La Camocha Greenway

The La Camocha Greenway is a pedestrian and cycle route that follows the old route of the mining railway that linked the La Camocha pits with Veriña, from where coal was transported to the Port of Musel. This itinerary, the result of a project initiated in 1993 to recover disused railway lines, revives the mining memory of the Gijón/Xixón council, through a walk between industrial areas, rural areas and vestiges of the past.

The route begins in Avenida de Los Campones, next to the Tremañes neighbourhood, a centre of industrial origin that still conserves traces of its mid-20th century urban planning. You soon pass the Quinta La Torre estate, also known as the Palace of the Marquises of Tremañes, a stately building that dates back to a period before the mining expansion. From there, the path descends slightly until it reaches the El Morteru spring, at which point the route becomes flat and pleasant.

The path, wide, accessible and well conditioned, follows parallel to the Pilón river, connecting green areas with residential areas in the outskirts of Gijón. After crossing the river over a wooden bridge, you leave behind the more urban environment and head towards a quieter area, with trees and abundant vegetation, ideal for walking or cycling.

On the way you pass the recreational area of La Pinganiella, equipped with a fountain, benches and shade, before crossing the stream of La Pedrera and entering an illuminated tunnel of about 400 metres, under the old Carretera Carbonera. You can still see on its walls the charcoal left by the steam locomotives that used to run here.

The route continues towards Leorio/Llorio, where you reach the Puentón, an old railway bridge that has now been converted into a rest area. Shortly afterwards, under the viaduct of the Autovía Minera, the view opens up to Picu'l Sol (439 m), before reaching the end of the route: the mining complex of La Camocha. There, the derricks and other structures still standing are a reminder of the importance of a mine that was in operation from 1935 to 2008, today preserved as an industrial heritage site.

The La Camocha Greenway is not only a comfortable and popular route for the inhabitants of Gijón/Xixón, but also an invitation to reflect on the transformation of the territory and the legacy of mining in the Asturian landscape.