The Hoces del Esva, declared Natural Monument and protected areaThey are located in western Asturias, in the middle of the Vaqueira region, between the municipalities of Valdés and Tineo.
Undertaking this route is something very enriching and healthy. We cross wooden walkways suspended over the river, enjoy breathtaking views of the gorge, cross forests, discover a privileged ecosystem and an environment with a rich ethnographic heritage.
The excursion allows different variants in terms of length and difficultyAlthough basically the route can be as long as you want, you just have to turn around the same way when you have had enough.
Short route
A good option is to do only the section that goes from the Interpretation Center, in the vicinity of the village of Bustiellu, to the village of Calleras and back through the same place. On little more than 3 hours of walking At a good pace (no more than 9 kilometers) we can access the most attractive: the river, the footbridges, stairways, the top of the gorges and its panoramic views ...
Long route
If you want to make the circular path, we will use about 5 hours to travel just over 12 kilometers. We can start at different points, with several circular alternatives, and return to the respective starting point. We will start from San Pedru (in the parish of Paredes), or from Bustiellu, or from Calleras. Once fully immersed in the circular circuit (which is actually shaped like an 8), we will combine in our march itineraries PR AS 1 and PR AS 2, both well indicated, with a well-defined path, beacons, fences, walkways and the typical painted markings (white and yellow) of the “Little Routes”. Whatever our starting square, these will be the main milestones we will run into sooner or later in our circular circuit:
1 We cross several conditioned areas with rope railings on the wall and walkways to circumvent the gorge in the direction of the old Calleras Reservoir.
This dam served in its day to retain the water used in the Esva Power Plant.
2 The old power station of the Esva, today abandoned. If we enter the pavilion we will be surprised by the old machinery covered with vegetation.
3 Stairs made of wood and carved in the rock to face the unevenness. Steep headlands hanging over the precipice where the river bed peeks out.
4 · In the Cabanón area we discovered several large cabins. A very beautiful and appropriate area to stop along the way.
5 Sections with riverside forest, with ash trees, willows and poplars, and areas with chestnut, oak, hazelnut and strawberry trees. In some parts of the itinerary there are panels alluding to the flora and fauna. Goats, deer, wild boar ... Inside the river: salmon, trout, eels, but especially otters. Here is given the largest concentration of otters in Europe and there is an observatory to see them.
6 Fountains and streams among the lush vegetation.
7 Lost villages and rural heritage like the one we can enjoy in Ese de Calleras, San Pedru or Bustiellu.
8 · Hoces del Esva Interpretation Center in the old schools of Agüera.
Info and recommendations Hoces del Esva
· Distance approx .: 12 km.
· Duration: about 4h.
· Accumulated elevation gain: 500 m.
· Difficulty: Medium. Much of the path is not difficult, however, caution and prudence must be exercised in some sections since, given the uniqueness of the environment, they need continuous maintenance to consolidate the passage. There are also quite a few ups and downs.
· You have to do this route with children who have a certain preparation, it is not recommended for very young children.
· Avoid doing it on rainy days.
· It is important to bring plenty of water on hot days and suitable footwear, if possible waterproof.
· Don't forget your camera and / or mobile phone.
How to get to the Hoces del Esva?
If our starting point is Bustiello: from Luarca on the AS-219 road, after traveling about 28 kilometers, we arrive at the village of Bustiello de Paredes. We left the car in a marked dirt parking lot, near a bridge.
If our starting point is Ese de Calleras: we can access Calleras from the AS-339 road, either from Tineo or from Luarca. On a curve before reaching the town, we find a parking lot and two signs that indicate the start of the Las Curvas del Gato and Hoces del Río Esva route.
If our starting point is San Pedru de Paredes: on the N-634 between La Espina and Canero, (upon reaching the town of Brieves), take a detour along AS-221 to Merás and continue along AS-220 to Paredes.
Interpretation Center of the Foces del Esva
It is dedicated mainly to the otter as The Esva is the river in Europe with the largest population of otters, which gives an idea of the quality of its waters. We also received a detailed explanation of the flora and fauna of this rich ecosystem. In addition, we are offered a projection of the history of a Valley that was already inhabited in the Paleolithic era and where remains of forts, dolmens, menhirs and Roman ruins can be seen. 3D flight simulation, an aerial tour of the towns and landscapes of the Esva river basin. They provide teaching sheets and games for the little ones.
Opening hours
Monday and Tuesday closed.
From Wednesday to Sunday: from 9:30 am to 13:30 pm. and from 15: 30–18: 30 h.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
