Nature with the Family: 5 Themed Short Routes in Asturias

"There is nothing better for children to discover the charms of nature than themed routes, and Asturias has several of them. Here are 5 simple routes for the whole family".

Hiking in Asturias is easy, and there are few places where you will find such a wide variety of routes to do with children. Its exuberant nature and numerous natural enclaves are ideal for discovering interesting proposals to enjoy with the family.

Railway tracks converted into greenways, flat paths, pleasant meadows, routes along the coast or paths through forests that inspire stories or legends are some of the most interesting options.

But if there is one thing that helps children to feel at ease in nature, it is themed routes, because they don't just want to walk, they also want to have fun. Here are 5 short routes in Asturias in which children are the protagonists. They are very easy, through accessible and charming places. What do you think? Would you like to join us with your family?

From the Virgen de la Cueva recreational area, near Infiesto, begins an 8 km route , both there and back, which takes you on a journey through enchanted forests. At every step of the route, which clearly shows the natural wealth of Asturias, you will come across mythological and fantastic beings that will delight your children. Goblins, gnomes, xanas, the house of the tooth fairy, eyes that watch over you from the trees, doors that open in the tree trunks and rocks are just some of the surprises that await you.

This is undoubtedly an easy route, which can be done with young children. The route has very little gradient and runs along a track with a good surface, which follows the crystal clear waters of the river La Marea, and can be done both on foot and by bike (even with a pushchair) .

As it is an accessible trail for families, it is one of the many easy cycling routes that can be done in Asturias with children. This makes it easy to successfully complete the excursion which, in any case, can be shortened with the little ones at any time.

The photo at the top of this report also corresponds to the Senda La Peridiella.

The start of the Molinos del río Profundo route is in the council of Villaviciosa, more specifically in the village of Valbúcar, in Amandi, and goes up to Buslaz along a signposted path that is 8 km long. The hike is easy, but it is true that in the rainy season it is quite muddy and a bit long for young children . For this reason, it is best to finish the route when you reach the Molín de la Peña spot, avoiding the final 2 km climb to Buslaz. But this does not prevent you from enjoying the most spectacular section of the trail, where, from the very beginning, traditional architecture blends with the natural beauty of the Asturian landscape. Here, you can see up to 18 water mills which, until the middle of the last century, were used for grinding grain .

Although the aceñas (a little-known synonym for mills) are not in good condition and the abundant riverside vegetation covers most of them, the route is very beautiful and welcoming. In addition, small mythological creatures will accompany you along a path that advances along the banks of the river Profundo to the aforementioned spot of Molín de la Peña, where a striking waterfall forms a fan-shaped cascade.

Just12 km from Cangas de Onís, we have the Beyu Pen gorge. A 4 km round trip through one of the most beautiful spots in Asturias. A charming route that lacks nothing: a beautiful forest that captures the essence of the Asturian autumn, the Beyu river gorges with images of mythological beings and a mountain village with splendid views of the western massif of Picos de Europa.

The excursion can start in the recreational area of Trambesagües or in the village of Santillán. For the shortest route, it is best to choose the second option. This way, after crossing the suspension bridge over the Sella river, you enter a beautiful gorge with images that look down on you from the rocks and centenary trees and that accompany you, although you may not realise it, with a gentle slope through a gorge of vertical walls.

If your children are small, at the second wooden bridge on the gorge, you can finish the trail and avoid the 1 km ascent to the village of Pen. However, if you still have enough energy, it is a great idea to go to the cosy mountain village, which has a typical architecture of the area with perfectly preserved hórreos (raised granaries).

Then all you have to do is walk back down the gorge to the point of origin with the satisfaction of having lived a unique experience.

One of the most pleasant hiking routes in Asturias that can be done with children is the Camín Encantáu. An easy-to-follow trail, 9 km long, which alternates green meadows with wooded enclaves that connect the main villages of the Ardisana valley, in the council of Llanes.

It is a tour to awaken the imagination of children, as the wooden carvings of the beings of Asturian mythology are life-size . There are also informative signs telling the story of the abilities of these magical beings, who are sometimes good and sometimes not.

There is little more to say about a circular route that is well signposted and has no difficulty, but which takes you into magical and mysterious corners, where the whole family will have the time of their lives.

The route of the Invisible Valley of San Roque del Acebal, in Llanes, discovers the hidden beauty of the Asturian landscapes and offers moments of tranquillity and connection with nature.

A circular route, suitable for children, whose only difficulty is the length of the route, which is 12 km. But this is not a disadvantage, as the signposting is clear and gives no margin for error, in fact, a small part of the route shares the route with the Camino de Santiago. Moreover, the effort is compensated with a path that goes into a lush forest which hides many treasures: caves, fountains, wash houses, waterfalls, wood carvings, sculptures and cozy stone bridges await you to make this route one of the most enjoyable that you can do with your family.

Asturias has absolutely extraordinary landscapes and enclaves that are well worth an excursion or even a getaway. And there is no better way to get to know them than by following their themed trails. What's more, these routes can be rounded off with more leisurely getaways, such as an afternoon on any of the beaches recommended for children in Asturias. What do you think? Isn't it a magical place to spend your holidays?