Peña Bermeja: Hiking the Reddish Summit in Asturias’ Somiedo

Why Peña Bermeja Stands Out

Peña Bermeja rises prominently in the Somiedo Natural Park, its reddish rock face giving the mountain its name. The summit delivers expansive panoramas over green valleys, traditional brañas with thatched huts, and distant Cantabrian peaks. Hikers value the relatively accessible yet challenging route that showcases the park’s biodiversity, including chamois and occasional brown bear sightings in the surrounding forests.

Reaching the Summit

The standard approach starts from the village of Valle de Lago. A well-marked trail climbs steadily through beech woods and open meadows before the final rocky scramble to the 2,000-metre-plus summit. Allow four to five hours round-trip for most fit walkers. The path is clear in summer but requires careful navigation in mist.

What to Expect on the Trail

• Steep initial ascent through mixed woodland
• Open limestone terrain with wildflowers in season
• Final section over loose scree and short rock steps
• 360-degree views encompassing the Lakes of Somiedo and Peña Ubiña massif

Getting There and Practical Access

Drive from Oviedo via the AS-15 to Pola de Somiedo, then continue to Valle de Lago. Limited parking exists at the trailhead. No public transport reaches the start, so a car or organised taxi from Pola de Somiedo is necessary. The nearest larger town with services is Cangas del Narcea, roughly an hour away.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early autumn offers the most reliable conditions. June and September provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Snow can linger into May and return by November, making winter ascents suitable only for experienced mountaineers with crampons and ice axes.

Nearby Attractions Worth Combining

After the hike, explore the thatched shepherds’ huts at the braña de La Peral or visit the glacial lakes of Somiedo. The park’s visitor centre in Pola de Somiedo provides excellent context on local wildlife and traditional transhumance practices. Many visitors also detour to the nearby village of Pigüeña for its preserved wooden architecture.