Why Cabeza de las Moñas Stands Out
Situated in western Asturias, Cabeza de las Moñas rises as a rounded summit offering hikers a sense of solitude amid the rolling Cantabrian landscape. Unlike the busier trails of the Picos de Europa, this mountain rewards visitors with expansive vistas over lush meadows, oak woodlands, and distant limestone ridges without the crowds.
How to Reach the Trailhead
Most visitors arrive by car from Oviedo or the coastal towns, following the AS-15 or AS-227 roads into the interior valleys. Parking is available near small hamlets at the base, from where well-marked paths begin their steady ascent through pastures and forest. Public transport options are limited, so planning a private vehicle or taxi from nearby villages is the most reliable approach.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early autumn provides the most comfortable conditions, with wildflowers blooming in May and June and clearer skies in September. Winter brings snow that can make routes impassable without proper equipment, while summer afternoons often see afternoon thunderstorms typical of the region.
Trails and What to Expect on the Summit
The main route is a moderate out-and-back hike that climbs steadily through mixed woodland and open brañas, traditional high pastures used for cattle. Along the way you will pass stone walls, occasional hórreos, and streams that feed into the Narcea basin. At the top, a broad plateau delivers 360-degree panoramas that stretch toward the Sierra de los Ancares on clear days.
- Look for griffon vultures circling overhead and chamois on steeper slopes.
- Carry water, as natural sources are seasonal.
- Allow four to six hours round-trip depending on pace and side explorations.
Nearby Places Worth Adding to Your Trip
After descending, continue to the village of Somiedo to visit its ethnographic museum and sample local cheeses. The nearby Lakes of Somiedo offer shorter walks, while the coastal town of Cudillero provides a contrast with its colorful harbor and fresh seafood just an hour’s drive away.
