Extreme Ring Picos de Europa

A circular route through the western and central massifs of the Picos de Europa. The Anillo Extrem circuit is 82 km long with a positive elevation gain of 7.050 m and is designed for experienced mountaineers in good physical condition. We have redesigned the Extreme Ring, maintaining the distance at 82 km, but reducing the positive elevation gain to 4.700 m. to make it more bearable and thus be able to enjoy this magnificent journey.

DAY 1. FROM PONCEBOS TO THE VEGA DE ARIO REFUGE. Elevation gain: +1.500m Distance: 14 km Time: 7-8 hours

Meeting in Cangas de Onís at 8:00 a.m. or at 8:30 a.m. in Arenas de Cabrales. Introduction, equipment check, document distribution and transfer by car to Poncebos.
We begin this incredible trek with a challenging stage, as we'll have a 1.500m elevation gain in just 6km. We leave Poncebos heading towards Caín, an 8km stretch of practically flat terrain to stretch our legs along the famous Cares Route until we reach the Culiembro junction. Here, we leave the route to take the GR de la Reconquista trail and ascend the Culiembro Gully, climbing 1.000m in just 4km. This route is longer than going via the Trea Gully, but the climb is more manageable. Once at Vega Maor, where the gully ends, we continue along the Moandi pass and then the trail marked with cairns to the Vega de Ario Refuge, our first stop and overnight stay. We rest with wonderful views. Dinner and overnight at the refuge.

DAY 2. FROM THE VEGA DE ARIO REFUGE TO THE VEGARREDONDA REFUGE. Elevation gain/loss: +400m -600m. Distance: 16 km. Time: 6 hours.

Breakfast. After yesterday's tough stage, today's route is more relaxed. From the Vega de Ario Refuge, the route is straightforward, almost entirely downhill on a marked trail. First, a gentle slope leads to the Collado del Jito pass with magnificent views of the Central Massif. Then we cross the Jou Llaguiellu valley, the Majada de las Bobias meadow, and reach Lake Ercina, which we skirt. We continue along the Majada del Bricial meadow to the Vega de Enol meadow and Pandecarmen. We then ascend through the Vega de La Piedra meadow and the Majada de la Rondiella meadow to the Vegarredonda Refuge. Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.

DAY 3. FROM THE VEGARREDONDA REFUGE TO THE VEGABAÑO REFUGE. Elevation gain/loss: +1.000m -1.100m Distance: 16 km Time: 8-10 hours

Breakfast. Today is our toughest stage. We leave the refuge early and climb Llampa Cimera to Collado Les Merines at about 2.100 m. From there, we continue through Fuente Prieta to Jou Las Pozas, traversing a lunar landscape until we reach the Vegahuerta refuge hut with magnificent views of Torre Santa de Castilla. Afterwards, we descend via Canal del Burro and Canal del Perro to Collado del Frade, and then along a path through vegetation, we descend to the Vegabaño Refuge (1.320 m). Time to rest, chat about the stage, and reflect on this incredible trek. Dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 4. FROM VEGABAÑO REFUGE TO POSADA DE VALDEÓN. Elevation gain/loss: +300m -600m Distance: 9 km Time: 5-6 hours

Breakfast. After yesterday's hike, we'll enjoy a relaxing route through the Western Massif before venturing into the Central Massif. We leave the Refuge and ascend through the forest towards the Collado de Dobres pass. From here, we have beautiful views of the Valdeón Valley, and the rest of the trail descends through a lovely forest, first to Caldevilla, then Soto, and finally Posada de Valdeón. We'll stop for a bite to eat here and stock up on food at the supermarket. From Posada, it's still 3,5 km to Santa Marina de Valdeón, where we'll spend the night at the Albergue La Ardilla Real hostel. Dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 5. FROM VALCAVAO TO THE COLLADO JERMOSO REFUGE. Elevation gain/loss: +700m - 400m Distance: 8 km Time: 4-5 hours

Breakfast and transfer by car to the Pandetrave Pass, then along a dirt track to Valcabao. Today we begin our exploration of the Central Massif with a beautiful introductory route from Valcabao to the Collado Jermoso Refuge via the Pedabejo Gully, passing near the spectacular Liordes Meadow and continuing along the Colladinas cliffs to reach the Collado Jermoso Refuge, our first stop and overnight stay. We'll rest and eagerly await the famous sunset with its magnificent views of the entire Valdeón Valley and the Western Massif. Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.

