What to do · Cabrales
Walk from Sotres to the Vega de Urriellu, at the foot of the Naranjo de Bulnes
Information
- From
- €0
- Duration
- 7 h 30
- Distance
- 24 km
- Season
- June to October, without snow
- Who it's for
- Fit mountain walkers; medium difficulty, high in winter
It is the route for seeing the Naranjo de Bulnes from its base, without climbing: a full mountain day from Sotres, the highest village in the council, to the Vega de Urriellu, the meadow where the refuge stands, at the foot of the peak's wall. The National Park signposts it as PR-PNPE 21.
The numbers
According to the National Park, it is 12 km from Sotres to Urriellu and 24 km round trip, with 1,070 metres of ascent. Allow four hours to go up and seven and a half in all. The difficulty is medium because of the length and ascent, and high in winter, when there is snow: then it is terrain for equipped mountaineers.
Getting there and where to leave the car
You drive up to Sotres from Poncebos along a road of about 11 km. On the dates of the Principality's transport plan (in 2026, 1 June to 12 October, Easter and May weekends) there is a bus from Arenas to Sotres, for €2.60 each way; the last one returns from Sotres at 20:00. Higher up, along the Pandébano pass road, there are small parking areas of four spaces, 72 in total: if you find a space, you save about 5 km each way. At Pandébano you cannot camp or sleep in your car or van.
What to bring and how to stay safe
The Park reminds you that in the Picos the weather changes quickly and the fog, the encainada, appears in summer too: if it traps you, wait for it to lift. Bring boots, a waterproof, a light coat, cap, sun cream, head torch and food: water is scarce once you enter the high mountain. Do not go alone or leave word of your route. Dogs always on a lead.
For the night before or after, in Sotres you have a bed and mountain cooking at Casa Cipriano, which also has guides and a 4x4 taxi.
Tips
- Set off before nine With four hours up and the afternoon fog, the morning is your margin.
- Look at the meadow from Pandébano if you are short of time The pass already gives views of the Urriellu; coming back from there is a good day too.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb to the Vega de Urriellu?
About four hours from Sotres and seven and a half round trip, according to the National Park.
Can I go with children?
Only with teenagers used to walking: it is 24 km and more than a thousand metres of ascent.
Is there a bus to Sotres?
In season, from Arenas, changing at Poncebos.
With teenagers
