Ascent of Torrecerredo

We start the route on the Pandébano esplanade, following the sign to the Urriellu Refuge. The path ascends gently through a well-marked grassy meadow, leading us in a short time to the Pandébano pass, where we continue in the direction of the refuge. Looking back, we enjoy a panoramic view of the village of Sotres on our left. We continue along the path, gradually gaining height. On our route we pass by the Terenosa Hut and, further on, to our right, we can make out the village of Bulnes, nestled in a hollow.

Soon we have a first view of the route that awaits us, with the Corona del Rasu pass and the Horcada Arenera pass standing out. If the day is clear, the surrounding landscape is breathtakingly beautiful. After a long stretch along the slope, we reach Collado Vallejo, a narrow pass in the rock from where we get our first spectacular view of Pico Urriellu.

From this point, we follow the PR path without loss, which leads us to increasingly rocky and winding terrain. In approximately two hours from Pandébano, we reach the Urriellu Refuge, located at the foot of the imposing stone mass of the peak of the same name. Here we find a fountain where we can replenish our water supply, as there will be no more water supply points on the rest of the route.

From the Vega de Urriellu, we head northwest along a path marked with "jitos", small piles of stone that mountaineers use to mark the route. Little by little, we approach the narrow Brecha de los Cazadores (2,253 m.), from where there is an impressive view of the great monolith of Pico Urriellu. We continue towards Collada Arenera (2,283 m), flanked by the spectacular limestone walls of the Agujas Areneras and Neverón de Urriellu. After a short descent to a hollow, we come to a fork with the route to the J.R. Lueje hut in Jou de los Cabrones. We keep to the left, following the route marked by stone cairns through holes and hills under the northern foothills of Neverón de Urriellu and La Párdida. Shortly afterwards, we descend to the Collado del Jou de Cerredo (2,300 m.), where the route from Los Cabrones also joins the route. Surrounded by imposing peaks, we head towards the Torrecerredo spurs to begin the final ascent.

Considered the normal ascent route, it has simple but somewhat exposed climbs, so safety equipment is recommended for less experienced mountaineers. The signposting guides us through a gravel pit and a series of overlapping terraces that are easy to overcome. When we reach the base of a deep and stony channel, we avoid advancing along the bottom and instead climb up the right wall before turning left to reach the base of the central wall. The final climb takes place on ledges with secure holds, allowing a stable progression.

Near the summit ridge there is a small cave, used as a bivouac in extreme situations. From here, there are only a few metres left to reach the summit of Torrecerredo (2,649 m), the highest peak in Asturias and the whole of the Cantabrian Mountains. From the summit, the views are incomparable, with the Picos de Europa unfolding in all directions, a natural spectacle reserved for those who dare to make this challenging but unforgettable ascent. After a while enjoying the impressive views and the satisfaction of having crowned the roof of Asturias, we begin the descent following the same route as the ascent.

The descent from the summit to the base of Torrecerredo requires special caution, as the terrain is steep and exposed, with sections where it is essential to secure every step. Once we have overcome this more technical section, we continue our return to the Urriellu Refuge, where a well-deserved rest awaits us after a long and demanding day in the heart of the Picos de Europa.