The best way to visit the emblematic Naranjo de Bulnes or Pico Urriellu (or simply “el Picu” as it is known in Asturias), in a circular route through the wildest of the central massif, staying overnight in the secluded refuge of Jou de Cabrones, in the shade of the roof of  Picos: Torrecerredo (2650m). And one of its most beautiful crests, the one that connects it with the peak of Los Cabrones (2552m).

This is a high mountain itinerary for lovers of steep slopes, we will accumulate 5000m+ in two days.

Stage 1. Poncebos – Jou de Cabrones. 9 km. 2000m+.

We leave our vehicle at the entrance to the Cares gorge, to deviate through the Texu couloir towards the isolated village of Bulnes. There we take a break, because the beginning is tough and the place deserves it. Then we will attack the Amuesa couloir, which ends in surprisingly large meadows for that altitude. Then the Trave slope and after some “spicy” steps we will arrive at the impressive “Jou de los Cabrones”. (Jou means hole).

Stage 2. Jou de Cabrones – Poncebos. 16 km. 200m+ / 2300m-.

Now is it time to cross a lunar landscape until we reach the gap of the hunters, where finally the imposing west face of the Naranjo appears: no words.

We go down the gap, fitted with a chain, to get to the Urriellu plain. We provision at the refuge and continue down the PR to the Tenerosa refuge to take the GR on the Reconquista route towards Bulnes, and finally Poncebos again.