Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Pico Horru
The Horru Peak (Picu Urro in Asturian) stands as the highest peak in the Asturian council of Belmonte de Miranda. Located in the Peña Manteca-Genestaza Site of Community Importance (LIC) between the basins of the Pigüeña and Narcea rivers, its height of 1,522 meters makes it the highest point in the Sierra de la Manteca, which is part of the Cantabrian mountain range.
During the last glaciation, Horru Peak was covered by an ice mantle that shaped and eroded its slopes, contributing to the formation of the valleys and streams that make up the present-day landscape. The mountain features crags, thickets, and forests, providing a habitat for diverse Iberian wildlife, including foxes (Vulpes vulpes), wild boars (Sus scrofa), and birds of prey such as the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus).
Horru Peak is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers. Various routes lead to its summit from both the north and south slopes, including a forest trail that starts from Quintana de Belmonte. While the initial part of the route is relatively easy, the final stretch becomes more challenging due to high thickets of broom, heather, cotoyas, and crags, sometimes making the path difficult to find. Visitors should be aware that the route can be demanding, particularly in the final stretch, so they must be physically prepared and carry appropriate equipment.