Puntos de Interés
Orography
Cazarnosa Peak
Standing proudly at 1,385 meters, Cazarnosa Peak is the highest summit in the stage connecting Besullo to Berducedo. Nestled within the Cangas de Narcea council, this peak is accessible from the main stage route after traversing Pumar de las Montañas. The ascent is relatively straightforward, treating adventurers to breathtaking panoramic views, though the mountain winds are usually present.
Situated in the heart of the Sierra de Cazarnosa, the peak extends eastward from the Sierra de Valledor, forming an integral part of the expansive Cantabrian Mountains. The northern and southern slopes of the range are sculpted by the Arganza and Pumar rivers, respectively, giving rise to valleys that cradle human settlements like Comba and Besullo. The imprint of human activity is also evident in the landscape, with numerous mines and water deposits including the historic Roman mining site of Faidiel.
Cazarnosa and its geological counterpart, Valledor, are intricately linked to the enduring geological processes that have shaped the Cantabrian Mountains over millions of years, primarily driven by the forces of Alpine orogenesis. Originating approximately 300 million years ago during the Carboniferous period, tectonic forces compressed sedimentary rocks—mainly limestone—and metamorphic rocks—predominantly slate and quartzite. These rocks were folded, uplifted, and compressed, resulting in the majestic mountainous terrain we witness today. These tectonic movements also spawned faults and fractures, etching their signature on the orography of the region.
Erosion has played a pivotal role in sculpting the current contours of the Cazarnosa mountain range. The combined forces of rivers and glaciers, acting over millions of years, have meticulously carved deep valleys and mountain gorges. The result is a landscape of rounded, low peaks, contributing to the scenic grandeur that unfolds before those who ascend Cazarnosa Peak.