DAY 6. FROM COLLADO JERMOSO REFUGE TO URRIELLU REFUGE. Elevation gain/loss: +800m - 850m Distance: 10 km Time: 6-7 hours

Breakfast. We leave the Refuge towards Collada Ancha and Tiro Casares to reach the Cabaña Verónica Refuge. From here we descend to the Horcados Rojos pass, already with incredible views of the Naranjo de Bulnes, and continue down towards the Jou de Los Boches via a very exposed slope, not suitable for people with vertigo. We cross the lunar landscape of the Jou de Los Boches and Jou sin Tierre until we reach the Urriellu Refuge. Dinner at the refuge and overnight stay.

DAY 7. FROM THE URRIELLU REFUGE TO PONCEBOS. Elevation change: – 1.700 m Distance: 8,5 km Time: 6-7 hours

Breakfast. We leave the Refuge, leaving behind the west face of the iconic Picu Urriellu. We quickly head towards Jou Lluengo, a typical Picos de Europa valley with plenty of loose rock, until we reach the famous Camburero Gully, a very steep descent to the Valcosín Gully. From there, the terrain is flatter and more vegetated, leading us to the village of Bulnes. After a rest and lunch in the village, we make a final descent through the Tejo Gully to Poncebos. Challenge Completed! The trek is finished. In Poncebos, our vehicle awaits to take us back to Arenas de Cabrales or Cangas de Onís. End of services.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL
This trek is suitable for people with a medium to high level of fitness and mountain experience. The trails are sometimes poorly marked, require some coordination on rocky sections, and involve some short scrambles. It's also advisable to be comfortable carrying a heavy load, as you'll be carrying a backpack that can weigh up to 10 kg.

NECESSARY MATERIAL
• Backpack of about 40-45 liters
· 1 pair of mountain trousers
· 1 mesh top (also suitable as pajamas)
· 2-3 short-sleeved base layer t-shirts
· 1 long-sleeved base layer t-shirt (also works as pajamas)
· 2-3 pairs of socks
· Underwear
• Ultralight towel
• Headlamp
• Relaxing flip-flops
· Trekking shoes or mountain boots
• Primaloft or lightweight down (better than a fleece, acts as a second or third layer, weighs less and compresses better in the backpack)
• Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex is best. It should weigh as little as possible)
• Toiletries (deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrush, soap in sachets)
• Camelbak for 1.5 liters or a 1.5 liter water bottle
· And for sleeping, a sleeping bag liner or lightweight sleeping bag

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6 nights in the shelters of Vega de Ario, Vegarredonda, Vegabaño, Collado Jermoso, Vega de Urriellu and 1 night in the La Ardilla Real Hostel on a half board basis (Accommodation, breakfast and dinner).

Sports technical guide in Medium Mountain.

Safety materials and logistical support.

Liability and Accident Insurance

Transfers from Cangas de Onís or Arenas de Cabrales.

VAT.

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

Meals. Meals will be picnic-style; you can bring your own or order them at the shelters.

Cancellation insurance. Contact us for pricing if you are interested.

· Price per person

695 €

• Once the reservation is formalized, you will receive an email with the receipt, telephone number and contact information of the adventure company in charge of carrying out the tour. A reference company in the sector. A few days before the experience, they will contact you to reconfirm the time and meeting point.

• This trip requires a minimum of 4 people. If the minimum number of participants has not been met 15 days before departure, the organizing company may cancel the activity, refunding the full amount of the booking or offering an alternative price to carry it out with fewer than 4 people.

• To confirm the reservation, a 20% deposit must be made as a reservation. The rest of the payment will be made 15 days before the start of the trip.

• The reservation can be canceled up to 30 days before the start date of the trip without cancellation fees.

• With less than 30 days prior to the start of the trip, cancellation will mean the total loss of payments made.

• This trip is subject to the very common adverse and unforeseen conditions of the environment in which it takes place and of the people who participate, so changes may occur before or even during the activity (weather, unexpected or sudden changes in flow, physical problems). of the participants, etc.)

• If any of the participants had to leave the trip early for reasons beyond the control of the organization, it would also mean the total loss of the payments made.