Debodes is an interesting place to plan routes, with several named starting points and trail junctions. The El Valle de Caldueñu-Meré circular route begins in the village and links a valley trail with views of the Llanes coast. Other trails pass through Debodes or start at various points around the village. You can therefore start by choosing a route based on its course and starting point.
Trails in the Caldueñu Valley
The El Valle de Caldueñu-Meré circular route begins in Debodes. Along the way, it offers views of the Llanes coast; the landscape is characterized by green mountains, meadows, and numerous native trees. You can reach this circular route either from Posada via the AS-115 and LLN-7 or from La Pereda via the LLN-7. Check road conditions before setting out, as they may change.
Another option is the Ruta de los Pastores Merenchos: this circular route is 10 kilometers long and has an elevation gain of 200 meters. It passes through Debodes and continues to the Cuevona, where the Capilla de San Pedrín is located. The route also includes an ethnographic explanation of shepherds’ lives at the Majada de La Venta. Confirm current program details before taking part. You should also check locally before visiting to find out whether access to the cave chapel is possible.
For another circular walk, the starting point is a large parking lot just before the bridge leading to Debodes: the Debodes–Moandi–Picu Cima–Las Xareras route begins there. By contrast, the Peña Blanca y Cabeza Ubena circular route starts in Debodes and passes over Peña Blanca. Trail conditions and surface quality may change along these recorded routes; take this into account when planning.
Cultural landscape and Fiesta de San Pedrín
Traditional rural architecture, along with inherited customs and practices, are part of the character of the valley in rural Llanes. The Capilla de San Pedrín is a specific example: this small private chapel has a square floor plan, a gabled roof, and a wooden roof structure. Its exposed rubble-stone masonry is finished with dressed ashlar stones at the corners and around the openings. The chapel is listed in the Inventory of the Architectural Heritage of Asturias.
The Fiesta de San Pedrín in Debodes includes the salida del ramu; the specific annual programs may vary. At the fiesta held in Debodes on August 1, 2019, there was a mass in the cave, a vermouth gathering, a Romería, and a Verbena. If the fiesta fits your travel plans, check the program for your visit date.
The wider natural landscape of Llanes
As a wider landscape setting, the Sierra del Cuera offers a different perspective from the trails right in the valley. It is a protected landscape that includes Llanes. Its typical vegetation includes holm oak and beech forests; typical animal species include vultures, roe deer, and wild boar.
Plan your stay around the trails
The different starting points are a useful first comparison when choosing where to stay: El Valle de Caldueñu-Meré and Peña Blanca y Cabeza Ubena begin in Debodes, the Ruta de los Pastores Merenchos passes through the village to the Cuevona, and the Debodes–Moandi–Picu Cima–Las Xareras loop starts at the parking lot before the bridge. The best starting point for your stay therefore depends on the specific route you want to focus on.
Discover more destinations: Pancar, Purón, Tresgrandas, La Borbolla, Villahormes, Riensena, Bricia, Niembru
For the broader travel overview: Llanes.
