Cornón Peak

The route to Pico Cornón starts in Santa María del Puertu, at an altitude of 1,486 metres and one of the few villages where the "vaqueiros de alzada" still live, a transhumant social group with their own culture, traditions and folklore, who base their way of life on mountain livestock farming.

Before starting the route signposted as PR AS-10, we can take a moment to appreciate the traditional architecture of Santa María del Puertu and this vaqueira culture that has stood the test of time. This locality was Exemplary Town of Asturias in 2021, an award granted each year by the Princess of Asturias Foundation to a locality in the Principality in recognition of its cultural, natural or historical value and the defence and safeguarding of its uniqueness and traditions. Santa María del Puertu, which went from being a transhumance hut to the charming village it is today, represents these values, as in addition to its privileged location and beautiful surroundings, it still preserves cowboy customs and traditions.

Cross the village and, on leaving it, take a livestock track on the left. After a short stretch, the path turns off to the left again. Shortly after, we cross the Bayo river to begin a gentle but steady ascent until we reach the serene valley of Veiga Cimera, a point where the river forks into two streams, creating an idyllic setting. It is an excellent place to make a brief stop and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings.

From Veiga Cimera, the path turns into a trail that takes us through dense broom trees (known locally as "escobas"). As we gain altitude, this vegetation gives way to more exposed and rocky terrain, with several ups and downs.

The ascent continues, without presenting any great technical difficulties, but demanding perseverance. To the right, the imposing silhouette of Pico La Penouta (1976 m) appears and a little further up, the majestic silhouette of Pico Cornón (2188 m), the highest point in Somiedo. We pass through a narrowing known as the Boquete Amozarra, located at an altitude of 1853 metres, with the silhouette of the peak marking the final objective of the ascent as a guide from this point onwards.

Finally, we reach the Vega Mozarra, a high plateau characteristic of the high Somedano mountains. This spot is dotted with juniper and blueberry bushes, and crossed by numerous streams that give life to the valley. We cross it on the left side and, from there, we start the final ascent to the right until we reach the summit of Pico Cornón. It is the roof of Somiedo, and the view from here is an incomparable reward.

The return is by the same route, allowing us to enjoy the views of the impressive mountains and valleys of Somiedo from a new perspective.