Santibanes-Santibanes

This circular route starting and finishing in Santibanes de Murias, in the council of Aller, is an excellent option for enjoying the rural and wooded landscape of central Asturias. The route, of low difficulty, runs along traditional paths that connect small villages and meadows, crossing a natural environment dominated by the native forest, ideal for a quiet getaway at any time of the year.

The route begins in Santibanes de Murias itself, a town nestled in a beautiful valley surrounded by chestnut and oak groves. From the exit of the village, after passing by the information panel of the route, you ascend along a cobbled path that turns off to the right of the road. The slope is moderate and allows you to enjoy the views over the valley.

After a short while you reach the hamlet of Vil.lar, a well-preserved hamlet that you cross in a north-easterly direction. From here, take a livestock track that climbs steeply upwards, giving way to a more open area with large meadows of traditional use.

At a crossroads, we take the branch to the right to join the old royal road that historically linked Santibanes de Murias and Villar. This path, witness to the livestock and neighbourhood traffic for generations, guides us through places such as Viscayana, El Premalayo and El Carrescu, small rural locations that conserve the flavour of the most authentic Asturias.

The last section of the route takes us to a track from which we begin a steep descent, which brings us back to Santibanes de Murias, thus closing this comfortable and pleasant circular route.

Due to its moderate gradient, clear signposting and scenic value, this route is ideal for hikers of all levels, and is especially recommended for those looking for a short walk, in the heart of nature and without technical complications.