Cornón Route

The route begins in La Peral, a village in Somiedo. You should be able to find parking within or near the village to access the trailhead. As La Peral is a smaller village, parking might be limited, especially during peak season, so arriving early is advisable.

Public transport options directly to La Peral can be limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car to reach the starting point of this hike. For detailed and up-to-date information on bus services to Somiedo, it's best to check local transport schedules.

Given its 'difficult' rating, a distance of nearly 23 km, and an elevation gain of over 970 meters, this route is not recommended for beginners or young families. It requires a good level of physical fitness and hiking experience. Trails from La Peral, such as the PR.AS-14 to Pico Mocoso, are considered moderately difficult due to significant incline, even if the terrain is generally easy.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on trails within Somiedo Natural Park. However, it is crucial to keep your dog on a leash at all times to protect local wildlife, especially grazing cattle and chamois, and to respect other hikers. Always carry bags to clean up after your pet.

The best time to hike this route is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally more stable, and the trails are free of snow and ice. Winter conditions can make the route significantly more challenging and even dangerous, requiring specialized equipment like snowshoes and crampons, especially towards higher elevations like Pico Cornón.

While general hiking in Somiedo Natural Park typically doesn't require specific permits, it's essential to be aware of and respect the park's regulations. These include staying on marked trails, not disturbing wildlife, not picking plants, and carrying out all your trash. Some areas might have specific restrictions during certain seasons (e.g., nesting periods). Always check the official Somiedo Natural Park website for the most current information before your visit.

The terrain varies significantly. You can expect dirt tracks, gradual ascents through valleys and meadows, and potentially more challenging sections as you gain elevation. Trails originating from La Peral often start with a steep concrete slope before transitioning to natural paths. Towards higher points like Pico Cornón, the terrain can become very demanding and steep, with rocky sections and subalpine scrubland. Stone walls parceling fertile meadows are also a common feature.

This route offers impressive landscapes and panoramic views. Key highlights include The Lake, and the challenging Ascent to Pico Cornón, leading to the summit of Pico Cornón itself. From the summit, you can enjoy incredible panoramic views of the entire Cantabrian mountain range, including the Asturian mountains to the north and the mountains of León to the south, and even glimpses of the sea on clear days. You'll also pass through extensive meadows and unique geological formations.

The trail traverses diverse landscapes, offering opportunities to observe varied flora and fauna. You might spot chamois grazing quietly in the meadows. The landscape features subalpine scrubland with junipers and blueberries, and you could see vibrant orange gentians. The white quartzites covered in various lichens also add to the unique natural beauty.

Yes, this route intersects with several other trails. You will find sections that are part of the Ruta del Cornón, and smaller portions of the Transcantábrica and Puerto de Somiedo - Valle del Lago trails. Additionally, parts of the PR-AS 10 Ruta del Cornón are also integrated into this route.

Given the route's difficulty and length, you should bring sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, appropriate layers of clothing for changing mountain weather, plenty of water, high-energy snacks, a map and compass (or GPS device), and sun protection. Trekking poles can be very helpful, especially on steep ascents and descents. If hiking in colder months, be prepared for snow and ice, potentially requiring snowshoes or crampons.