Summary
From Soto de Agues to Caleao
Distance: 22 km to Caleao (34 km returning to Soto de Agues).
Total ascent: 1400 m (1900 m returning to Soto de Agues).
Duration: 8 hours and 40 minutes (12 hours and 50 minutes returning to Soto de Agues)
Maps: Parque Natural de Redes (1:40,000)
IGN 54 (14-05) Rioseco (1:50,000)
IGN 79 (14-06) Puebla de Lillo (1:50,000)
Route: Not marked until you join PR.AS-124 on the descent.
1. The section between the Cruz de los Rios and Collau de la Valenciana (sections 6-11) is within a restricted use zone of the Parque Natural de Redes. Permission can be obtained in advance (2 weeks!) through the visitor centre in Campo de Caso.
2. Ample parking is available at the entrance to Soto de Agues at the visitor's car park. There is no parking in the village.
3. 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.
4. Follow the Ruta del Alba past the fish farm (Piscifactoria del Alba).
5. 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.
6. Continue along the route, and through the Llaimo gorges, with deep pools and waterfalls, to the end of the route, where there is a (locked) cabin and picnic benches. This is the Cruz de los Rios.
7. Cross the Llaimo stream to the left of the picnic area and climb a path on the East side.
8. The path zig-zags up the slope for about 600 metres to reach a cabin, marked Les Felgueres on the Redes map.
9. From here follow generally South, following the Llaimo valley, keeping above the river which is on your right, and below the cliffs.
10. The path continues mainly through forest for about 4 kilometres. Occasionally there are open areas of bracken where the path can be lost. There are occasional red paint marks on trees, although this is not a listed route.
11. However if you follow generally South for about 4 kilometres in the valley, you will arrive at the Collau La Valenciana/Collada de la Valencia at 1299 metres. Here you can see Picu Torres rising to the South-East clearly above all other summits, and you meet the trail coming up from Felechosa.
12. A steep slope above leads to the summit, it is probably easiest to follow the direct ridge to the summit on the left, following the limestone ridge.
13. After about 560 metres of ascent (!) you arrive at the summit of Picu Retriñon, at 1862 metres. The climb eases just before the summit. 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.
14. From here descend South/East along a clear track to the Collau La Mezcla at 1662 metres height.
15. Turn Left/North-East following a well used track, descending through trees until reaching a cattle drinking trough.
16. Continue to the Collau L’Arcu/Collado del Arcu, some 1400 metres from La Mezcla.
17. Paint marks show you have joined the PR.AS-124, a circular route marked from Caleao.
18. Now follow a clear track down with paint waymarks into the spectacular gorge of the Valle Xulio/Valle de Julio, between limestone cliffs.
19. Pass a junction to turning Left to the Collau Pandefresnu.
20. Turn north and continue along a track to the village of Caleao, arriving at the bar “Posada Casa Zulima”.
21. If you have pre-arranged transport, return to Soto de Agues from here via Coballes and Rioseco.
22. You can choose to return directly to Soto de Agues from here by crossing the Collau Isorno/Collada Isorno.
23. From the “Posada Casa Zulima” in Caleao, follow rising streets to the “Lavaderu la Regata”, at about 750m altitude. This is a street water fountain with a tourist signboard, marked as part of the “Paseo de Agua” or water route.
24. From here aim WNW or about 300° to find the farm track at a sign “Excepto Vehiculos Autorizados”.
25. Pass the water tank for the village, with the sign “Parroquia Rural de Caliao – Depósito de Agua ...”.
26. Continue following the major track uphill until you reach the Collado Isornu at approximately 1211 metres.
27. Near the col is a path signpost, do NOT follow the direction “Les Morteres”.
28. Instead head downhill looking for painted waymarks and aiming for a cabaña or converted barn some 630 metres in a West direction.
29. You are now following the footpath PR.AS-124, after about 350 metres a farm track begins, and after another 300 metres or so this becomes a surfaced track.
30. Follow this track past various farm buildings for nearly 4 kilometres downhill to the Alba valley.
31. Join the “Ruta del Alba” at the Puente Retortoriu, turn right at head north down the Alba valley to Soto de Agues, approximately 3.5 kilometres.
Link to a map of the route, you can click on the Earth button to see the route in 3D.
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