A good long walk to get into alpine habitat, to
see alpine flora and possibly some chamois, is the full-day ascent and
descent from near the lakes to Hou Santu and back. This walk takes you
through traditional majadas, with their cabins and cattle tracks,
through limestone karst scenery, to the foot of the highest peaks in the
western massif.
The route to Ordiales Viewpoint leads through
the same majadas, before crossing impressive limestone karst scenery,
notable for its fluting, to this stunning lookout point, with the land
falling away to the valley 1000m below.
To reach a mountain
village without having to climb on foot, it is possible to take the
funicular railway to Bulnes village in the central massif. Until the
year 2000 the only way in was on foot, and this route can still be
walked, either up or down (or both!). The valley above Bulnes, climbing
to the col of Pandébano, is good for montane flora and majadas, and
allows views of the famous Picu Urriellu, or Naranjo de Bulnes. There
are bars and restaurants in the village.