Peña del Sellar: Hiking Asturias’ Quiet Mountain Summit

Why Peña del Sellar Stands Out

Peña del Sellar rises as a distinctive limestone peak in eastern Asturias, offering hikers a quieter alternative to the crowded trails of the Picos de Europa. Its slopes mix dense Atlantic beech woods with open karst plateaus, delivering wide vistas of green valleys and distant snow-capped summits without the infrastructure of major tourist routes.

Getting There

The mountain sits above the village of Caso, roughly 45 minutes by car from Oviedo via the AS-17 and local roads to the hamlet of Abanes. From Abanes a signed forestry track leads to a small parking area at around 900 m elevation. The final approach is on foot; no public transport reaches the trailhead, so plan for a taxi or private vehicle from Caso or nearby towns.

Recommended Route

The standard ascent follows the PR-AS 48 path through beech forest before emerging onto rocky meadows. The round-trip hike covers about 9 km with 650 m of elevation gain and takes four to five hours for most walkers. The final scramble to the summit is short but requires sure footing on limestone slabs.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early autumn provides the most reliable conditions. Snow can linger into May on north-facing slopes, while July and August bring warm days but occasional thunderstorms. September often offers clear skies and fewer visitors. Winter ascents demand ice-axe and crampons and are best left to experienced mountaineers.

What to See and Do

From the summit, the panorama stretches across the Nalón valley toward the main Picos de Europa massif. On clear days you can identify Peña Santa and the Torre de Cerredo. Lower down, look for the small seasonal ponds that form after rain and the herds of Asturiana cattle grazing the high pastures. Photographers favor the golden light of late afternoon when the limestone glows against the green valleys.

Nearby Attractions

• The medieval bridge and Romanesque church in Caso village.
• The Redes Natural Park visitor centre in Campo de Caso, with exhibits on local wildlife.
• Short drives to the Covadonga Lakes for a contrast between high-mountain lakes and the drier ridges of Peña del Sellar.

Practical Considerations

Carry plenty of water; no reliable springs exist above the forest line. Mobile coverage is patchy beyond the first kilometre of the trail. The route is unmarked in places, so a GPS app with downloaded maps is advisable.