At only 3km from the sea, Pico Pienzu is among the highest coastal mountains in Europe. Throughout the walk there are outstanding views of the Picos de Europa and the Asturian coastline. Asturcon ponies (the local breed of horse) roam freely in this protected area; there is also a colony of griffin vultures, and fallow deer can be visible from the summit on the north side of the range. The first part of the walk to Bustaco is gentle with only a little ascent, and from there the short steep (optional!) climb to the summit can be hot, but rewarding. For a long circular walk you can start and finish at the hotel, or take a taxi to the viewpoint and walk back to the hotel

Type of walk: A to B or there and back or circular

Starting point: Mirador del Fitó or hotel

Finishing point: Mirador del Fitó or hotel

Access: 6km to Mirador del Fitó 10minutes by car

Public transport options: No buses only taxi

Grading: Medium starting at mirador not doing the peak, medium to difficult starting at mirador and doing the peak and finishing at the hotel, difficult to very difficult starting and finishing at the hotel and doing the peak

Total length: Mirador to hotel including summit 12km (excluding summit 8km) Circular walk from hotel including summit 18km

Total ascent: Mirador to hotel 670m ascent 1000m descent (500m corresponding to the optional ascent to the summit) Circular walk from hotel 1080 m ascent

Altitude: 580 – 1160 - 170

Total walking time: Mirador to hotel 5 ½ hours (including 2 ½ hours for summit) Circular walk from hotel 7 hours

Terrain: Very varied

Navigation: Easy, except for final ascent of the summit

Refreshments: Kiosk at the Mirador del Fitó

Map: Mapa Topográfico nacional de España: Colunga

Maps and self guided walking notes for this and other walks are available for guests at Hotel Posada del Valle; Asturias.

At the hotel we are only too pleased to help advice guests on the best and most suitable walks according to their walking abilities and the weather conditions, as well as provide information on any recent occurrences which may affect the walk.