Orography

Peñamayor Mountain Range

The Peñamayor Mountains rise gracefully above central Asturias, reaching a maximum elevation of 1,293 m at Pico el Triguero. Its mountain ranges and extensive meadows make it an impressive landscape.

Geologically, it was formed by the collision between two colossal continental masses called Euramerica and Gondwana during the Hercynian orogeny. As a result of the collision, an ancient sea bed was pushed up and formed the bedrock of these high mountains. Thus, the mountain range is made up of calcareous-dolomitic rock, mainly limestone, and there are a large number of fossils scattered throughout the mountains from marine animals that lived during the Muscovian period.

Because of the large number of peaks, this area offers a wide variety of trails. Les Praeres is a starting point for ascending the mountains. Its road leads to a large meadow and an old sheepfold where cattle usually graze. This pass gained prominence after Stage 14 of the 2018 Vuelta Cycling Tour of Spain ended there.

Triguero Peak is the highest peak at 1,293 m and one of the most popular destinations. Close by is the Cayacente Copper Mine and the Cayacente Megalithic Dolmen. On the way to it visitors will pass by the Picu Texu, the second highest peak at 1,263 m. At the top of Picu Texu there is an ancient yew tree next to a guitar-shaped mailbox paying tribute to the singer "El Presi". Halfway up there is the Pozu Funeres, which is a well that tells a tragic story of the repression of the Spanish Civil War.

There are other routes that take visitors to fantastic viewpoints such as Oroxu Peak or Peñamayor Peak, close to the Peñamayor repeater antennas. It is also a waypoint along the Pendón River route. There are undoubtedly many ways to get to know this amazing place bordering Nava.

The paths lead through holly trees, gorses, yew trees, beeches, oaks, and chestnut trees. These hills are also known for being the perfect place to watch the deer rutting in Peñamayor. The sunrises and sunsets in September and early October exude an untamed charm, as the deer begin to fight for territory and emit an intense, unique sound to attract females.