Walk the Camín Real de la Mesa, discovering Ubiñas-La Mesa and Somiedo natural parks
The 8-day self-guided Asturias Natural Parks Walking Tour is the perfect combination of culture, history, and nature. Travellers and local Spaniards know the Asturias region of northwestern Spain to posess a unique charm and unforgettable ambience. The enticing combination of rich rural green landscapes, mild climate, warm hospitality, and fascinating culture make Asturias the perfect destination for a memorable walking holiday.
Setting out from the picturesque village of Grado, you’ll enjoy walking among the walled pastures, enchanting forests and quaint farming villages that paint the Asturian countryside. The landscape unfolds between two magnificent backdrops, with the dramatic coastline to the north and towering peaks to the south.
As the route progresses, you’ll join the historical trail of the Camín Real de la Mesa, navigating ancient pilgrims’ footpaths dating back to pre-Roman times. Traversing scenic valleys, you’ll make your way to the Ubiñas-La Mesa and Somiedo natural parks, two unspoiled green oases where endless views of towering peaks await you.
Overnight stays at charming accommodations in Grado, Proaza, Teverga, and the Valle de Lago provide ample opportunities to soak up the culture and cuisine of the villages and towns you’ll call home along the way.
Those looking for the perfect balance of peaceful countryside walking paired with exhilarating excursions in mountainous landscapes will find the Asturias Natural Park Walking Tour a match made in heaven!
Highlights of the Asturias Natural Parks Walking Tour
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Asturias Natural Parks Walking Tour
Day 1 Arrival
Your walking tour begins in the peaceful town of Grado, where you’ll settle into your first accommodations and become pleasantly acquainted with rural Asturian hospitality, known for its warmth and charm.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Grado
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Discover the Valley of Grado
Your first day of walking will introduce you to the beauty of the Asturian countryside as you explore the scenic valley of Grado. The valley, steeped in over one thousand years of history, is where the Camino Primitivo pilgrimage route unfolds, bound for Santiago de Compostela.
Walking through peaceful countryside and surrounded by farmland, you’ll pass a number of abandoned villages along the route, which are quite fascinating.
At the 8km mark, you’ll have two options to finish today’s walk.
Option 1: Embark on a thrilling hike through the Sierra de Cuota
Option 2: Continue along quiet country lanes until you reach the village of Vallonga, where a taxi back to your hotel can be arranged.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Grado
Distance: Option 1: 6 hours, 14.5km, 515m of ascent, 665m of descent
Option 2: 6 hours, 15.5km, 350m of ascent, 385m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3 A Choice of Walking Routes to Proaza
Today you’ll have a choice of two walking routes.
Option 1:
This route unfolds on mostly quiet country lanes as you make your way from Sama de Grado to Proaza. A short ascent up to the Sierra de Buanga will be the most challenging part of the route, but rest assured the sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges will make it well worth your while. The final part of the route will have you following the Senda del Oso, a famous cycling route that will lead you to your pleasant accommodations in Proaza, where you can enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Option 2:
This route will take you through the spectacular Xana Gorge, leading you through the villages of Pedroveya and Dosango. On the final portion of the route, you’ll join the well-known Senda del Oso, a famous cycling route that will lead you to your accommodations in Proaza.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Proaza
Distance: Option 1: 6 hours, 15km, 575m of ascent, 575m of descent
Option 2: 6 hours, 13.5km, 500m of ascent, 500m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Bandujo and Caldoveiro Peak
Following breakfast, a taxi transfer will take you to today’s trailhead in the charming medieval village of Bandujo. From here you’ll ascend the Caldoveiro Peak (1357m/4452ft), unlocking mesmerizing views of the surrounded area.
This afternoon, a transfer will take you from Santa Ana hermitage to your hotel in Teverga.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Teverga
Distance: 5 hours, 15.5km, 325m of ascent, 350m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Walk The Camín Real de la Mesa
This morning a transfer will take you to the San Lorenzo Pass (1345m/4412ft), where you’ll then pick up the Camín Real de la Mesa and enjoy a scenic walk on the historic pre-Roman trail.
