How to get here

How to get from lagos de Covadonga

The route starts from Lake La Ercina (1,108m), on the left-hand side, heading S-SE. It is well-marked and initially skirts the lake, leading to the Vega or Ercina pasture. Then ascends through a short channel called La Cuenye, bordering the Riega del Brazu until reaching the Bobias pasture (1,280m), a beautiful meadow with shepherd huts where they still maintain the tradition of bringing cattle up after the snow melts. A little further, just 100m ahead, you can take a short break in the shade of beech trees and get water from the fountain (the hose above the watering trough, which should be put back as it was). If you continue straight , you will see yellow-painted signs, that ascend between rocks and, after a short climb, provide a view of the Redondiella pasture, situated slightly lower. A narrow path among rocks descends to Jou del Llaguiellu, where you must cross the stream to begin a steep zigzag ascent up the Cuesta de las Reblagas. At the top, you’ll find meadows called Campizas and Los Abedules (1,400m) before ascending to the Jito Pass (1,660m). From there, you’ll discover the impressive view of the Central Massif and find a stone table indicating all the summits. Just 10 minutes to the left, almost flat, and crossing small valleys, green meadows, and rocks, you’ll reach the La Vega de Ario refuge (1.634m.)

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How to get from ruta del Cares

The route starting from Cares is more challenging due to its steepness compared to the one from the lakes, but it’s easy to follow, as it simply involves ascending through the Canal de Trea. Whether you come from Poncebos or Caín, or descend from the central massif, the key reference point to access the Canal de Trea is the Bolín Bridge. Very close to it, you’ll find the start of the ascent through Trea, which is clearly marked and impossible to miss. The ascent is quite demanding (around 1,200 meters of elevation gain over approximately 3 km), but there are no technical or exposed sections. Halfway up the canal, after passing through the forest encountered at the beginning of the climb, you’ll find a natural spring, making Trea a privileged canal in terms of water availability. After passing the spring, you continue ascending along a path marked by cairns and easy to follow. Upon reaching the end of the canal, you’ll see Jultayu to your left, the path to the refuge on your right, and behind you, a magnificent view of the central massif. From here, continue to the right toward the Collado de las Cruces, navigating several limestone pavements until the Vega de Ario and the refuge come into view. The estimated time for the route from Bolín Bridge is approximately three and a half hours.

How to get from Demues

Ver en ruta en Wikiloc We will park our vehicle in the village of Demués, or in the clearing near the cemetery located between Bobia Arriba and Demues. Here begins the PR PNPE 8 trail, which we will follow to the Majada de Belbín, where we will take an eastern detour to find the PR PNPE 4 trail. This trail ascends from the Covadonga Lakes and leads to our destination: the Refugio de Ario. This path is frequently used by shepherds and livestock from the Onís region to access the high pastures. It connects the valley villages to the mountain pastures (Bobia, Demués, Gamonedo de Onís). Part of the route follows a continuously ascending track, gaining elevation as it enters the National Park, skirting the Cantón del Texéu and leaving the Majada de Soñín behind. We then descend along a paved path that briefly overlaps with the GR 202 (Reconquest Route) until reaching the Majada de las Mantegas. Here, we veer slightly to the right to reach the Majada de Belbín. We pass it on our right, climbing up the Llomba de Belbín and leaving the PR PNPE 8 trail. After ascending the Llomba for about 300 meters, keep an eye out for a small path to the left, which maintains the elevation and leads through Cuñé Mala. From there, we descend slightly before climbing to the Majada del Espino. After crossing it, we descend slightly again and continue upstream along the valley, always keeping to its right side. Eventually, we reach the Majada de la Redondiella. Crossing it, still on the valley’s right side, we come across the signage for PR PNPE 4 at the steep ascent known as Las Reblagas. This final stretch leads to our destination: the Refugio de Ario. The section between Majada de Belbín and the Las Reblagas ascent—linking PR PNPE 8 and PR PNPE 4—is unmarked. If visibility is good, it shouldn’t take more than an hour. A map and navigation skills (or a GPS with a route from Wikiloc) are highly recommended. From this point on, the path is once again marked as PR PNPE 4, with yellow and white trail markers for PR routes. Enjoy the hike! It’s a full-day route, taking between 5 to 7 hours, with elevation gain that requires good physical fitness—but it’s worth the effort. Carry plenty of water, as water sources in the Picos de Europa can be scarce in summer. There is a fountain in Belbín. Enjoy the mountains safely!