Conquer the summit of the most famous monolith of the peaks of europe
Since August 5, 1904, when Gregorio Pérez “el Cainejo”, shepherd of Cain, and acting as a guide of the Marquis of Villaviciosa (Pedro Pidal), ascended for the first time the Picu Urriellu / Naranjo de Bulnes, dressed in espadrilles and esparto rope (Gregorio Pérez made the ascent barefoot) and giving name to the pioneer route of the Picu Urriellu “Pidal y Cainejo”, the Naranjo de Bulnes has not stopped receiving visitors.
Great openings such as the Murciana 78′ or the Rabadá Navarro (and many others) are still desired today by climbers and mountaineers from all over the world, visiting the Picos de Europa in search of this great monolith, which rises defiantly calling attention from miles away, clearly visible from the beaches of Asturias and Cantabria.
Climbing the Naranjo de Bulnes or Picu Urriellu on any of its faces has become the most demanded activity in the Picos de Europa National Park.
Available routes
Frequently Asked Questions
All prices shown on this website include: VAT, RC and accident insurance, qualified guide, all the technical material to carry out the activity and photo album.
You can reserve your place at the refuge by clicking here.
If you have never climbed before, you will be taught the necessary notions to be able to do the activity. Consult us for more information.
DAY 1:
Normally the meeting is at the Vega de Urriellu Refuge the day before the activity, around 7 pm.
Once introduced, the guide will provide the participant with the necessary material, explain concepts and review the material needed for the activity.
During dinner, which is at 8:00 p.m., we will be able to chat and discuss all kinds of doubts and we will talk about the schedule for breakfast and departure the following day.
This schedule varies depending on the season and the weather.
DAY 2:
We will leave prepared from the Refuge by the path that will take us to the Canal de la Celada, through which in a short but intense climb we will skirt the entire north face of Picu Urriellu.
After finishing the channel we will continue climbing along a more comfortable path below the imposing west face of the Picu, until we reach the steps of the south face.
We will make an easy and short climb and we will be at the base of the route where we will put on the material and discuss the last safety and progression instructions. The climb usually takes about two to three hours. After four pitches of climbing, we still have to climb up the short rope channel that takes us to the summit ridge and from here to the summit.
DESCENT:
Once at the summit we have time to eat something to eat, take some pictures and chat. Afterwards, we will begin the descent by the same path that we climbed up to the rappels.
We will make three rappels and arrive at the base where we will pick up and begin the descent to the Vega by the same route we took on the way down.
Normally between 14:00 and 16:00 we are back at the shelter.
Pablo Alonso – Climbing Guide in Picos de Europa
+34 657 111 194
info@liebanaaventura.com
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Potes, Liébana Valley. Cantabria