Cea Forest

The Cea Forest Route, in the municipality of Parres, is a circular route of about 9 kilometres that offers an excellent sample of the Asturian Atlantic forest, with varied landscapes, abundant shade and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for a relaxing day in the heart of nature. The route, approved as PR-AS 274, starts in the El Caleru area, next to some information panels and a small car park at the entrance to Llerandi, on the PR-4 road.

From there you take a wide track that ascends slightly towards Prau de Arriba, from where the route starts clockwise, allowing you to descend through the beech forest in the final stretch. The first section runs along a comfortable forest track that crosses open areas until it reaches the Llaxe field (680 m). At this point there are wide views over the Sierra del Sueve, Arriondas/Les Arriondes and the outstanding silhouette of Mota Cetín, which will close the valley further on.

At Llaxe there is a signpost marking the separation with the PR.AS-275 (towards Mota Cetín) and the PR.AS-274, which we follow in the direction of Llerandi along the river Mampodre. Shortly after, we pass by a couple of farmhouses and take a less trodden path that continues straight on. Here begins a steeper descent through leafy wooded areas, until you reach a meadow next to the river Mampodre, with huts visible on the other side. This is one of the areas that can be muddiest and most difficult to find your way around, so be extra careful if it has rained in the previous days.

After crossing the wooden bridge over the Mampodre, continue along the left bank until you reach another small bridge that crosses the Riega de Bramador. Here we start to climb along a narrower path, flanked by the Sierra la Vega, until we reach the La Llombecina pass, where there are several shepherds' huts. From this point, you enter the heart of the Cea Forest.

The Cea Forest is a mixed Atlantic forest mass of great ecological and scenic value. It is made up of more than 260 hectares of oak and beech trees, many of them with whimsical shapes, alternating with some 120 hectares of introduced conifers: Douglas fir, European larch (the only deciduous conifer), insigne pine and Lawson cypress. This diversity of species, together with the constant presence of water in the form of streams, torrents and waterfalls, makes this stretch the most spectacular part of the route.

The wide forest track that crosses it allows you to walk comfortably, and if you advance in silence it is possible to observe wildlife, such as roe deer, wild boar and forest birds. The descent culminates at the viewpoint of El Sedo, where there is an imposing view over the valley of the river Mampodre, set between densely wooded slopes, with the Mota Cetín closing the horizon with its flat and recognisable summit.

From here, the path connects again with the track at the beginning, thus completing a circuit that, in just a few kilometres, allows you to enjoy the essence of the Atlantic forest, the modelling of the landscape by livestock activity, and the serene beauty of a little-travelled and well-preserved environment.

An ideal route for dry days, especially recommended for those looking for a relaxed plan, with shade, nature in its purest state and panoramic views over the Sierra del Sueve.