The PR AS-212 leads to Collado de Semeldón; to the right of the hut there, the route ends at a viewpoint overlooking the deep valley of the Semeldón River. The trail starts in Sellañu and offers a moderately challenging hike. A very difficult full-day gravel ride, local traditions and historical traces add to the ways to discover Sellaño.
River Landscapes and Recreation Area
The Ponga River rises at Puerto de Ventaniella and flows through Sobrefoz, Abiegos and Cadenaba to Sellaño. Within the Ponga Biosphere Reserve, the river is at an altitude of 213 metres near Sellaño. This provides a specific geographical reference for getting your bearings in the town and surrounding area, alongside the routes.
A recreation area with swings for children is located on the right bank of the Samedón, also known as Valle Moro. Check the facility details before your visit. The Ponga River and the recreation area on the Samedón, or Valle Moro, are separate points of reference when planning your trip.
Hiking the PR AS-212
The PR AS-212 Sellañu–Semeldón hiking trail starts in Sellañu, is of moderate difficulty and is 4.4 kilometres each way. It heads west through a wooded area, with a meadow and the river on the left. At the concrete Puente de Pumazaneu bridge, the trail crosses a small stream.
There is a hut at Collado de Semeldón. To its right, the route ends at a viewpoint overlooking the deep valley of the Semeldón River. The 4.4-kilometre distance is one way, so it is an important factor when planning your time. Check access and trail conditions before setting out.
By bike: a challenging full-day ride
The Sellañu–Beleño–Bedules ride is a 54-kilometre, very difficult circular route for gravel bikes. It starts and ends in Sellañu and is designed as a full-day ride. From Sellañu, it runs upstream alongside the Ponga River for about eight kilometres.
The route follows a paved track to Les Bedules, then continues along dirt and gravel tracks through a dense beech forest to Collada Granceno. Compared with the moderately difficult PR AS-212, the bike ride is considerably longer and explicitly rated very difficult. Check road and trail conditions before setting off.
Further afield in the region, the Sellañu–Beleño–Bedules route leads to Les Bedules. From there, a route leads to the Peloño Forest, one of the most emblematic forests in Asturias.
Festivals and Culture in Sellaño
The Iglesia de las Nieves in Sellaño dates from the 18th century and is well worth a visit. The Aguinaldo is celebrated on horseback during Carnival: riders on decorated horses make their way through Cazo, Ambingue, Los Laderos, Tribierto, Cortes, Priesca and Sellaño. They begin and end their procession in Sellaño. Casadielles, rosquillas, frisuelos and other traditional sweets are handed out during the Aguinaldo.
Las Nieves is celebrated on 6 August, and the cattle fair takes place on 8 December. If you are planning a trip around either event, check whether these dates apply to your travel period.
Historical Traces
Two gravestones dating from the period of Roman colonisation were found in Sellaño. Another trace of the town’s history is the former timber railway, used to transport wood. It had two stations: one in Sellañu and another near Majada de Semeldón. Its ruins are still visible today. These remains add an archaeological and industrial perspective on the town’s history to its nature and cultural experiences.
Discover more destinations: San Ignacio, Taranes, Cazo
Return to the main travel overview: Ponga.
