In the mountains of Asturias, where clouds cling to the peaks and forests harbor ancient secrets, there’s a trail hidden away that can surprise even the most seasoned travelers. This path is more than just a route—it leads into a world where nature sets its own rules and humans are mere guests among age-old trees. Here, amid beech groves and alpine meadows, every step brings a sense of solitude and freedom.
The route begins at a cluster of stone huts known as El Fielato, perched on the San Isidro Pass. The winding AS-112 road leads you here, and even as you approach, it becomes clear: the usual pace of life is left far behind. From the very first steps, the trail climbs steadily upward, giving no time to acclimate. Underfoot, a carpet of fallen leaves; all around, silence—broken only by the murmur of a stream and the whisper of wind in the treetops.
The magic of the forest
The journey continues along the banks of the Braña River, where water carves whimsical shapes in the rock. Next comes the ascent to Brañarreondu and on to the Collá Beldoso Pass. Here, a view opens out onto Monte El Tuzu, where beech trees, like sentinels, stand in regimented rows. In winter, their crowns shed their leaves, turning the ground into a golden-brown carpet, and the air fills with the sharp scent of damp wood and moss.
The trail is well-marked but requires attention: in some places, you have to make your way through thickets and cross rocky sections. Soon you’ll come upon the secluded brana El Gumial — a shepherd’s shelter surrounded by alpine meadows and old huts. Here, at over 1,300 meters in altitude, it feels as if civilization is far, far away.
Mountain scenery
From here, the route leads deeper into the forest, where beeches stretch toward the sky and trunks are wrapped in thick moss. The soft carpet of leaves and moss muffles your steps, and streams and small waterfalls appear between the trees. In moments like these, it’s easy to believe in fairy tales — it feels as if a forest spirit or a lost traveler from another era might appear around any bend.
Travelers who prefer not to stop continue on to Fuentes de Bajo and Vega del Alba — an ancient glacial valley surrounded by Alba, Castillones, and Fuentes peaks. The official trail ends at El Gumial, but the most determined push farther — to the Peña del Alba rock (1,730 meters) or even to the summit of Pico del Oso. From here, breathtaking views open up over the Redes Natural Park, where mountains and forests merge into a single living landscape.
Route details
The route is designed for those with an average fitness level: about 9 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 365 meters. The entire journey takes around four hours, but here, time fades away—it’s tempting to pause often, listen to the silence, and breathe in the fresh air. For cyclists, the route is challenging: on the ascent, you’ll have to carry your bike for over an hour. Strollers and novice hikers will struggle here—the trail demands both attention and endurance.
The return follows a gentle path through La Llana, ending in the village of Cuevas. Along the way, you cross the Braña River again, and the forest gradually gives way to pastures and stone cottages. This blend of wild woods, hidden meadows, and mountain scenery makes the Gumial Forest trail one of the most vibrant and atmospheric routes in Asturias.
How to get there
The easiest way to reach the starting point is from Oviedo or Gijón via the AS-112 highway to the San Isidro Pass. From Mieres or Langreo, take the local road through Felechosa and then head up to the pass. The trailhead is easy to find: near the El Fielato parking area stand old stone huts, and from there, the path leads into the forest, where, amid walnut, hazel, and chestnut trees, you quickly lose all sense of time.
The best time for hiking is autumn or spring, when the forest is especially beautiful and the weather is mild. In winter, the atmosphere here is unique: snow highlights the terrain and fog adds a mysterious touch to the landscape. Yet even in summer, this trail retains its charm—the coolness of the woods offers relief from the heat and the mountain views are always impressive.
The official name of the route is PR-AS 48, which runs through the municipality of Aller, within the Redes Natural Park. The trail starts in El Fielato and ends in Cuevas. Its length is about 9 kilometers and takes around four hours to complete. It is primarily a walking route, suitable for cyclists only if they have experience and are prepared for challenging sections.
The landscapes here are striking in their variety: beech forests, pastures, waterfalls, and mountain peaks. Every part of the trail tells its own story, one you’ll want to experience again. There are few places like this in Asturias, and each deserves special attention.
If you didn’t know, Asturias is an autonomous community in northern Spain, renowned for its natural parks, mountain scenery, and unique traditions. The region is celebrated not only for its scenic trails but also for its rich culinary heritage and the hospitality of its locals. Festivals dedicated to nature and culture take place here every year, and hiking trails are considered some of the best in the country. For outdoor enthusiasts, Asturias is a true paradise where everyone can find a route to suit their taste.
