Vega de Liordes Trail

While komoot categorizes this route for jogging, the Vega de Liordes Trail is primarily a challenging hiking route due to its demanding terrain and significant elevation changes. It's best suited for experienced trail runners seeking a strenuous workout rather than casual jogging. Expect sections with goat paths, loose debris, and steep ascents and descents.

The trail is 100% unpaved and features varied, demanding surfaces. You'll encounter goat paths, debris couloirs like the Canal de Pedabejo, and sections of light gray limestone with many dolines. The Los Tornos path, an old mining track, involves a long, steep descent with many zigzags and loose debris. The Vega de Liordes itself is an open meadow with grasslands and wetlands, which might offer some smoother, albeit potentially damp, sections.

This route is rated as 'difficult' by komoot and generally considered 'Heavy' or 'Hard' by hikers. It requires very good fitness, sure-footedness, sturdy shoes, and alpine experience. The full route involves significant height gain and can take 5.5 to 6.5 hours to complete. Special caution is advised in case of snow or fog.

The trail typically starts from Fuente Dé. There is parking available at Fuente Dé, which is also the location of the cable car. Taking the cable car can help bypass the initial abrupt ascent if you prefer.

You'll experience spectacular and diverse scenery, transitioning from forests of oaks and beeches near Fuente Dé to alpine pastures. The Vegas de Liordes is an idyllic glaciokarstic depression with exuberant mountain flora. Expect impressive views of towering limestone formations and peaks like Torre de Lambrion, Peña Remoña, Pico San Carlos, and Pico de la Padiorna, as well as the Cirque of the Picos de Europa.

The Picos de Europa National Park is rich in wildlife. You might spot chamois (rebecos), deer, and wild boars. Brown bears and wolves also inhabit the area, though sightings are less common.

The best time to visit is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is more stable and snow has melted from higher elevations. Avoid winter unless you have extensive alpine experience and equipment, as conditions can be very challenging with snow and ice.

Dogs are generally allowed in the Picos de Europa National Park, but they must be kept on a leash to protect wildlife and livestock. Always check the latest park regulations before your visit, especially regarding specific areas or times of year.

There is no general entrance fee to access the Picos de Europa National Park. However, certain activities or access to specific areas might require permits or have restrictions. It's always advisable to check the official park website for any current regulations, especially if planning to camp or access sensitive ecological zones.

Yes, while primarily following the Vega de Liordes trail (100%), the route also passes through sections of the Transcantábrica, Puertos de Áliva - Fuente De, and Senda del Mercadillo trails.

Given the trail's difficulty and terrain, you should bring sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, appropriate layers of clothing for changing mountain weather, plenty of water, high-energy snacks, a map and compass or GPS device, and a first-aid kit. Trekking poles are highly recommended for stability on steep and loose sections.