Peloño Forest

The Green Lung of Ponga

The Peloño Forest is an immense green patch of 15 square kilometers that covers the slopes of the municipality of Ponga. Declared a Partial Natural Reserve, this beech forest is one of the most important in the Iberian Peninsula, not only because of its size, but also because of its excellent state of conservation.

A Seasonal Show

Visiting Peloño is a different experience in each season:

• Spring: The electric green of new leaves floods the landscape.
• Summer: The forest offers a cool, shady refuge, ideal for walking.
• Autumn: It is the peak moment. The forest is transformed into a palette of ochres, reds and golds that attracts photographers and nature lovers from all over.
• Winter: The bareness of the beech trees against the background of snow creates a magical and silent atmosphere.

Routes for Everyone

The most common way to enter the forest is from Les Bedules.

1. Les Bedules Viewpoint: Accessible and with parking. It offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Picos de Europa and the forest itself.
2. Forest Track: From the viewpoint there is a wide and comfortable track that goes into the beech forest. It is perfect for families or for mountain biking. You can walk as far as you want and turn around.
3. Traverses: The most mountaineers can cross the forest to Arcenorio or connect with other routes.

Forest Dwellers

Peloño is a refuge for Cantabrian fauna. The brown bear, wolf and capercaillie live here, although they are very elusive animals. It will be easier to hear the clacking of the woodpecker or see the tracks of deer and wild boar in the mud.