We set off from the town of Colunga, renowned for its ancient chapels, stately homes and Art Nouveau mansions. The journey follows the N-632 before we quickly join the AS-260, which we will remain on for the rest of the route.

We continue on to Gobiendes, where the El Sueve Interpretation Centre is housed in the former school buildings. Here we can obtain the information we need to plan our excursion, and we can also hire bicycles. Just over 100 metres away stands the church of Santiago de Gobiendes, a remarkable example of Asturian pre-Romanesque architecture from its final years.

We continue climbing gently as we approach the northern slope of the massif, where we can see some scars left by former fluorite mining operations, before tackling the first steep sections of the climb up to Alto del Fitu. As we gain altitude, the views offered by the landscape become more majestic, and, weather permitting, we can see much of the coastline with its beaches. Once we reach the summit, at the Mirador del Fitu, we can enjoy some well-deserved views of the Picos de Europa.

All that remains is a pleasant descent along the winding mountain road that takes us to Arriondas/Les Arriondes, the capital of Parres, a town whose name is inextricably linked to the International Sella River Descent.

Observe the direction of traffic on urban stretches of road.

Views from above of green mountains and forests beneath a blue sky
A narrow road leading to an old church surrounded by meadows and trees
A winding tarmac road leading down into a valley, with mountains in the background
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