When planning a trip to Pembes, it is worth taking a close look at the hiking trail profiles: Three routes are each listed as taking around four and a half hours, but differ in length, elevation gain and route. If you are looking for a hotel for a hiking trip, this information can help you choose a tour that suits your planned day.
Hiking trails with different profiles
The PR-PNPE 26 “Ruta Hayedo de las Ilces” is a 10.4-kilometre circular route of moderate difficulty. Both the ascent and descent are listed as 400 metres; the duration is four and a half hours. The trail passes through dense oak and beech forest crossed by streams from the Cantabrian Mountains. The route also reaches a flatter track leading from Pembes, which it then follows for about two kilometres.
The Camino de los Puertos de Pembes is approximately 15.5 kilometres long and is listed as taking around four and a half hours. This makes it about five kilometres longer than the Ruta Hayedo de las Ilces, although the estimated times are similar. The first section of the Camino shares a route with the PR-S2 (Camino de Áliva); the second section follows the PR-S8 (Camino del Duje). Check the trail signs before setting out.
The guided Peña Oviedo route starts at the entrance to Pembes. It is listed as taking four and a half hours, with 400 metres of ascent and a moderate difficulty level. This route is not recommended for children under eight. Both Hayedo de las Ilces and Peña Oviedo are classified as moderate; ascent and descent are specified for Hayedo, while only the ascent is specified for Peña Oviedo.
For comparison, it is worth considering duration and trail profile separately: similar estimated times apply here to both a circular route and a longer trail. Peña Oviedo also has a specific starting point and an age recommendation. This can help you decide whether the circular route, trail length or a guided tour is the key consideration for your plans.
Guided tours and seasonal dates
The national park offers free guided tours led by park guides and explained in Spanish. The programme is seasonal, so check the dates for your travel period before your trip. The 2026 programme lists Pembes as one of the starting points for guided routes. The entrance to Pembes is listed as the starting point for the guided Peña Oviedo route.
A festival date to help plan your trip
The calendar also provides a specific point of reference: The Virgen de la Salud festival in Áliva takes place on 2 July and is particularly associated with Espinama and Pembes. In 1998, it was recognised as an event of regional tourist interest. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, take 2 July into account and check the specific event details for your travel date.
The route profiles and festival date answer different planning questions: trail length, elevation gain and route help you compare the hikes; the festival date may determine which days you travel. If you would like to include a guided tour in your plans, also take the seasonal dates into account.
Discover more destinations: Espinama, Lon, Pido, Turieno, Cosgaya, Fuente Dé.
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