Canal de Angón

Route Description

The Canal de Angón is one of the most dramatic approaches to the heart of the central massif of the Picos de Europa. Starting from the bottom of the Cabrales valley, the trail ascends through a near-vertical limestone gully — with fixed steel cable handrails at the most exposed sections — until it reaches the Pandébano pastures, the saddle from which the Naranjo de Bulnes appears in full majesty.

This circular route is technically more demanding than the park average. No climbing gear is needed, but you do need comfort on steep, loose terrain and no fear of heights: some sections of the canal are hands-and-feet scrambling. The reward is an itinerary almost entirely free of the crowds that pack the Cares Route.

The first half of the route follows the Cares river along its left bank through poplar groves and meadows. Past the canal junction, the gradient increases sharply and the landscape shifts to bare limestone and grey rock. Halfway up the canal there is a spring and a small rest area.

Reaching Pandébano, the landscape opens dramatically: the Naranjo dominates the southern horizon, and alpine meadows stretch eastward with free-roaming horses and cattle.

The descent follows the Sotres forest track, much gentler and technically straightforward.

💡 Practical Tips

• Heights: The canal has two near-vertical sections with fixed cable. If you suffer from severe vertigo, choose a gentler alternative such as the path from Sotres.
• Footwear: Mountain boots with Vibram-type soles. Trainers are dangerous on wet rock in the canal.
• Gloves: Useful on the scrambling sections, especially when the rock is damp.
• Direction: Ascend via the canal, descend via the track. Descending the canal is more hazardous.

📸 Key Highlights

• The scrambling sections of Canal de Angón with valley views below.
• The first view of the Naranjo de Bulnes emerging from the canal.
• Horses at Pandébano grazing at dusk.
• The Cabrales valley from height, with the Cares river glinting far below.