Valle del Dudje

The very gorgeous Valle del Dudje links the mountain village of Sotres in the north of the Central Picos with the Hotel Aliva (and thence onward to the Fuente Dé cable car or round to the north-western high ground).

A track climbs steadily up this deep valley, between stunning limestone cliffs, high ridges and summits all the way, with clanking cattle grazing the verdant meadows, which at the right time are awash with wildflowers.

The final hour or so is on the rather amazing steep and narrow Llomba del Toro (Bull's Back) ridge, which has beautiful valleys each side and is made of glacial moraine (Walkopedia surmises with no proof it was formed at the meeting of two glaciers). Check out the Castillo de la Llombra rock right on the ridge-top half way up.

Although it climbs some 600m, this is a steady route on a vehicle track, which allows you to take your eyes off your feet quite regularly.

Truly inspiring. Time well spent.

3 hrs uphill, 2 hrs downhill.

See our Picos de Europa page for general information.