Its entire perimeter is idyllic and unique, picturesque, and of great ethnographic value, making it one of the most enchanting mountain pastures in this Biosphere Reserve. Given that there are over a hundred mountain pastures in Redes, the merit and beauty of La Vega de Pociellu are twofold. The surrounding peaks frame it so perfectly that it becomes the main protagonist of the breathtaking panorama that unfolds before us.
The mountain cirque seems like a stage set designed to lend a more "soft" feel to the mountain pasture, nestled between the Sierra de Pries (dominated by the emblematic silhouette of Cantu del Oso) and the Sierra de Mongayo, bordering the province of León. It's like an imagined Arcadia: beautiful, vast, with captivating horizons, enviable pastures, cabins, and livestock in plain sight. A large plain of glacial origin, like the neighboring Brañagallones . Somewhat smaller, but wilder and more isolated, as it's inaccessible by off-road vehicle.
Route to Brañagallones
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The flocks have roamed freely here since time immemorial. The cowboys' huts remind us of the livestock farming tradition of this place, frequented in the summer months for its excellent pastures. The shepherds slept in these huts, watching over their cattle and tending a small hearth with firewood, often enjoying the full moon and the starry sky that illuminated the mountain pasture.
Route to the Vega de Pociellu
We begin this beautiful route through the Redes Natural Park at a place known as L'Armadiella , located on the AS-117 road that climbs to the Tarna pass and village . The starting point is about 2 kilometers before reaching the village, at kilometer marker 56. There is very little parking at this point (two cars at most), so it is preferable to leave your car in a slightly larger parking area beforehand and walk up a short stretch of road until you find the forest track where the route begins (which has a sign prohibiting access to unauthorized vehicles).
We descend along the aforementioned track, keeping to the right at all times and ignoring any of the branches that veer off to the left. At times, the imposing silhouette of Cuetu Negru appears , a massive peak that guards the entrance to the La Ablanosa valley and its neighbor, Mongayu. We soon reach the Corral bridge , which allows us to cross the Nalón , the most voluminous river in Asturias , although here it is barely a stream, so close is it to its source at the Fuente La Nalona spring. We cross it and then begin the ascent to the Ablanosa mountain pasture. The first slopes wind through terrain dominated by oak trees. Little by little, the track becomes steeper and winds its way as the forest transforms into a beech forest; the silhouette of Cuetu Negru appears ever more powerful and close. We can also appreciate the beautiful Tabayón del Mongallu waterfall in the distance.
Route to the Tabayón waterfall
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The pyramidal profile of Cantu l'Osu intimidates us with its grandeur as we approach the Ablanosa mountain pasture (1805 m). We soon reach the heart of this "mayá" (mountain pasture), with its spring and drinking trough, its well-maintained cabins, and its extraordinary panoramic views to the east. We can clearly see the peaks of Peña Ten and Pileñes, beyond the La Bolera ridge. This is a must-stop for a rest and a drink of water from the local spring. We have walked 3 kilometers.
From La Ablanosa, we skirt the valley along a gentle slope and cross a stream to enter a shadier area. Near the area known as El Carrascosu , the forest track gives way to a small path branching off to our right, leading us directly into the magnificent Fabucao forest . The path then begins to climb again. We gain altitude, crossing one of the most beautiful beech forests in the Redes Natural Park. The dense trees obscure the surrounding landscape, but occasional clearings allow us glimpses of Cantu l'Osu and Cuetu Negru. We follow the rustically marked path, eventually emerging from the forest into a broom thicket which we cross to reach the lush carpet of the fabulous Pociellu meadow.
We can head towards the small cluster of cabins still standing near the southwestern edge of the valley, or walk towards the far end of the meadow, where we find the slope of Los Abedulosos peak; a lush slope that is a delight in autumn. From here we can admire in the distance the mythical Tiatordos , known as "the perfect mountain." A very beautiful summit approaching two thousand meters in altitude.
Route to Tiatordos
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It is a good idea to stop to rest without any rush, and enjoy this landscape that has no waste, before turning back along the same path.
Information of interest
Distance: 12,7 km (round trip)
Duration: 4 hours and a half.
Difficulty: easy.
Although the usual way is to return along the same path, we can take an alternative return route and approach the Cerréu mountain pasture , a promontory of great ethnographic richness and, surely, one of the best viewpoints in Redes.
To take this alternative route, we'll retrace our steps from the meadow to the Fabucao beech forest , but this time we'll take a different path marked as Collau Arenas . We'll then walk through the beech forest along its highest point, near the limestone cliffs of the Sierra de Pries. After reaching the Cerréu mountain pasture, we'll descend to the Ablanosa pasture and from there back to the parking area. This alternative route adds approximately 4 kilometers to the linear out-and-back route.
Photographs: © Roberto Molero on Flickr
