Local Walk 2: Ridge Pass (extended)

This route circles Pico Viyao completely and crosses a ridge giving spectacular views of our valley and the neighbouring valley between us and the coast. Heading downhill through the eucalyptus forest, past La Roza and through the woods to Busllería. Closing the circle via San Cristóbal's Church.

1. Start at El gran sueño: Begin your journey in the plaza of El Caspio and enter the woods opposite our house, behind the chicken house just past the rubbish containers.
2. Through the Woods: Follow the well-trodden path, going straight and then taking a right, emerging on the road towards Brecín.
3. Brecín hamlet: Walk through Brecín, round the hórreo, and exit between two houses at the upper left corner of the hamlet.
4. Into the woods: Pass a chicken hut on the right and follow a grass path uphill. Turn left into the woods and continue uphill for 1km to reach La Formiga.
5. Enjoy the views from La Formiga: Take in the panoramic vistas of eastern Asturias, including the Picos de Europa, Ponga, Redes, Peñamayor, and Sierra del Aramo in Oviedo.
6. La Formiga to Pico Viyao: Take the road behind the house, climb the hill, and after 300 metres, turn right. Pass an animal enclosure and take a dirt track on the right. This 2km track circles Pico Viyao, offering views of Picos de Europa and el gran sueño.
7. Return to asphalt road: Continue on the dirt track until reaching the asphalt road, then turn left and pass the animal enclosure to head back towards La Formiga.
8. Grass trail near La Formiga: Before you reach La Formiga, take a grass trail on the right, just past the metal animal enclosures, heading slightly downhill and then bearing left.
9. Cross the ridge: At the split, take the left track across the ridge, passing through a recently harvested eucalyptus forest. If the track is muddy, cut into the field to the left and re-join the track after 100 meters or so. At the end of the track, you reach a T-junction with an asphalt track. Turn left here.
10. T-Junction to La Roza: Follow the asphalt road down a steep hill for 500 metres to another T-junction, turn left and climb slightly to reach La Roza. Turn right off the road beside the walled garden.
11. Through the woods to Busllería: Continue for 400 metres through the woods, emerging at Busllería. Follow the asphalt track downhill, keeping houses on your right.
12. Busllería to San Cristóbal Church: After 600 metres, at the T-junction, turn left, passing the church, and continue along the lane.
13. Go down to Pintueles
14. From the church to the palace: Pass a farmhouse, then at the lane's sharp right turn, go up a steep hill. Halfway, take a left at the road triangle, passing the Palacio.
15. Final stretch to El Gran Sueño: Walk past the Palacio, an hórreo, and farm buildings. After the last house, turn right up a small hill to reach el gran sueño.