Foces del Río Pendón

The route of the Foces del río Pendón is one of the most spectacular in inland Asturias, a circular route that combines geology, Atlantic forest, rural history and landscape. The route starts in Fuensanta, next to the old spa, now converted into a mineral water bottling plant, where it is easy to park. Next to the bridge over the river Pra, this well-signposted path begins.

After crossing the bridge, the path climbs gently up a track through the forest. At the first fork, take the turning to the left, towards Los Fornos, under the shade of centenary chestnut trees. This first stretch leads to a pass with a watering place, the prelude to the most impressive part of the route: the Pendón gorge.

The gorges, carved into the rock by the Pendón river (also called La Peña river), form a narrow canyon of vertical limestone walls, covered with moss and vegetation, where the path, carved into the stone, advances just a few metres from the water. It is an abrupt and wild environment, with cool and humid stretches, ideal for the summer. Here it is common to see singular botanical species such as the Woodwardia radicans (Norway spruce) or the yellow aconite (Aconitum vulparia), a highly toxic plant that should not be touched.

After crossing the river at the water catchment of Les Meceures, the path continues between the Bomalu and Pendón streams, gradually ascending between oak, beech and hazel trees, until it reaches the Pendón bridge. From here, take the old canal path, a cobbled road that was used by the locals to transport grass in baskets from the high meadows.

The ascent leads to the Boca de la Canal pass, from where a gentle descent begins towards the Mayáu Pastor, a group of traditional huts still in use, surrounded by pastures. Here it is possible to stop next to a small fountain. The route continues with open views towards the Pra valley, passing the El Faeu spring and then La Vallorita, from where the villages of Ovín, Buyeres and the slopes of the Sueve can be seen.

Finally, the path descends surrounded by vegetation until it returns to Fuensanta, thus closing an itinerary of just over 8 km, which summarises in just a few hours the natural, geological and cultural wealth of the heart of Asturias.