Argayu forest from Panes

The route begins at the Asturian Bowling Museum in Panes, the ideal starting point for a day that combines nature, tradition and rural scenery. From here, you start a comfortable ascent along a tarmac road and, further on, along a wide path, perfect for warming up before entering the natural environment.

After this first stretch, you leave the track to take a path that ascends towards the Argayu forest, the largest wooded area in the Peñamellera valley. The atmosphere changes as you enter the forest: the vegetation closes in, the sound of birds and the murmur of a stream accompany your steps, and the path becomes more intimate as you walk through a mixed forest of oak, birch, chestnut and ash trees. In this section you have to cross two small streams which, depending on the time of year and the flow of water, can make it difficult or even impede your path, so it is a good idea to find out about them before setting off.

Once through the forest, the path widens and becomes gentler until it reaches the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Espioña, located in an open area surrounded by meadows. Although its current appearance has been greatly modified, it is believed that its origin could be Romanesque, and its location invites a contemplative pause before continuing.

From here, the route reaches the small hamlet of Cimiano, a quiet corner that preserves its rural essence. This is a good time to rest and enjoy the surroundings before starting the return journey.

The route back to Panes alternates stretches of road with more natural tracks, so we recommend that you pay attention to traffic on the asphalted sections. This part of the route allows you to observe the landscape from another perspective, thus closing a circular itinerary that offers a connection with nature, history and tranquillity in the heart of Peñamellera Baja.