This summit rises on the last high mountain range we encounter in the Cantabrian Mountains when traveling from east to west. The Ubiñas , also known from the Asturian side as the Tuizo Alps, due to their proximity to the village of Tuiza (in the municipality of Lena), form a mountain system still largely unknown in the rest of Spain. However, Peña Ubiña , at 2.411 meters , is one of the highest mountains in northern Spain and rivals the nearby peak of Fontán, at 2.415 meters. Although there are differing opinions on which of the two is higher (depending on the map consulted), they share a similar morphology, rising like immense limestone walls from the extensive, rounded pastures of the Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park . A territory dominated by altitudinal variations and great climatic contrasts between the valleys and the peaks, which gives it a great botanical variety and favors the settlement of brown bears, capercaillies, chamois and birds of prey.
Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park
This is a magnificent mountainous region with a landscape of strong contrasts, located in the… Read more
A rock with a lot of history
Peña Ubiña is located on the border between the Principality of Asturias (Lena municipality, Huerna Valley) and the province of León (Babia region, San Emiliano municipality). According to expert mountaineers and hiking clubs, this mountain is only surpassed in beauty by Picu Urriellu, also known as Naranjo de Bulnes. Its name appears to derive from Latin, from the adjective * albinus* (white), *albina* (white) , filtered through Asturian: *Pena Ubina* (white crag) before the Castilian introduction of the letter ñ. Other studies suggest that the toponym is related to the Latin adjective *ovinus* , alluding to the transhumant flocks of sheep in its mountain pastures (livestock brought from Extremadura since time immemorial). Even today, in the villages of Babia, the oldest residents ask hikers: "Are you going to Peña Ovina?"
The fact is that Peña Ubiña loves to dress in white, whether with snow on its peak or with sheep grazing nearby. It was declared a Protected Landscape in 2006 , since its altitude, as well as the variety of calcareous and siliceous substrates, fosters a great diversity of landscapes in the surrounding valleys, with large beech, holly, oak, and birch forests.
Ascent to Peña Ubiña from Tuiza
This route has two clearly distinct parts.
The first is an affordable 50-minute hike, following good, albeit moderately steep, paths to the El Meicín mountain refuge.
The second part is something else entirely: a proper high mountain ascent , with unmarked sections that run through scree slopes, ridges or channels and is not suitable for inexperienced people or those who suffer from vertigo.
If our objective is not to reach the summit, we can approach the refuge meadow and enjoy the surroundings. A very grateful excursion with a tolerable slope. But if our idea is to reach the summit, things change. Although to get to the top you don't need ropes or have to negotiate large aerial steps, it will be necessary to put your hands on the ground in many places. We can also find late snow until late in the summer.
These are the technical data of the route:
Route difficulty: high
Elevation climbed: 1.200 meters
Away kilometers 12
Time spent: 7-8 hours
We set off from the vicinity of the Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park visitor center, located in Tuíza de Arriba . There is ample parking available in this area. We will take the summer trail that leads to the meadow and the Meicín refuge, situated at an altitude of 1527 meters. This is a well-marked trail that crosses large meadows and pastures, and thanks to the numerous signs indicating the way to the refuge, it's impossible to get lost. The route can be challenging at times, with a few steep inclines. We must remember that we are in a high mountain environment.
After a long hike of about 2 kilometers, we reached the refuge and the Meicín meadow , a place of extraordinary beauty, a glacial valley surrounded by great peaks such as La Peña Cerreos, Castillines, El Siete, and Portillines, all over 2.000 meters high, as is Peña Ubiña itself. The mountain we were heading for, which we could already see very close—although we still had a good way to go to reach its base.
We scanned the path that continues to our next goal: the Terreros pass . It's a long, green, ascending ridge dotted with limestone rocks that we must climb with effort and caution. The locals call this steep slope the Forquéu hillside.
Once we reach the top (with its stunning views), we cross a gate (which must be left closed) and walk across a large scree slope beneath the imposing cliffs of Peña Ubiña to finally reach the base of the mountain. From here, the route that climbs steeply and vertiginously to the summit is clearly visible.
This is undoubtedly the toughest section. The meadow has completely turned into rock and stone. We won't be using ropes, but we'll have to make our way a bit like mountain goats, using our hands for support in specific places and with great caution. We'll follow the cairns, the painted markers , and the route marked out by thousands of mountaineers who have climbed this summit. We'll gradually approach a sharp but passable ridge that finally leads us to the top.
We have conquered the highest mountain in central Asturias . We are at an altitude that is usually snow-covered and serves as a landmark from any location. On a clear, sunny day, without clouds or haze in sight, a vast map of the Leonese territory, the mountains of Castile and León, those of Galicia and Cantabria, the Asturian coast, and the Picos de Europa are visible.
We made the descent towards Tuíza along the same itinerary. We returned with contained emotion and the experience recorded deep inside, without losing attention and with great caution to avoid accidents.
Photographs: © San Nicolás Mountain Group
