The Texu de Bermiego is considered a thousand-year-old yew tree and has been recognised as a Natural Monument of the Principality of Asturias since 1995; it is also classified as being of special interest. This tree is a tangible example of Quirós’s natural side. Other discoveries lead to viewpoints, historic routes and traces of everyday life in the past.
Natural Monuments and Routes
The Desfiladero de Las Xanas is also a Natural Monument. The route starts in Pedroveya. Cochao Castro is known for its panoramic views; the best way to reach it from Villamarcel is via a well-preserved path. Both the viewpoint and the access route are clearly identified for this outing.
The route to Puerto de Agüeria starts in the village of Ḷḷindes. There is a car park and signs marking the start of the route. The route is also associated with the long-standing tradition of driving livestock to the mountain pastures each summer. This allows you to connect the landscape with a seasonal livestock-farming practice.
The Ruta de las Reliquias covers a different scale: it is almost 40 kilometres long and takes about 16 hours to walk. This medieval historic itinerary crosses Quirós between the Aramo and Sobia mountain ranges and passes through Quirós, Teverga, Morcín and Oviedo. It ends at the Ermita de San Antonio in Pedroveya. The distance and walking time are useful for planning this extensive route; it is quite different from a visit to a single viewpoint.
Other routes also reveal traces of local work. The branch of the Senda del Oso ends beside the restored El Cribu coal loading facility. The Molinos del Corroriu route leads to three restored old mills associated with agricultural traditions and the grinding of Escanda wheat. Two different aspects of the area’s heritage take centre stage here: the former handling of coal and the processing of an agricultural product.
Buildings, Museum and Traditions
In Bermiego, the Church of Santa María dates from the 9th to the 15th century. The Museo Etnográfico de Quirós offers a different insight into local history: it presents traditional Quirosan customs and includes a reconstruction of a two-storey house. The history of a church building and the portrayal of traditional ways of life thus stand side by side as distinct cultural discoveries.
Alto La Cobertoria is home to Neolithic burial mounds and dolmens. In Toriezo, La Santa Moza features interesting wall paintings. These places add archaeological remains and another artistic monument to the routes and museum exhibits, without requiring you to follow a particular route.
The traditional Fiesta del Cordero takes place at Prau Llagüezos, is recognised as a festival of tourist interest, and centres on spit-roasted lamb. The traditional programme includes music, folk dancing, an outdoor mass and equestrian ribbon games. The annual programme may vary, so check the date and schedule for the relevant edition before your trip.
At the jetty in the active tourism area of Valdemurio, visitors can rent canoes for trips on the reservoir. As operator details may change, it is advisable to check them before your outing. Alongside its routes, buildings and traditions, the area also offers an opportunity to spend time on the water.
Getting Your Bearings
The AS-229 takes you through the Hoces de Valdemurio into the municipality of Quirós. The specific starting or ending points for the routes to Puerto de Agüeria and the Ruta de las Reliquias are also given as Ḷḷindes and Pedroveya, respectively. This makes it easier to choose the discoveries that suit your interests and include the stated landmarks in your plans.
Discover more destinations: Bárzana, Cienfuegos, Cangas Del Narcea, Cangas De Onis, Camín Real De La Mesa, Sobrescobio, Castropol, Taramundi
For the regional travel overview: Asturias.
