Route of Mon - San Martín de Oscos
- A Reboqueira, Ventosa, Mon (San Martín de Oscos) Western Asturias
- Distance: 14 kms
- Difficulty: Medio
- Cumulative difference in altitude: +635 m
- Cumulative difference in altitude: -635 m
- Maximum altitude: 758 m
- Minimum altitude: 194 m
- IBP index: 64
- Modality: Senderistas
- Type of route: Circular
- Route type: Montaña
- Return by Train: No
The Mon Route (PR-AS 114), in San Martín de Oscos, combines landscape and heritage. From A Reboqueira, the path leads through meadows and woods to Mon, where we are welcomed by the imposing Palacio de Mon, a jewel of Asturian Baroque with Galician influences. Its façade flanked by towers, the wrought iron balconies and its heraldic coats of arms reflect centuries of history. A walk that culminates next to the river Ahío and the historic Mazo de Mon. This route runs through the Biosphere Reserve Río Eo, Oscos e Terras do Burón.
The route begins in the village of A Reboqueira, a small rural village where the sounds of the countryside, such as birdsong and the murmur of farm animals, welcome hikers. The initial path crosses green meadows before entering a mixed forest of chestnut, birch and oak trees, creating a natural environment full of freshness and tranquillity.
The route takes us to the village of Mon, a place with a rich historical past. Here stands the Mon Palace, an elegant baroque building with an imposing stone façade. During the summer and on public holidays, its interior can be visited by appointment, allowing you to learn about the history of the noble family that lived there. From the palace, the path follows a path flanked by stone walls and "chantos", thin slabs of slate driven into the ground, which have served for centuries to delimit roads and farms in the Asturian landscape.
As we descend, we come to a fork where, turning off to the left some 100 metres, we can visit the chapel of Santa Marina. This small temple, although modest, is located in a panoramic spot with spectacular views over the valley of the river Ahío, offering an ideal place to take a break and enjoy the bucolic landscape of the area.
Returning to the main path, the route continues its descent towards the Mazo de Mon, where the remains of an ancient mallet and a ditch used to irrigate the fields and operate a mill can be found. These structures reflect the importance of the agricultural economy in the region, allowing us to imagine the rural life of yesteryear.
The path crosses a dense forest of centenary chestnut trees, where we will find cattle fences that should be left in the same state in which they were found. In this area it is also possible to see "corripas", traditional stone constructions used to store chestnuts and protect them from animals, an example of the ingenious use of natural resources by the inhabitants of the region.
After exploring El Mazo de Mon, the return path follows the same uphill route until you reach a signpost indicating a detour to Ventosa. This option allows you to extend the route slightly and explore a new landscape before returning to A Reboqueira, enjoying open views of the surrounding fields and forests, in a setting of serenity and natural beauty.
- It runs through the Biosphere Reserve Río Eo, Oscos e Terras do Burón.
- PR-AS 114
- Steep slopes on the descent to Mazo de Mon
- Stretches with slippery rock
Basic tips before going into the mountains
- Avoid approaching livestock.
- If you find mastiffs protecting livestock, do not approach them, do not pet them and do not feed them. Do not allow them to follow you or stray from their herd. They are working.
- If you go with a dog, always keep it on a leash.
- Don't leave a trail. Collect all your waste, including organic waste. Nature is not a dumping ground.
- Act with prudence. Plan your route well, take everything you need and make sure it is adapted to your physical capacity.
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