Udías brings together church and mining history with trails through the rural landscape. When planning, it is worth considering the route format: an easy circular trail is 8.8 km long, while an easy linear trail is 20 km. The Sel del Haya route is described as a 2.6 km linear out-and-back trail. If you are looking for accommodation in Udías, you can plan your stay around whether you want to focus on architectural history, longer trails or a guided cave tour.

Churches, Archaeology and Mining

The parish church of Pumalverde is a Gothic building with two naves dating from the 15th or early 16th century. Its features include a square apse with a rib vault, a pointed entrance of Romanesque tradition and capitals depicting heads from which stems emerge.

The Chapel of San Nicolás in La Hayuela follows the model of a popular Romanesque chapel in Cantabria. A medieval necropolis with slab graves and limestone sarcophagi was discovered nearby in 1982 and 1985. A pottery kiln was also uncovered at Cotero de los Tejeros, near Barrio La Virgen. Dating evidence points to a pre-industrial brickworks that is thought to have operated between 1679 and 1744.

Mining history also left archaeological traces: objects and coins from Roman times were found at the San Bartolomé open-pit mine in the village of Canales. The Sel del Haya route leads to mining and industrial heritage sites, spoil heaps with calamine deposits and traces of mineral transport. This offers a way to look beyond individual finds and take in a landscape shaped by mining.

Choose Routes by Length and Format

The Sendero Real: Paisaje y Arquitectura Popular starts and ends in Barrio Canales. It is an easy, 8.8 km circular route suitable for walking or cycling. If you prefer a longer linear route, the Arquitectura Religiosa y Arquitectura Popular route offers a different format: it starts in Canales and ends at the Chapel of San Esteban on Monte Corona. This easy 20 km route passes through the districts of Udías and the valley’s rural landscape.

The El Mozucu route connects the Iglesia de la Virgen de la Caridad in Barrio La Virgen with Braña El Mozucu. The Sel del Haya route runs from La Gándara in Cobijón to the Sel del Haya mine; it is described as a 2.6 km linear out-and-back trail. Check the route conditions before setting out.

Monte Corona and the Karst Landscape

Monte Corona in Udías is part of Oyambre Natural Park. Native beech and oak trees grow there, typical of the Atlantic forest. A route also leads to Monte Corona: the Arquitectura Religiosa y Arquitectura Popular route ends at the Chapel of San Esteban. The El Monte Corona y sus ermitas route can be reached by car from Barrio La Hayuela.

The Udías karst massif includes more than 40 cavities as well as numerous short tectonic shafts. Near Rodezas, the entrance to Cueva El Rescaño is accessible only via a steep descent, and caving equipment is required. The cave currently extends for 15 km of natural galleries. Future explorations could change this figure.

Cuevas y Minas de Udías offers guided cave and mining tours that start at a base in Pumalverde, opposite the church. The options include an easy circular excursion of approximately 10 km, with several stops to explain the surrounding geomorphology and a visit to a natural cave. As offerings and arrangements may change, it is best to contact the provider directly for your travel dates.

Seasonal Experiences and Village Festivals

At Finca Fuente del Corzo in Pumalverde, visitors can experience a beehive in its natural setting in June, July and August, handle bees and honeycombs, and watch honey being harvested and bottled. Honey and other hive products are also available to taste. Check availability outside these months.

Folk festivals are held every year in the villages of Udías. A fair is followed by the Picayos dance in honour of the saint; later in the afternoon or evening, there is a Romería and a Verbena. If you want to plan your trip around a festival, check the specific dates in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Canales, Valoria, Veguilla, Villaescusa, San Roque De Riomiera, Ruesga, Argoños, Reocín.

Go to the main travel overview: Cantabria.