PR-PNPE-23. Red Horcados

MOST IMPORTANT WARNING: This route has been descatalogued as PR (Pequeño Recorrido). The reason is its extreme hardness and the tremendous slope. It is a high mountain route reserved for very prepared people. In the absence of a new name, the old one is still used.

• Type: Linear (out and back on the same path).
• Distance and Duration: 11.4 km / 4 hours and 25 minutes.
• Level: 772 m uphill and downhill.
• Difficulty: Medium. (Caution: This is high mountain terrain).

Overview This is a spectacular route into the heart of the Picos de Europa, starting from the top station of the Fuente Dé cable car. Caution: As it is high mountain, it requires appropriate footwear. It should not be done in fog, ice or snow if you do not have technical experience.

The Route

1. Start: You leave from "El Cable" (1,834 m), the top station of the cable car. You walk along a wide and comfortable track until you reach a curve known as "La Vueltona."
2. Ascent: At La Vueltona you leave the main track and take a path to the right. Here begins the real ascent, with a steep slope through rocks under the wall of Peña Vieja.
3. References: During the ascent you will see on the left the famous Cabaña Verónica refuge (a silver metal dome).
4. Meta: After overcoming the last stretch of loose stones, you reach the Collado de Horcados Rojos (2,344 m). If you have the strength, you can climb a little further to the summit on the right.
5. Views: It is a privileged viewpoint. To the north you can see Naranjo de Bulnes (Pico Urriellu); to the west, Pico Tesorero; and to the south, Peña Vieja.
6. Return: You descend by the same path to the cable car.