The Bosque de Peloño showcases Ponga’s forested side. It is one of the largest and best-preserved beech forests in Asturias, and lies within the Parque Natural de Ponga. The natural park covers the entire municipality of Ponga; its geological, plant and animal resources are notable for their great diversity and remarkable state of preservation. Follow the historic Camín de los Arrieros along the route through the forest. On the way, you’ll find the Roblón de Bustiello, a monumental pedunculate oak and a landmark on this route.

Forest Trails, Summits and Varied Views

The ascent to Pico Zorro starts in the hamlet of Les Bedules in Ponga and passes through beech forests, green mountain pastures and mountain passes. From the summit, the panorama extends across much of the Cordillera Cantábrica and the Picos de Europa, over the valleys of Ponga and their extensive forests, and as far as the mountains of the neighbouring province of León. This route brings together forest scenery and far-reaching views.

Pico Pierzu offers a different perspective: the PR-AS 211 hiking route begins at Collada Llomena, at an altitude of 1,000 metres. There is a small car park and an information sign at the start; the route is well signposted and offers spectacular views. From the summit, you can see the Picos de Europa, the Bosque de Peloño, and the valleys of Ponga and Sella. It is advisable to check trail conditions locally before setting out on this hike.

Another hiking option is the approximately 10-kilometre Valle del Ponga PR-AS 213 route. It is clearly signposted and passes through varied landscapes of forests, rivers and charming villages. Alongside the summit panoramas, you can choose trails through Ponga’s different landscapes; check trail conditions locally before setting out.

You can also explore the landscape by bike on a range of routes. The Sellaño–San Juan de Beleño–Les Bedules cycling route starts in Sellañu and runs for about eight kilometres upstream, parallel to the Ponga River. A well-signposted cement road leads to Les Bedules, followed by a dirt and gravel track through a dense beech forest to Collada Granceno. Another cycling route runs from Cangas de Onís to Sobrefoz: it passes through the Foz del río Ponga and reaches Sobrefoz in the heart of the natural park.

Culture, Cheese and Festive Days

The forest is also the subject of two venues in San Xuan/San Juan de Beleño: the Centro de Recepción e Interpretación del Parque Natural de Ponga has a permanent exhibition about the forest as an ecosystem. The Ecomuseo de Beleño focuses on wood. Other sights include the medieval tower in the village of Cazo and the 18th-century Iglesia de las Nieves in Sellaño. In Ventaniella, south of the parish of Sobrefoz, you’ll find a meadow, a hermitage of medieval origin and a casería.

A distinctive tradition is the Fiesta de El Guirria y del Aguinaldo. It takes place in San Xuan/San Juan de Beleño every year on 1 January and is designated a Festival of Tourist Interest of the Principality of Asturias. This theatrical event unfolds throughout the village, both outdoors and indoors. Cheese also features in the local events calendar: the Certamen del Queso de los Beyos is held every year on the first Sunday in December in San Juan de Beleño and includes a tasting. If you plan your visit around either festival, check the current date and programme locally.

The protected geographical indication IGP Queso Los Beyos covers the municipalities of Ponga and Amieva in Asturias, as well as Oseja de Sajambre in León, as its production area. This region of origin links the cheese to its surroundings and extends beyond a single municipality.

Getting Around the Natural Park

The park’s main road connections are the N-625 between Cangas de Onís and Riaño, and the AS-261 between Puente de los Grazos and Beleño; local roads and tracks also provide access. Check current driving conditions before setting out. You can reach Les Bedules by car from San Xuan/San Juan de Beleño in the direction of Viegu. At the viewpoint, a wooden boardwalk suitable for people with reduced mobility offers views of the Ponga Valley and the Picos de Europa.

Discover more destinations: San Ignacio, Taranes, Cazo, Sellaño, Vaqueira, Parque Histórico Del Navia, Teverga, Onís.

For the regional travel overview: Asturias.