Among the thousands of treasures hidden in Asturias are the extraordinary waterfalls that provide a grand finale to certain routes. The Xiblu is one of them. In reality, it's three waterfalls in one. It springs from the rock, carving its own channel, then crashes into a first pool that flows into the next. It continues its descent down the mountain, forging a torrent of three linear waterfalls that reach a total height of 100 meters. The Xiblu plunges wildly, especially during the spring thaw. The roar is deafening.
The torrent and its great cloud of water vapor, like a suggestive mist in the air, practically begs to be photographed. Some say its name ( "whistle" in Asturian ) comes from the whistling sound the wind makes when it hits the waterfall. But others maintain the opposite, that its nickname stems from the sheer roar of the water, so powerful that even the loudest whistle couldn't be heard nearby. Whatever the reason, this waterfall inspires a genuine gasp of awe.
How to get to the Xiblu waterfall
It's not an impossible mission; on the contrary, it's a healthy and moderate exercise accessible to everyone. It's therefore of low difficulty , although extra caution is always advisable, especially on the final stretch approaching the waterfall, which becomes slippery and requires attention and prudence. But the Xiblu waterfall isn't the only highlight of the route. The entire path leading to it is equally captivating, as it winds through one of the most beautiful and undiscovered beech forests in Asturias: the Montegrande beech forest . It's the third largest forest in Asturias , after the Muniellos and Peloño forests.
Montegrande Hayedo
A bucolic place to forget everything and let your senses guide you. A true immersion in nature… Read more
We left the car in the large, free parking area at the start of the route, on the Asturian side of the Ventana Pass, next to the AS-228 road, halfway between the village of Páramo and the summit of the pass. From here, the route is a short, well-marked trail (PR.AS-269) of just over four kilometers each way. The path is easy ; in fact, the first 450 meters are an accessible trail, passable for people with disabilities. We then continued along a wide, practically flat track for the first three kilometers.
After walking about 800 meters, we came across a sign pointing towards the Las Vallinas spring . Legend has it that lepers drank from these waters hoping to cure their disease. To reach the spring, you have to descend some steps carved into the earth; the access isn't entirely easy.
Our walk through the Montegrande beech forest continues to reveal surprises, such as the occasional entrance to old coal mines, now closed . The trail cuts horizontally through the beech forest and crosses several small valleys, offering views of the imposing Sierra de Sobia and the Peña Negra area. The beech branches create a natural canopy that shades almost the entire path. The shade and humidity make this hike comfortable even on the hottest summer days . But it's also ideal in autumn , with the first snows on the peaks and the spectacular ochre hues of the beech trees. And what can be said of spring … the forest bursts into color with a very special light, and during these months of thawing, the waterfall is at its most magnificent.
Just under a kilometer from the "Xiblu," we must cross a beautiful wooden bridge (be careful, it's slippery!). This is how we cross the Fundil or La Verde riverbed , near La Ferviencia. We then continue to the left along a path that leads into Mount Braniecha. From here, we will have to climb about 100 meters . The wide track gives way to a narrow path that steepens and runs almost parallel to the river in a somewhat indistinct way. Steps have been added to the trickiest sections of this last stretch to make it easier.
It didn't take us long to start hearing the water of the waterfall. The humidity and mud of the terrain is considerable and We must be careful not to slip or trip.
Once we reach the waterfall we will not stop admiring it, although we can contemplate its majesty from different perspectives. You can try to climb to the top to see it in more detail, but we must do it with great caution and only up to a certain point, without risking more than necessary.
If we enjoy photography and have brought our tripod, we'll have a magnificent setting here to take photos of water with the famous silk effect , shooting at very low speeds.
Xiblu waterfall route with children
While taking precautions in the wet and slippery area around the waterfall, the rest of the hike is perfect for families with children . In fact, due to its minimal elevation gain, low difficulty, and short distance, it's a route that some local schools organize for their students.
Other alternative routes near the Xiblu
Although the most common option is to return to the parking lot by retracing your steps, you can extend the route by venturing onto a side trail. Returning to the bridge you crossed before entering the final path, you'll see a signposted path to the right leading uphill to the beautiful Braña de Las Navariegas , or downhill to the village of La Focella (Foceicha), via the short marked trail PR AS-156.
Without leaving the Montegrande Beech Forest, and very close to the parking lot, you can visit another mountain pasture, the Braña de las Cadenas , in just 4 kilometers of total route, round trip.
Interesting information
We need to access the Puerto de Ventana pass via the AS-228 road from Trubia. The starting point of the route is three kilometers from the village of Páramo , with ample free parking.
- Difficulty: easy.
- Distance: 9 kilometers.
- Duration: About three hours, round trip.
- Basic recommendation: bring waterproof hiking boots and a good camera.
- Be careful with slipping in the vicinity of the waterfall.
Photographs: © Roberto Molero on Flickr
