LA PERAL - EL MOCOSO ROUTE

The route starts at the car park at the entrance to the village of La Peral, where you leave the vehicle. From here, look for the track where all the ways out of the village to the west converge. The track is unmistakable for its width at the start and runs along the valley floor following the Río Trabanco towards Las Ucheras. As you go into the valley, you leave the rocky Peña Penouta on your left and La Gata on your right. After a couple of kilometres a somewhat steeper climb begins, heading north-west, which already points you towards the peak of El Mocosu.

Although you could look for the gentlest ground to continue the climb up the south face of El Mocosu, given how broad it is, we recommend climbing to the ridge, which gives unrivalled views and from where you can see the whole cornice leading to the summit, El Cornón and even the La Pola de Somiedo area.

As you approach the summit, at around 1,950 m, look for the south-west spur, which makes this last stretch easier. Once on the summit, take great care, as the northern side is steeper. The descent is by the gentlest ground and the broad south face. You rejoin the line of ascent, with possible variants skirting La Gata at mid-height, always rejoining the track that leads to the starting point in the village of La Peral.

THE ASCENT OF EL MOCOSU

Climbing El Mocosu may well be one of our favourite activities in Somiedo Natural Park. Its broad south face, the low exposure of the valley, the spectacular views and the easy access to the route from La Peral make it the perfect choice for a day out with family or friends.

It is also a highly recommended route for groups of mixed ability, because it is simple to find your way and there are several options for the ascent and descent.

This route can be combined with the Villar de Vildas - Braña Viecha or Villar de Vildas - Lagunas del Páramo routes if you leave a vehicle or spend the night in Villar de Vildas.