Walk to Bulnes Village

Route Description

Bulnes is one of the most singular villages in all of Spain. Until 2001 it had no motorised access of any kind: its inhabitants climbed up on foot from Poncebos or on the backs of animals. That year the Bulnes funicular opened: it runs through a 2,227 m tunnel bored into the mountain and connects Poncebos with Bulnes in about 7 minutes.

But the most authentic way to arrive is still on foot. The path from Poncebos is short (3.5 km) but uncompromising: 400 metres of elevation gain that make it the steepest of the park’s popular routes. The path climbs the western flank of the Tejo ravine, with the river far below and the limestone walls of the central massif overhead.

Bulnes has two parts: La Villa quarter (the lower one, about 300 m from the funicular station) and El Castillo quarter (higher up, and the older of the two). La Villa preserves its stone houses, hórreos and paneras grain stores in excellent condition, many still inhabited in season. A small bar-restaurant serves coffee and traditional Asturian bean stew (fabada) surrounded by mountains.

💡 Practical Tips

• Funicular vs. on foot: If the goal is simply to see the village, the funicular (from Poncebos) is a valid option. But if you want to enjoy the surroundings, the path is well worth the effort.
• Combine routes: Many walkers go up on foot and return by funicular. The climb to Vega de Urriellu via the Canal de Camburero also starts from Bulnes, but it is a very difficult route, for experienced mountaineers only.
• Funicular timetable: Check the schedule before you go: it runs every 30 minutes, but in the low season the timetable is reduced and there is a midday break.
• Footwear: Mountain boots. The path has wet and muddy sections at any time of year.

📸 Key Highlights

• The stone houses and hórreos of La Villa quarter, perfectly preserved.
• The cluster of stone houses in El Castillo quarter.
• The Tejo ravine seen from above on the ascent path.
• The village bar: one of the most remote — and most authentic — in Asturias.