GPS tracks to follow.

https://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/find.do?q=parque+natural+de+redes

And for maps, you can know use the detailed topgraphic maps of the Spanish mapping agency – the IGN. Either on line at http://www.ign.es/iberpix2/visor/ - type in Sobrescobio and go from there. Or download the app "Mapas de España" and get full national mapping.

Enjoy walking in the Parking Natural de Redes and nearby – Mampodre near Maraña (http://www.alberguedemarana.com/#) and Peña Mea near Laviana are well worth visiting.

The Ruta del Alba today

 

Entrepicos (1861 m) from Caleao and the Arrudos Gorge

Summary
This route takes you from the village of Caleao through the the Arrudos Gorge and high into the mountains of the Parque Natural de Redes, and then up the simple summit of Entrepicos at 1861 metres with great views. If you prefer or the weather is bad you can turn round at the highest point of the gorge route and still have a great day out, although you will repeat the route. To do a circuit see the “Desfiladero de los Arrudos” route, but the other half of the route is mainly on surfaced tracks. This is a long route with a  big climb.

Distance:                 26.0 km

Total ascent:          1169 m
Duration:                9 hours 10 minutes
Maps:                       Parque Natural de Redes (1:40,000)
                                    IGN 79 (14-06) Puebla de Lillo (1:50,000)
                                    IGN 79-I Felechosa  (1:25,000)
Route:                      partly on PR.AS-61.  Senda de los Arrudos.

1.       Start at the car park signposted below the village of Caleao, driving from Coballes the car park is on the left as you enter the village.

2.      Follow the concrete road SOUTH from the car park, the PR.AS-61 Senda de los Arrudos route.

3.      You can cycle along the first part, possibly leaving your bike at 3.6 kmby a route signpost, and where the Cabeza L’Aru trail joins, but note that this is not indicated.

4.      Walk up the Arrudos Gorge on the right hand side.

5.      A bridge crosses to the left hand side.

6.      A smaller bridge crosses back to the left hand side.

7.      Reach a turning with a signpost marked MAYÁ “LA ROBRE”.

8.     Cross the stream coming from the right hand side, continue through beech woods.

9.      Reach another signpost for “PICU TORRES”, some 6 kilometres from the car park.

10.  Arrive at the Roxecu cabins and pastures.

11.   Cross the river to the left by a path signpost

12.  Follow the path, passing another signpost and paint marks to ruined cabins at Llede, and a signpost to LAGO UBALES (PR-AS 61).

13.  Cross the river by paint marks and cairns.

14.  Follow waymarks to Moyones cabins, about 11 km from the car park. If these are covered by snow you may need to navigate here.

15.   At Moyones, look at the ridge, the spur above and to the right of you is Entrepicos.

16.  Climb up and pass on the RIGHT or WEST side of the spur.

17.   Either walk to the col and turn LEFT to climb up to the summit (on your right is Pico el Arenal (1885 m)

18.  OR go up directly to the top of the spur and to the summit of Entrepicos  (1861 metres).

19.  Both routes are easy but steep.
20. Admire the views of the Picos de Europa, Pico Torres at the western end of the ridge, and many others.
21.  Return by the same route.

Here is a map based on a GPS track.


View Entrepicos (1861 m) from Caleao and the Arrudos Gorge in a larger map

Sierra de Crespon

This ridge tempts you from the road between Rioseco and Soto de Agues, dividing Sobrescobio from Laviana districts.

There are two routes:

1.  The Ruta de la Sierra del Crespón, a waymarked or signed route – labelled PR.AS-121 – which takes you below the ridge itself.

2.  The Crespon Ridge, a scramble following the ridge itself with great views on either side. You do need to scramble, there is one difficult passage.

Maps for both routes:   
Parque Natural de Redes (1:40,000)
IGN 54 (14-05) Rioseco (1:50,000)
IGN 54-III Rioseco (1:25,000)

Ruta de la Sierra del Crespon – PR.AS-121

Distance:                 11.5 km
Total ascent:         ?
Waymarking is limited and parts of the route are difficult to follow. In summer and autumn the route can be covered by high bracken, with the risk of picking up ticks on the way – see another post. Note that in one place, there is a delicate rocky crossing which appears to be prepared for via ferrata with bolts in the rock, but no chain or rope is installed to hold on to.
The line under the ridge follows a main water supply pipe for much of the way, at times you walk on it.
Start as in the ridge route described below, until point 7, then follow the water pipe, after that it becomes less clear!

See this link for an English description and sketch map of the route.

Crespon Ridge

This is a mixed walking and scrambling route, with one difficult section. If you are not comfortable the route can be left at La Enraya.

