The Sierra del Sueve, just 4 km from the coast of Colunga, rises above sea level above 1.100 meters, specifically its maximum elevation reaches 1.159 meters: The Picu Pienzu. The highest level and closest to the sea of the entire Asturian coastline. To reach this peak, affordable for any hiker, is to reach one of the best panoramic views of the Cantabrian.
In front, the sea, a large strip of coastline that practically covers the entire eastern part of the region. It is the closest thing to an aerial view. Behind us the imposing Picos de Europa are discovered.
In the same sierra, a protected area of 81 Square kilometers of extension, we can come across a herd of gamos grazing nearby. And if there is luck, the Sueve becomes an unexpected wildlife observatory. The celebrities are also around asturcones, one of the oldest and purest horses in the world with historical references dating back 2.000 years. It is a unique breed, with a vigor disproportionate to its size (an average height of 1,25 m), strong build and dark coat. They have Celtic origins, and just as in their first stages of development they live wild in this mountain range. Formerly they were highly appreciated by warriors, as they guaranteed surprising agility. Its fame reached all of Europe and it was exported to other highlands, including the Alps.
These mounts of the Sueve were in their day the last redoubt of a yeguada of asturcones. Only the effort of some breeders along with the growing awareness of the need to preserve this breed allowed their recovery. In the 70 years their number was reduced to 40 copies. Each year during the month of August they are marked in the Majada d'Espineres (the access is in the Alto de La Llama) all foals on fire with the initial of its owner and try to tame one of the adults. What was once a breeder's thing, today is a great declared holiday of Regional Tourist Interest: The party of Asturcón.
Raptors are also seen in the air, completing a spectacular scenery of wildlife by land and air. The cattle hut, cows, goats, sheep, horses and foals share the space of the Sueve slopes.
Sierra del Sueve and Alto del Fitu
The best way to reach the top is to go to the Mirador del Fitu. A watchtower that in itself will amaze us with its spectacular views of the Cantabrian Mountains. From there we can see at a glance the councils of Colunga, Caravia, Villaviciosa, Ribadesella and Llanes, so imagine what you can see from a little higher up.
You can find all the information about Ribadesella at ribadesella.com
Route to Picu Pienzu
Going back and forth to Picu Pienzu will mean 5 approximate hours of walk, which become a little harder in the last stretch of access to the highest. From the Fito the route appears clearly traced. The road leads us to a flock known as "El Bustacu". From this point is when walking becomes more expensive, but nothing that can not be overcome with water in the canteens and some restorative. This route is the PR-AS 71.
The entire mountain range is somewhat isolated from the mountainous landscape of Asturias thanks to the boundary drawn around it the vega of the Sella. And for that reason it is still peculiar and surprising. It stands out for its constitution of limestone, and at its feet merges with the coastal rasas.
Mirador del Fitu
On one of the most famous hills in the Sierra del Sueve stands an old concrete watchtower of ...
Sueve Days
Every year at the end of summer and beginning of autumn, the Jornadas del Sueve take place, organised by the Colunga Town Council in collaboration with the Sierra del Sueve Interpretation Centre. Guided tours to various locations in the area, cultural itineraries and outings to enjoy the rutting season are organised, these being the most popular. We provide you with all the information at this link.
XXVII Sueve Conference 2024
Since September 14th…
Rally uphill to Fitu
Every spring the International Hill Climb to Fitu takes place, a motor racing event that counts towards the European Hill Climb Championship.
It is a competition that has many followers, and is worth it given the beauty of the area.
52º Ascent to Fito 2024
On the 11th and 12th…
Information:
The Sierra del Sueve has huge possibilities for low mountain activities. The only precaution that should be noted is the special microclimate that the area has with unexpected fog banks due to its location close to the sea.
Road accesses start from the N-634 that runs through the interior of the region, and from the N-632 that links Ribadesella and Gijón along the coast. Both communicate through the regional road AS-260, which starts in Arriondas if we go inland or close to the town of the island (Colunga) by the coastal side. The intermediate point of this county road is the aforementioned Mirador del Fito, where the route begins on foot.
We can also ascend to the Sierra at the height of the Majada de Espineres. You have to do it from the High the Flame. The tour is of great beauty and will take between one and two hours walking. To get to the Alto la Llama, take the AS-259 road that connects the town of Colunga and Villamayor, in Piloña.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