For those looking to shorten the walk to 14km, an optional pick-up can be arranged in the village of Urria. For those wanting to complete the entire route, you’ll be picked up at Santa Ana Chapel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Teverga
Distance: 6 hours, 19km, 200m of ascent, 650m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Explore Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park and Somiedo Natural Park
Today’s route may just be the most spectacular in terms of scenery, but you’ll have to be the judge of that. In addition to the natural scenery, you might also be lucky enough to spot the Cantabrian brown bear, common in this area, so be sure to keep a lookout!
Back on the Camín Real de la Mesa, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the natural parks unfolding in the distance, a sight that’s sure to impress. You’ll continue the route along a ridge before descending toward Arbellales into the Valle del Lago, marking your arrival at Somiedo Natural Park.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Valle de Lago
Distance: 6.5 hours, 15km, 700m of ascent, 800m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 A Choice of Walking Routes in Somiedo Natural Park
Today you’ll enjoy a choice of circular walks within Somiedo Natural Park.
Option 1:
A delightful route that leads to the Lago del Valle, a pristine lake surrounded by dramatic natural beauty in all directions.
Option 2:
This route leads hikers along a path to the Peña Salgada Peak (1945m/6381ft), bringing many other prominent mountains in the area into full view along the way.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Valle de Lago
Distance: Option 1: 6.5 hours, 15.5km, 650m of ascent 650m of descent
Option 2: 6 hours, 14km, 600m of ascent, 600m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Short Walk and Departure
Following breakfast, the Asturias Natural Parks Walking Tour will come to an end. You’ll have the option of a short walk to Pola de Somiedo where you can then catch the bus to Teverga to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departure on May 1st – June 26th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,375 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,125 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $795 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $695 USD
Departure on June 27th – July 10th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,450 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,195 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $850 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $725 USD
Departure on July 11th – August 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,475 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,225 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $875 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $725 USD
Departure on September 1st – 28th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,450 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,195 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $850 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $725 USD
Departure on September 29th – October 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,375 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,125 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $795 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $695 USD
Accommodation on the Asturias Natural Parks Walking Tour
This tour is based in 2-star and 3-star hotels. The hotels offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms and basic amenities.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you prefer a single room or you are a solo traveller, the required supplements are included in the listed price.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Rural Casa de la Veiga in Grado ★★★
Guests will enjoy this charming stay in a renovated Asturian country manor house. Spacious bright rooms boast spectacular views of the valley, and guests will enjoy basic amenities during their stay here.
Hotel Torrepalacio in Proaza ★★
This restored country house found in the peaceful Asturian village of Proaza provides guests with an authentic rural experience. Terraces and lounges, as well as a café and traditional restaurant, are all available onsite. Guests will enjoy basic amenities during their stay here.
Hotel Rural Alesga in Teverga ★★★
Guests will enjoy this beautiful small hotel set on a picturesque river in a charming rural landscape. Basic amenities are available for guests’ use, as well as an in-house restaurant and bar.
Casa de Aldea La Corona del Auterio in Valle de Lago
This small hotel, home to only 6 rooms, is situated at a soaring elevation of 1300m (4264ft). Each room is designed with individual character and décor. Guests will enjoy the use of basic amenities during their stay here.
What’s Included in the Asturias Natural Parks Walking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts and 2 dinners are included on this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included on this tour.
Transportation during the Tour
Private transfers are included according to the itinerary on Days 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Luggage transport from accommodations to accommodations is included on Days 3, 4 and 6. Airport transfers are not included on this tour but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
Also Included
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- 24-hour phone assistance
Not included
- Flights
- Visas if required
- Travel Insurance
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Fees not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Activities and excursions unless otherwise mentioned as included
- Optional transfer from Grado bus station to Sama
- Airport transfers
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
Frequently Asked Questions about Asturias Natural Parks Walking Tour
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