Distance:                 13 km
Total ascent:          1000 m
Time:                        5 hours 25 minutes
1.  Starting at Villamorey, near the bus stop by the chapel, there is a sign for the PR.AS-121.
2.  On the left hand of this sign look for yellow and white painted waymarks to guide you through the village to an wash-house or "lavadero", with running water.
3.  To the right of this is a sign – "Vehículos no autorizados".
4.  Follow this road uphill following occasional painted waymarks, with views over the Rioseco reservoir and dam.
5.  Reach a sign pointing in three directions. Take the LEFT hand track going UPHILL with occasional painted waymarks.
6.  After a kilometre arrive at the Majada Fresneu, a mountain pasture with barns. Bear left or SOUTH and arrive at a small col between a summit of 887 m and the main ridge.
7.  From here scramble up through bracken and rocks to the main ridge at 1075 metres, crossing the water supply pipe and leaving the painted waymarks for the PR.AS-121.
8.  Scramble up to the first summit, El Fueyo or Llampaces at 1145 m (called Cerro Arganosa on the Redes map).
9.  Continue south along the ridge to the col near La Enraya. If you wish to avoid more scrambling, you can choose to leave the ridge here and follow tracks down to Soto de Agues.
10.  Scramble up to the summit of Faltinosu or Escrita (1159m), and then down to the col of Huella Faltinoso.
11. Carry on up to Pico Rearcu and down to the col Huella de los Lobos.
12.  Scramble up to La Crespina (1205m), take great care here where there are grassy drops on either side.
13. Pass to the right of rock towers, either scramble carefully on the right hand side, or avoid this section by climbing down grass to the Crespes-Crespines Gap (the CC Gap) or the Huella la Fondúa. This section is easier in the opposite direction.
14. From the gap climb back up to the ridge through the trees to Les Crespes (1221 m), continue along the ridge through trees to Cantu Cerezal (1195 m).
15.  Descend to the col (Huella de Guanalón) below the summit of Guanalón. Here you could continue along to the summit of Guanalón and beyond (see the Bories round).
16.  Otherwise pick a way down vegetated hillside to find tracks bearing left and downhill to the barns at Abedul.
17.  Turn left or East along tracks to meet a farm track which takes you down to the Ruta del Alba in the valley, passing the buildings at "Les Bories".
18.  Turn left and return to Soto de Agues.
19.  Walk along the road back to Villamorey.

Here is a map of the route based on a GPS track.

View The Crespon Ridge in a larger map

The Villamorey Circuit



A short circuit from Soto de Agues to the nearby village of Villamorey and back, using farm tracks for the most part.  Approximately 4.3 kilometres, about 70 minutes.

1.       Starting at the car park in Soto de Agues, walk up the steps and find the “Posada Cantu l’Osu”, a hostel with a distinctive large wooden and glass front.

2.      Take the track uphill on the RIGHT HAND of the Posada, immediately crossing a stream.

3.      Follow the stream on the right hand side along a stony track.

4.      This bears right away from the stream and climbs up to join a wider vehicle track coming up from Villamorey by a green hut, which captures a water supply.

5.      Turn RIGHT and walk downhill.

6.      Carry on downhill for about 1 kilometre, passing superb views or the Alba valley on the right hand.

7.      The path turns right downhill, then bears left.

8.     Continue along this track to arrive at Villamorey, passing bee hives.

9.      Turn sharp RIGHT here and go downhill to the Lavadero or fountain.

10.  Continue into the village of Villamorey.

11.   Turn RIGHT when you reach the local road (SC-2) and head back up the valley towards Soto de Agues.

12.  Before you reach the large barn with a red roof on the left, turn RIGHT onto a long straight farm track with fenced fields on either side.

13.  Follow this and arrive a road in Soto near the covered sports area.

14.  Return to the car park.

Here is a map of the route based on a GPS track.
 

View The Villamorey Circuit in a larger map

GR-109; Asturias Interior route

If you would like to follow a well-marked long distance route, try the GR-109 which spans the whole width of Asturias following the Cordillera Cantábrica. Much of this can be cycled with an off-road bike. The section "Etapa 10" goes from near Pola de Laviana for 18.6 kilometres and meets the start of the Peña Mea route,  look at this government web page and download the maps (Planos).



El Fueyo or Arganosa (1145 m)

A half day walk from Soto de Agues, it gets you straight up onto the Crespon Ridge (Sierra de Crespon) with great views over the local gorges and mountains, but avoiding the scrambling on the main ridge. Or simply walk up high for the views and avoid the final steep ascent. The summit is variously mapped as El Fueyo, Arganosa or Llampaces, and so are some if its neighbours!

During summer months vegetation may be too thick for the upper section.

Distance:                 7.2 km.

Total ascent:          715 m.

Duration:                3 hours 20 minutes. 

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

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

IGN 54-III Rioseco (1:25,000)

Route:                      Touches the PR.AS-121 Ruta Sierra del Crespon

Start:                         Soto de Agues – large visitors car park

End:                          Soto de Agues

1.       Starting at the car park in Soto de Agues, walk up the steps and find the “Posada Cantu l’Osu”, a hostel with a distinctive large wooden and glass front.

