Find more from Travesia.

A publication for pyrenees climbers, mountaineers and adventure lovers. Aires de altura in a weekly newsletter 🔥.

More than 14,000 subscribers
​

    No spam. Say goodbye to us whenever you want.

    Built with Kit

    Peñamellera (764 m) from Bores

    ByEnrique López Mondragón

    Pyrenees and mountains 📩

    Here 🔥
    Linear round trip 2h30 / 2h10min (without stops) 6.4 km +/- 525m

    On the way to the Picos de Europa, just before entering the Hermida gorge from Panes, a sharp tusk emerges on the right hand side, like a small Matterhorn. It is the Peñamellera Peak (764m)A modest summit that seems to challenge those who march with their sights set on higher peaks.

    The Peñamellera Peak (764 m) is one of the most iconic peaks in eastern Asturias. Located in the lower course of the river Cares, this unique rocky pyramid has given its name to the two councils in which it is integrated, that of Peñamellera Baja (in Asturian: The Baju Valley of Peñamellera) y Peñamellera Alta (The Altu Valley of Peñamellera). Two councils that until 1869 were one and whose coats of arms -identical, but with the images inverted- show the image of Peñamellera.

    The two most common routes are the ones that start from Mierto the west (Altu valley), and from Bores(East Baju valley). Both converge at Cantu collar before tackling the most interesting part of the climb.

    In our case, we have opted for the Bores route, going up and down the same path. Although there is the option of going around Peñamellera following the course of the Cares to make a circular route, some paths could be quite closed due to the vegetation. Another alternative, which we will consider after doing the route, is to return via the Serna mountain pass and the GR109. A simple route that runs along tracks and is signposted with the approved red and white markings.

    The start of this excursion is located in BoresThe village has a population of 33 inhabitants, according to the Peñamellera Baja Town Hall website. To get there, follow the N-621 to kilometre 173.3, where the narrow road starts. PB-5 which leads to Rodriguero (2 km) and Bores (4 km). We will follow it to the end, to the Barrio de Orejuz, where the palace of the same name or Palación is located, and there is a small square with space to park 2 or 3 cars without disturbing the neighbours.

    Pica de Peñamellera with Bores just below, during the approach along the road.
    Download track

    Technical specifications:

    Distance: 6.4 km.
    Cumulative difference in altitude: +/- 525 m.
    Timetable: about 2 hours 30 minutes. Walking time non-stop: 2h15min.
    Water: We did not see any fountains along the route.
    Difficulty: A straightforward route except for the final climb, which has some I-II° passes and some somewhat exposed areas.
    Recommended equipment for the summer: light boots or trekking shoes, walking sticks, GPS (optional), canteensome food, sun protection, sunglasses…

    Itinerary:

    (0h00min; 0,0 km) Bores - Palace of Orejuz (235 m). Once here, looking towards Peñamellera, we take a concrete track that starts on the right and shortly after takes a horseshoe bend to the left. This section can be cut between the houses. We will soon reach a fork, which we take to the right. On the left is the GR109 (Camino Natural de la cordillera cantabrica - Asturias interior), which we can use for the return journey.

    During the approach along the track. We head towards the gap to the right of the peak.

    The track leads us without loss, between meadows enclosed by stone walls, traditional huts and small copses, to Cantu collar. However, there are some very long twists and turns which, although you can take shortcuts, are uncomfortable if the grass is high and wet. We only saw one shortcut that was worthwhile, the one we can take 150 metres after the fork. In any case, the approach along the track is entertaining.

    Last bends of the track


    (0h40min; 2,7 km) Cantu collar (492 m). From here a diagonal path leads diagonally backwards across a meadow, crosses some trees and, through a rocky area under the rocks, heads towards a very marked fork that is visible during the climb.

    The path from Cantu collar
    Cantu necklace from the path

    Once there, the difficulties begin, and although it is easy for experienced mountaineers, at some points it is better not to slip. Be careful. The path turns to the left and continues halfway up the slope before reaching a first ledge, which is easy to overcome.

    Over the gap

    We gain the wide ridge and, for a moment, we change to the northern slope, where we find a characteristic dry tree. This section can be damp and can fall, so, taking care not to slip, we cross it to reach the crest again. We continue, occasionally helping ourselves with our hands, until the ridge widens. Walking on, we reach the top of...
    (1h15min; 3,5 km) Pica de Peñamellera (764 m).

    Top.

    Good views towards the foothills of the Picos de Europa N.P., the Cuera mountain range and the final stretch of the Cares before it joins the Deva.

    The Cuera mountain range.
    In the background, the Central Massif of the Picos de Europa.

    We descend along the same path, keeping an eye out for the descending steps.
    (1h45min; 4,2 km) Cantu collar (492 m). Back at this place, we can go down the same route to...

    (2h10min; 6.4 km) Bores (235 m)We can either take the shortcut or make the loop following the GR109. In this case, we will descend along the track towards the other side for one kilometre, until we join this GR just before a horseshoe bend. We follow it to the left, passing through the Serna pass and then downhill all the way to Bores.