On the descent of the Ruta del Rey Pelayo towards Cangas de Onís, the trail passes through Nieda and Narciandi; a little above the Ermita de San Cosme lies La Güelga Cave. Trail connections, mountain scenery and local heritage therefore offer several distinct points of interest for a stay in Nieda.

Trails and directions

The Ruta del Rey Pelayo is 22.6 kilometres long and has a cumulative positive elevation gain of 1,476 metres. The route length and cumulative ascent describe different aspects of its course: together, they give a more precise picture of the route’s scale than distance alone. On its descent towards Cangas de Onís, it passes through Nieda and Narciandi. Check trail conditions and route markings before setting out.

Another trail follows livestock tracks and connects Nieda with the neighbouring villages of Narciandi and Cabielles. The roads also provide useful directions: after leaving Cangas de Onís, take a right turn off the AS-114 towards Següencu; shortly afterwards, you will reach the first houses in Nieda. The CO-2, the road to Següenco, runs through Nieda.

Mountain views and cave scenery

Nieda lies at the first rise of the mountain landscape. The peaks of the Picos de Europa are visible from the first houses. This means the mountains are not just part of the route description, but also part of the view from the village.

On the stretch between San Cosme and Nieda, La Güelga Cave lies a little above the Ermita de San Cosme. Inside the cave, a stream disappears underground, carving out several levels of the mountain and forming a labyrinth of galleries. Those interested in caving can spend an afternoon there; going with expert guides is recommended.

San Cosme: shared heritage and local history

The Ermita de San Cosme lies halfway between Nieda, Narciandi and Cabielles and belongs equally to all three villages. Its location and shared ownership make it a point of reference for the three places. A pilgrimage takes place at the chapel on 27 September.

The Fiesta de San Cosme has been celebrated jointly by Nieda, Narciandi and Cabielles since the mid-1990s. The fiesta includes a procession: traditional bread offerings are carried to the chapel and then auctioned among those present. The procession combines the walk to the chapel with a communal custom whose details give the celebration its character.

The history of the Ermita extends beyond its religious use. It was enlarged to serve as a school for many years. The writer Alejandro Casona taught at the former school in the Ermita. The history of the building and its specific connection to local literary history are therefore part of San Cosme’s story.

Another chapel in the area shared by the three villages is San Pedro. It is equidistant from Narciandi, Cabielles and Nieda, and has been recorded in the parish registers of Santa María de Cangas de Onís since the mid-16th century. Together with the shared ownership of San Cosme, this connection shows how closely the local heritage is linked to the three places.

Discover more destinations: Mestas De Con, Soto De Cangas, Tornín, Corao, Covadonga, Cangas De Onis, Perlleces, Peruyes

Return to the main travel guide: Cangas De Onis.