Pico Tiedu from Asiego

(S/E) Set off from the church, which offers a lovely view over the valley. Head due north towards the top of the village. At the first junction, turn left, then immediately right into the narrow lane that passes in front of the village’s only bar-restaurant (you can stop there on the way back!). At the end of the lane, turn left, then take a tiny lane on the right which climbs to reach, a little further up, a pretty decorated fountain (the top of the village).

(1) In front of the fountain, take the street on the right and then immediately turn left. Walk past a farmhouse, then take the path that climbs northwards. You’ll reach a road that circles the village.

(2) Cross the road and take the concrete path opposite, which is marked with zebra crossings to make it easier for vehicles (shepherds’ vehicles) to climb the hill. You’ll pass under three high-voltage power lines in succession. Go through a cattle grid as you cross a ridge and continue along this clearly marked path, which alternates between concrete and gravel sections depending on the steepness of the slopes. At an altitude of 787 m, you’ll reach the Tebrondi sheepfolds (named after the nearby peak).

(3) A few sheepfolds have clearly been restored; the spot is peaceful and idyllic, with a lovely view. From here, the path descends for about a hundred metres to a pass at 783 m and arrives in front of a corral-style livestock enclosure. During this short descent, you can clearly see the tracks leading up into the pastures slightly to the right, which you will take.

(4) At the entrance to the corral (livestock pen), do not take the path on the right which descends towards the east. You must cross the corral (which was open on both occasions we passed through) and head uphill to find a track that climbs to the right at first, then to the left, and so on, always heading north. The track is clearly visible. You will come to a metal gate.

(5) Go through the gate, taking care to close it behind you. You can see some buildings (old sheepfolds) through a copse of trees. Walk past a converted sheepfold on the right and head north-east, passing between rows of low stone walls. Follow the path which climbs steeply westwards along the ash trees.

(6) Once past the last trees (I made a cairn at this spot), continue along the clearly marked path heading north-east. In the distance, you can make out a metal cross which serves as a landmark.

(7) Climb up to the cross, where the view is already magnificent, just to get a sense of the ascent to the peak to the north amongst the rocky cliffs. There are no obvious paths amongst the numerous cattle tracks.
Leave the path you arrived on, which continues along the floor of a small valley dotted with numerous barns (Vega de Branes).

Make sure you spot the final grassy section leading towards the summit, as this is the route to reach the gap just before the summit. Here we go: from the cross, head back down the path and take the first track heading north-west for about 200 m, then climb towards the final grassy slope, either directly up the slope or zigzagging a few times to make the climb easier through the grass. You’ll approach the clearly visible gap.

(8) A steep but straightforward path crosses the gap and climbs to the summit along the ridge.

(9) Summit of Pico Tiedu at 1,180 m . 360° view. Right next to it, to the north, is the summit of Cabeza Ubena (1,187 m).
The return journey follows the same route back to El Compote.

(2) At the crossroads, this time take the road on the right to enjoy another view of the village and reach the Church of San Miguel (S/E).

We did this walk in May 2022.
There are no signposts.
Do not attempt this walk in foggy conditions, as the final third of the route after the corral is either on narrow paths or even off-trail (we had to turn back once). It is easy to find your way in good weather.
The final ascent to the peak takes place across a steep meadow, with the summit serving as a visual landmark; this is reached via a grassy gap visible from the base.
The GPX tracks accurately follow our route without any alterations.
Make sure you take water with you.
There are herds of goats, sheep and cows (including bulls!).
When we did this walk, there were lots of calves and the cows were keeping a close eye on their young. As a precaution, it’s best to keep your distance.
There are three car parks in the village, including a three-space car park dedicated solely to motorhomes at the entrance to the village on the right-hand side as you arrive. There is another car park at the entrance to the village on the left-hand side and a further one on a plateau at the exit.
The walk is rated as difficult due to the lack of signposting and a final climb off the beaten track.

There is a bar-restaurant in the centre of the village. It serves excellent food made with local produce; the cider is craft-brewed and the owner speaks a little French.
The village is set on a hillside with very steep alleyways; it still has the granaries typical of Asturias (horreos). At the top of the village there is a beautiful fountain and some lovely cut-outs in steel plates, perfect for taking original photos.
You’ll come across numerous sheepfolds during the walk, some of which have been superbly restored.
The view from the summit is spectacular. Don’t forget your camera and a pair of binoculars.
There is a lovely picnic area on the access road to the village, halfway between Carrena and Assiegu.