The route to the cairn of Espineres starts at the Alto de la Llama, AS-248, where we can leave the car in the car park next to it. From there, we take a wide dirt track that runs in an easterly direction. We must bear in mind that the paths in this area are not marked and that fog can appear quickly, so it is important to take extreme precautions.

A few metres after starting to walk, you will come to a crossroads. At this point, continue straight on along the main track. The initial stretch, which runs steadily uphill, will take us through forests of chestnut and oak trees, and also through meadows where it is common to see horses and cows grazing freely.

In addition, along the route, we will have the opportunity to see the rich fauna of the Sierra del Sueve. Among the most emblematic mammals are the Asturcón horse, our native breed par excellence, and fallow deer, and among the birds, griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures and choughs.

Continuing along the route and after another 600 metres, we come to another turn-off to the right; we continue along the track. From here, we can enjoy spectacular views of the councils of Colunga, Villaviciosa and Piloña. With a bit of luck, we may even be able to make out the Villaviciosa estuary.

Approximately one kilometre further on, we shall come across two more turnings off to the right, but we shall ignore them. After walking about 3.5 kilometres from the start, you will reach the Alto la Cruz, where the landscape changes completely. The forests give way to a karstic terrain, characterised by numerous dolines, depressions typical of limestone formations.

Shortly after, at around kilometre 4, you will come to the María Mingo cross. Near here, next to a hut, there is a watering place where the deer that inhabit the area usually go to drink. Finally, after 4.5 kilometres, we reach the famous Majada de Espineres, a green hollow, surrounded by limestone rock and white hawthorns or espineras, which give the place its name. Here, stone huts and stables, some of them very well preserved, dot the landscape.

Every year, this sheepfold hosts the Asturcón Festival, a day to publicise the recovery of this small, rustic, native Asturian horse by the area's stockbreeders. An event in which an attempt is made to tame the adult wild horses and mark the foals born that year.

Before setting off on our return journey, we should take a break to look carefully at the landscape, which offers us one of the best panoramic views in the whole of Asturias.

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.

Imagen información More recommendations for planning your route

Asturcones grazing in a green field
Rural dirt road winding through rolling green hills under blue skies
Mountainous landscape with sparse vegetation and clear skies
Ancient stone buildings in a mountainous environment
Hikers enjoying the mountain scenery next to a natural watering hole.
Two hikers walk along a path leaving behind a cow grazing under a tree.
Wide green valley with scattered dirt roads and trees
Hill covered with low, sparse vegetation under blue skies
Hiker crossing a meadow with mountain scenery in the background
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