The Picu Pierzu

Latitude: 43.1967621 Length: -5.1336732
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Reaching the summit of Picu Pierzu is to experience a new dimension in panoramic views. It is, without a doubt, the best viewpoint in Ponga Natural Park and one of the most beautiful in the Cantabrian Mountains.

Picu Pierzu (1.552 m) is a mountain that clearly stands out from its surroundings due to its slender form. It's a kind of gigantic, rocky pyramid that rises proudly above its surroundings, visible from numerous vantage points. The best way to reach it is to take the easier route: the ascent from the south, starting at Collada Llomena (the other slopes have steep drops, extreme gradients, and long distances; in conditions of poor visibility and disorientation, these routes are dangerous and highly inadvisable).

The route we propose here is the easy ascent, the best possible route , with a relatively manageable distance and elevation gain, a short duration, good signage, and extraordinary scenery along the way. Therefore, it is very important to choose a completely clear day ; a key factor to consider in order to fully appreciate the route and enjoy the views once at the summit.

The Collada de Llomena

We took the AS-261 towards San Juan de Beleño , then connected to the PO-2 towards Viegu, until we reached La Collada de Llomena, located at kilometer 7 of this road. A small clearing next to the road serves as a parking area. The views from here are already spectacular, as we are at an altitude of 990 meters . This fairly high elevation will make things much easier. We only have to climb 600 meters to reach the summit.

Two tracks branch off from Llomena: one climbs south towards Les Bedules, and the other levels out to the north towards Pierzu, which can be seen in the distance. The path is well-marked with white and yellow blazes, as it is classified as a Short Distance Route, PR-AS 211 , within the Ponga Natural Park.

The ascent to Picu Pierzu

The first section is easy: a wide dirt track that climbs gently for about two kilometers. Halfway along this track, you'll find a good spring, but keep in mind that, except for the beginning of this track, the rest of the route is exposed, with hardly any shade, so it's recommended to start early , avoiding the hottest hours of the day.

We'll reach an old quarry , where an ascending path begins to the right, heading towards the Excueño mountain range, which we must summit. The slope becomes steeper, and the path zigzags in a winding ascent. The path itself gradually transforms into several cattle tracks that run along the hillside (covered in scrubland of holly, broom, and ferns, all interspersed with a few beech trees), until we reach the top of the ridge. From here, we can see the Aranga valley and the small lake of the same name, with the majestic Tiatordos and Peña Sobancio peaks in the background. We continue along the ridge until we reach the Cerboes mountain pasture (1.258 m), where we'll see three cabins surrounded by ash trees.

At this point, we have two options to continue . The first is to leave the cabins to our left, heading right to cross the ridgeline, and take a path that leads us, in a steep ascent, to a pass visible in the distance. Upon reaching the ridgeline, we turn left, walking towards the other side, where we find a path in a grassy area with numerous rocks. The second option is to take the path that starts next to the highest cabin, from where we take another path that ascends the rocky slope and reaches the base of Pico Pierzu, the point where it joins the first option.

From here, always paying attention to the brands so as not to lose them, it is very easy to reach the summit. The path always has the same orientation and sometimes we even see the pile that marks the top.

On the top of the Pierzu

Once at the top, panoramic views await . The mountains that rise to the north correspond to the Sueve and Cuera ranges , closer to the sea. A little further on, we can see Arriondas, Cangas de Onís, and villages in the Ponga municipality, such as Cazu and Ambingue, and in the Amieva municipality, Pen and Cirieñu. To the east , above the lush beech forests, the western massif of the Picos de Europa emerges , and to the south , the highest peaks of Ponga, its deep cliffs, and Arcenoriu , sheltering the Peloño forest. Peña Ten also stands out. To the west , the Ponga mountain range with Maciedome and Tiatordos, as well as Canto del Oso. Just below us stretches a large area of ​​pastureland.

After a good time astonished and after having recovered strength, we returned along the same path.