Ruta de las Xanas: The Gorge Where Myth and Mountain Walk Hand in Hand

In the heart of Asturias, amidst walls of living rock, lies the Ruta de las Xanas. It needs no excessive fame to become unforgettable. As you traverse it, you'll understand why it's called the “little Cares,” as it shares similarities with the famous Ruta de Cares, blending vibrant nature with Asturian mythology. The "xanas" are water nymphs in Asturian tradition.

The path begins at the Molín Recreational Area, a stone's throw from the village of Villanueva. There, the PR AS-187 trail steadily gains elevation. In just a few minutes, visitors are captivated by the gorge. These two kilometers feel like a journey suspended between the void and the forest. The path, carved into the rock, clings to the hillside as if it has observed the stream's flow for centuries.

With each step, one passes through brief tunnels, wooden walkways, and natural viewpoints where the eye is filled with the green of the valley floor and the grey of the walls. Handrails are present in some sections, more out of courtesy than necessity. The route is not technical, but demands respect. Not so much for the effort, but for the delicate balance the landscape requires.

As the path turns inward, the forest takes over. Beeches, oaks, and chestnut trees create a verdant canopy that filters light and cools the air. The air smells different, damper, denser. In this section, silence prevails, broken only by footsteps or a bird's call.

The arrival at Pedroveya, after about four kilometers, marks a change of pace. The landscape opens up, and the small village seems to await the hiker, with its hermitage as a meeting point. From here, it's possible to return the same way or extend the experience with a circular variation along the Senda de Valdolayés. This adds three more kilometers, but also offers a different perspective of the valley.

The Ruta de las Xanas needs no epic scale or high altitude to be one of the greats. It is an invitation to walk slowly, to listen to the surroundings, to imagine that xanas still hide in some forest nook.