Castro Route

The route starts in the recreational area of La Malva, an ideal place to leave the vehicle, and which can be accessed via the AS-227 road. The crossing begins about a hundred metres further on, where there is a path that turns off to the right. This path, which runs steadily uphill, passes by various forest species, whose information is detailed on several information panels along the path. As the route progresses, it ascends to the top of the La Malva gorge, an ideal place to contemplate the impressive views of the Pigüeña river valley and the mountains that separate the towns of Somiedo and Teverga. This stretch is also a unique opportunity to see birds of prey such as golden eagles and peregrine falcons.

After approximately three kilometres of walking, you reach the Campizos hut, an area of pastureland where old stone huts are still preserved, evoking traditional mountain life. A kilometre and a half from this point, you reach the village of Castru, a perfect place to take a break and regain your strength before continuing. On leaving the village, the route continues along the AS-227 road for about five hundred metres. This section of the route requires caution, as the road is narrow and there is no hard shoulder. The route continues along the road for a further two kilometres, until it reaches the La Malva dam, an impressive reservoir.

You then reach the La Malva hydroelectric power station, one of the oldest in Spain, with more than a hundred years of history, and which is still generating energy.

From this point, the route offers two options for returning to the start. The first is to ascend through the adjacent forest area, which is characterised by its great diversity of tree species, and the second, and more direct, is to follow the road for another kilometre. Both alternatives lead back to the recreational area of La Malva, completing the circular route. This route combines the natural beauty of Somiedo and its impressive views with points of historical and cultural interest.