The route through the Alfilorios area begins in the hamlet of La Carrera (400 m), which we reach via the MO-5 road from Argame (N-630). From there, we will follow a circular route that initially passes by the Llera peak and later by the Torrexón de Peñerudes . To do this, we must take the MO-2 road, signposted as part of the GR 208 Central Mountain Ring and PR AS-143 trails. At the next junction, where there is a recreation area, we temporarily leave the signposted route that leads directly to the village of Peñanes. We continue along the asphalt road until we reach the inhabited area of El Cruce (455 m). Here, we change direction to the left, taking a secondary road that leads to the village of Lavandera (484 m) (2,6 km, 55 min). We crossed through its urban area, which offers a great viewpoint towards Monsacro Peak , and walked along a dirt track that winds through a countryside dotted with meadows. After climbing a small rise, we reached the Corraleta crossroads, where two marked trails with different destinations converge . We ignored both and continued straight ahead. At the entrance to a meadow with an attached cabin, we took a path that skirts it along the northern slopes. We followed its faint traces until they disappeared into the undergrowth, at which point we took the path used by the local shepherds, leading to La Rasa meadow . From here, we could already see the silhouette of Llera Peak with the remains of its defensive wall . One of the electricity pylons installed on the nearby Roces Peak also came into view. We then ignored the path that branched off to the right towards Peñanes and headed towards the pylon along the access route.
From here, now on the mountain's ridge, we must follow the trail that climbs southeast, culminating in the precarious and rocky summit, which ends in a vertical wall (526 m) (5 km, 2 hrs. 30 mins). Pico Llera is a modest mountain in Morcín with a significant archaeological heritage; it also offers a natural balcony overlooking the reservoir and the surrounding landscapes . We are situated in a location that was strategic in Morcín's history, a hill fort occupied from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. Aside from its historical significance, this summit offers hikers a perfect view of Monsacro, Aramo, and all the scenic features of the Caudal River , with Argame, Las Segadas, and even the city of Oviedo on the near horizon.
Alfilorios reservoir circular route
Back at the crossroads (455 m.) (7 km., in 3 h.), where several roads branch off, connecting the villages surrounding the dam, we change direction to the right until we reach the churchyard. There we find the parish church of La Piñera , dedicated to Saint Julian (452 m.) (9 km., in 3 h. and 30 min.).
The route continues along the GR 208 trail, descending steadily to the Arroxines River , the main source of water for the reservoir. There, where the village of El Río and the remains of the El Golgón mill are located, another sustained climb begins, offering excellent panoramic views of the reservoir and its surroundings. On our way to Peñerudes, we must pass through the hamlet of Los Duernos, situated amidst the verdant countryside, where hay meadows abound. Following a short, flat section, we reach the village of El Campo (471 m) (10,8 km, 4 hours and 15 minutes), the main village in the parish of Peñerudes. Here, we connect with the MO-5 road towards Pedroveya . We follow this road and head towards the recreation area, where a monument dedicated to mountaineers stands against a rugged backdrop crowned by the Torrexón peak. Right here, a wide path begins, leading towards the El Palacio neighborhood. We follow it until we reach a signposted crossroads, where an arrow directs us towards the path that climbs to the Torrexón (556 m) (11,7 km, in 4 hours and 45 minutes). The information panel at the summit tells the story of the monument, as well as the names of the landscape features visible from there.
The Peñerudes tower (15th century) , the second stop on this route, commands a prominent position overlooking the lands of Morcín . The monument still retains a significant portion of the medieval castle's keep and remains of the wall and fortifications . It was built as part of a defensive system for Oviedo. It is aligned with other nearby fortifications, such as Prioro and Alba castles, forming a chain of watchtowers.
Back in El Campo, we follow the MO-5 road to La Carrera (400 m.) (14,7 km, in 5 h. and 30 min.), where we conclude this hiking trip through the lands of Morcín.
Book «Routes through the mountains and the roads of Asturias»
If you want to know first-hand routes and places like this, we recommend you buy the book «Routes through the mountains and the roads of Asturias», written by Ángel Fdez. Ortega, one of the greatest connoisseurs of the mountains of Asturias ..