2.      Take the track uphill on the RIGHT HAND of the Posada, immediately crossing a stream.

3.      Follow the stream on the right hand side along a stony track.

4.      This bears right away from the stream and climbs up to join a wider vehicle track coming up from Villamorey by a green hut, which captures a water supply.

5.      Turn left and walk uphill.

6.      At the first turn in the road keep right, ignoring a track on the left.

7.      Follow this track uphill passing another 3 green water huts. At the fourth and final one there is also a water supply from a pipe.

8.     Shortly after the vehicle track ends at the Majada Escrita, cabins and pasture, at 850 metres high.

9.      In summer or early autumn the grass and bracken could be too high to cross easily, and you may acquire ticks, in this case you could choose to admire the views and then return.

 



10.  Find a gap in the wall to enter the field, cross the field and look for a similar majada (cabins and pasture) higher up and after a prominent gully, and find paths towards this if possible.

11.   Head for these cabins, aiming to cross the gully at the top.

12.  After the gully but before the cabins you join the “Ruta Sierra del Crespon” (PR.A-121), and you pass yellow and white painted waymarks.

13.  Arrive at the cabins and see a signpost “Majada Llampaces”.

14.  Again you could choose to stop here and admire the views. Otherwise follow the signpost to “Vista Panoramica”, which points to the “Enraya” pass above you.  If you are lucky find a vague path climbing steeply in rock and vegetation up to the pass at 1102 metres. If you find this hard, think of the people I saw carrying BICYCLES up to the summit!

15.   Turn RIGHT and climb easily up to the summit of El Fueyo at 1145 m.

16.  Descend the same way to the signpost.

17.   As an alternative to retracing your steps, turn left at the sign post (NORTH) and follow painted waymarks and signs, which generally follow the water pipe supplying Gijon, then follow signs down to Villamorey and turn right to Soto de Agues.

18.  Or retrace your steps down the hill.

Here is a map of the route based on a GPS track.

View El Fueyo or Arganosa in a larger map

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.

COLLARGAYOS (1391 m) from Soto de Agues

There are at least 3 spellings of this mountain!  Collargayos, Cuyargayos and Peña Argayos.  However you choose to spell it this route makes an excellent outing from Soto de Agues.  There is some scrambling at the top that can be avoided.  The route in principle is waymarked, but at times this may not be clear.

Distance:                 14.6 km

Total ascent:          950 m

Duration:                5 hours 45 minutes

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

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

Route:                      PR.AS-163  Ruta del Cuyargayos

1.    Walking from Soto de Agues where there is a large visitor's car park, cross the arched bridge over the Alba river and walk to the church of San Andres with its prominent spire.

2.    Carry on and cross another bridge to the village of Agues.

3.    Walk through Agues, and after 400 metres, turn right across a bridge over the Nozalin river. NB: Paint marks here lead you on to Ladines, but they are not reliable.

4.    Follow the vehicle track with occasional paint marks, into the Nozalin gorge, with the river on the left.

5.    Cross the river to the left hand side, follow the river on the left for 1 kilometre.

6.    Cross back over the stream to the right hand side.

7.    On the right hand side here is a concrete track going steeply up to the Fresnos col.  This is an alternative route over to the Alba valley and back to Soto de Agues.

8.    Cross the stream again and zig-zag up the track following paint marks, up to Feleches where there are cabins and a water trough for cattle.

9.  Follow the track uphill in a South-Easterly direction to a broad grassy col with a signpost marked “PR.AS-60”, although the route is 63, at about 1200 metres.

10. Turn left to reach a rocky outcrop, if you have gone more to the East you may reach this first.

11. Follow the track with some paint marks below the summit of La Mezquita (1316m) to the Collada Mezquita, where there is a sign pointing back indicating “Rio Nozalin” and PR.AS-63.

12. If you wish to avoid some easy scrambling (using hands) then turn down here on the right and follow the path below the ridge. The PR.AS-163 path in fact avoids the Summit for this reason.

13. To reach the summit of Collargayos (1391m), follow the track upwards and admire views to the Cantabrian Sea and the Picos de Europa.

14. Then scramble along the ridge, with the main path below on the right and beech woods on the left, reaching a good viewpoint which is signposted “Vista Pintoresca”, where the main path rejoins.

15. Pass a prominent cave on the right, descend through beech woods to a crest overlooking the Nalón valley on the right.

