Porru Purcia o Porru La Collada: A Rugged Asturias Mountain Hike

Why Visit Porru Purcia o Porru La Collada

Porru Purcia, also known as Porru La Collada, rises in the quiet hills of eastern Asturias between the valleys of Caso and Ponga. The mountain rewards hikers with broad panoramas over the Redes Natural Park and distant glimpses of the Picos de Europa. Its rocky summit and open ridges offer a sense of solitude that larger, better-known peaks lack.

Getting There

The most practical approach starts from the village of Caleao in the municipality of Caso. Drive the AS-315 road toward the Collada de la Cobertoria and park at the small turnout near the 1,200-metre contour. From there a clear path climbs northeast through beech woods and open meadows. The full round-trip hike covers roughly 10 kilometres with 600 metres of ascent and takes four to five hours for fit walkers.

Trail Details

• The lower section follows an old stock route marked with cairns.
• Above the tree line the path crosses limestone slabs; good balance is needed in wet conditions.
• The final scramble to the summit is short but exposed; most hikers manage without ropes in dry weather.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early autumn gives the best conditions. Snow lingers into May on north-facing slopes, while summer brings long daylight and wildflower meadows. October offers quieter trails and golden beech colour but watch for early storms. Winter visits are possible only for experienced mountaineers equipped with crampons and ice axes.

Flora, Fauna and Views

The slopes support beech forest, mountain ash and, higher up, alpine grasses dotted with gentians and saxifrage. Keep an eye out for chamois on the ridges and golden eagles overhead. On clear days the 360-degree view takes in the main Picos de Europa massifs to the east and the rolling hills of the Redes park to the west.

Nearby Attractions

Combine the hike with a visit to the nearby Lago de Covadonga or the traditional villages of Ponga for cider houses and pre-Romanesque chapels. The Redes Natural Park visitor centre in Campo de Caso provides maps and current trail information before you set out.