Best walk in the Picos de Europa? (Hiking the Canal de Urdon to Tresviso)

This hike is a variation on the popular Urdon to Tresviso walk on the eastern boundary of the Picos de Europa mountains in northern Spain. Unlike the oft-trodden standard route, the canal variant incorporates several challenging sections as identified below. The following hike is best avoided by anyone suffering vertigo, or with an aversion to burrowing through brush or scrambling over wet rocks.

The reward for increased difficulty level is a varied, circular route, infrequently populated by fellow walkers, offering stunning panoramic views over the Urdon valley. The regular footpath to Tresviso can be spotted, snaking its way up to the village on the opposite side of the gorge.

Time

Allow a full day, comprising:

• 6.5 – 7 hr to complete the section (via canal) to Tresviso, and 
• 1.5 - 2 hr to return on the popular path between Tresviso and Urdon.

Parking

Parking is available where the Urdon>Tresviso walk meets the N-621 road to Potes (43.267251, -4.631718). There are further parking spots just up the road from the meeting point.

Route

• From the N-621, walk towards the Urdon power station, taking the higher route where the path forks

• Fifty metres after the first bridge, follow the uphill route that turns away from the main path on the left-hand side (LHS)

• Ignore any breakaway trails to the colossal green water pipe – the main route zigzags up and then around the mountain side

• Pass through an arbitrary gate and follow path, through foliage, to the canal

• Walk along the canal and through the first tunnel (the only one you’ll actually pass through)

• Bypass second tunnel, following route through wooded area before re-joining canal

• Bypass third tunnel – at clearing in trees, follow lower path on RHS, passing a small cave in the rock

• At concrete bridge, walk along RHS wall of canal before leaving canal along concrete walkway and narrow path cut into cliff before re-joining canal

• Walk along unfenced wall on RHS of canal

• Shortly after dilapidated concrete canopy over canal, follow path on RHS down hill and through wooded & open mountainside

• Follow path over rocky ridge – at mountain stream, path continues from opposite side of ravine several metres higher than point of entry, before climbing back to canal

• Shortly after stone canopy over canal, follow path falling away to RHS – path winds through brush before climbing back up to meet canal

• At metal signs, follow path falling away to RHS, though trees and around cliff face

• Cross bridge & climb up to outbuilding with tiled roof, following steps from outbuilding to re-join canal

• Leave canal where path forks, following lower path to a second bridge

• Cross Rio Urdon and climb away from river up to dilapidated outbuildings and follow the PR-PNPE-17 signposted route to Tresviso

• PR-PNPE-17 route passes over rocky clearing, across meadow and down grass track – route doubles back on itself at grazing field & follows farm track

• Follow signed footpath through wooded area and across rocky outcrop

• On meeting road at Tresviso, turn right and follow road winding up to bar!

• The return route follows the Tresviso>Urdon path, starting with a laid stone path leading away from the village, followed by a steep, rocky track traversing down the mountainside.

Final tips

• A reasonable level of fitness is advisable for the above hike, although the main Urdon>Tresviso route is more accessible and was, on our visit, being walked by families with young children & dogs.

• Good walking boots and long trousers recommended.

• The route is marked periodically by red dots painted on rock faces, yellow & white marks, and stone cairns.

• The route is not recommended following heavy rain, when the ravines will be at their most dangerous.