16. Head up to a gate with painted waymarks.

17. Cross an open area passing 2 trees with paint marks, looking out for other paint marks (new in 2009).

18. Arrive at the top of a concrete track, follow this downhill.

19. At a track junction turn right and follow the track downhill past solar panels.

20. At a junction of 2 tracks turn LEFT.

21 At a junction of 3 tracks head DOWNHILL and follow a concrete track for about 850 metres to a water pumping station.

22. Then enter the village of Ladines at a house called “El Fontan”.

23. In Ladines there is the Bar La Plaza and a car park, you could arrange transport from here if you prefer. There are also signs to Miel y Licores Vayú, honey and liquers.

24. From the church head downhill to a viewpoint at the edge of the village.

25. Follow a road South passing a house called “La Llascara”, and in about 150 metres and before reaching the house at the end of this road, turn right to join a woodland path looking for paint marks in white and yellow.

26.  Cross a stream.

27.  Continue through the woodland and turn right at a track junction.

28. Follow paint marks downhill through woods, reaching the bridge crossing over the Nozalin river near Agues, which you crossed at the start of the walk.

29. Carry on through Agues, across the arched bridge, and pack to the car park.

Here is a map of the route based on a GPS track.

View Collargayos (1391m) from Soto de Agues in a larger map

RETRIÑON (1863 m) and Ruta Cabezu L’Arcu

The Llaimo and Alba valleys from the summit of Retriñon

Summary

The summit of Retriñon can be reached from:

1.       Felechosa; the route follows the Fresnedo valley and is described by Robin Walker in “Walking in the Cordillera Cantábrica”;

2.    Soto de Agues; from the Ruta del Alba, this needs permission from the Parque Natural de Redes;

3.   From Caleao; climbing out of the Xulio gorge and combining the ascent with the Cabeza L’Arcu circular route.

                                            From Caleao

Distance:               19 km

Total ascent:        1158 m

Time:                        7 hours 20 minutes

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

                                    IGN 79 (14-06) Puebla de Lillo (1:50,000)

Route:                      PR.AS-124 Ruta de la Cabeza L'Arcu, excluding the summit section.
   

1.       To reach Caleao, take the road south from Coballes, on the AS-117 between Rioseco and Campo de Caso.

2.      In Caleao there is a visitor's car park on the left as you enter the village.

3.      In the small square where there is a bar, “Posada Casa Zulima”, find the sign describing the route PR.AS-124 “Ruta Cabeza de el Arco”.

4.      Turn right from the sign and cross the stream by a simple bridge.

5.      The track starts with the sign “Excepto Vehiculos Autorizados”.

6.      Follow this track West for 2 kilometres, following signs for PR.AS-124 and yellow and white paint marks in the spectacular gorge of the Valle Xulio/Valle de Julio, between limestone cliffs.

7.      You will reach a path junction with this signpost.  Take the LEFT path towards “Valle Xulio”, do NOT take right turn marked “Pandefresno”.

8.     Continue, following signs and paint marks, to Collau L’Arcu/Collado del Arcu, at 1346 metres, which is the highest point on the PR.AS-124..

9.      Above this Col there are no signs or paint marks on the way to Retriñon.

10.  If you do not want to ascend Retriñon, continue on the PR.AS-124 Ruta de la Cabeza L'Arcu, see 16 below.

11.   Look for a path on the right heading in a Westerly direction, and follow this about 500 metres to reach a cattle drinking trough.

12.  From the trough continue to follow the path in to the forest.

13.  The well used path takes you through the forest to the Collau La Mezcla/Collado de la Muesca at 1662 metres height.

14.  Turn right and follow the path to the summit of Picu Retriñon, at 1862 metres.  There is a survey point, a concrete pillar and various mailboxes to mark the summit!  But better are views of the Parque Natural de Redes from the Alba valley to Picu Torres, of the distant Picos de Europa, and of the Caleao valley.

15.   Return to the Collau L’Arcu. If you do not want to complete the circular route you can return to Caleao by the same path.

16.  From the Col, follow the signpost pointing downhill in a West direction. After 300 metres turn Right, bearing South ignoring a path going straight on.

17.   Ensure that you can cross the river – “Riega Pandellina” – above the cabins marked “Pandellina”, in order to follow this going East-West on the RIGHT hand or true right bank.

18.  You will pass a signpost marked “Desfiladero de los Arrudos” and “Cabeza l’Arcu”. 

19.  As you enter the gorge, the path stays high above the stream bed, on the right hand or South side, passing through holly groves.

20. Follow tracks down, passing another route signpost just before meeting  the track by the “Riu los Arrudos” river  and the PR.AS-1 Arrudos route. 

21.  At the moment (January 2012) there is not a sign indicating that you should leave the Arrudos route for the “Cabeza L’Arcu” route at the junction in this photo. So take care to take this turning if you are following this route in the opposite direction.

22. Follow the Arrudos valley northwards to return to Calleao.

Below is a 3D map of the route based on a GPS track. To see the route on a terrain or topographic map, click on the "Ter" button.

View Retriñon from Caleao in a larger map