When we speak of the Sierra de Cuera, we are talking about a high plateau, covered in meadows and crowned by easily climbable peaks. Mountain pastures abound, some still inhabited. Meadows or vegas dominate the Cuera mountain passes, traditionally used for grazing livestock. Traces of mining operations , which were active until the 70s, are also visible. Furthermore, its boundaries hold a wealth of prehistoric remains, documented in numerous caves and sinkholes. Metallurgical activity was prominent around 2000 BC. Remains from various stages of copper processing have been found. The Cuera served the economy and society of the Bronze Age . Today, many of the hollows on its southern slopes are used for curing the popular Cabrales cheese.
The landscape and ecosystem of Cuera
Its landscape is part of the network of protected areas in the Principality of Asturias and covers a large area in eastern Asturias. Slopes, forests, valleys, and peaks unfold across five municipalities in this region: Cabrales, Llanes, Peñamellera Alta, Peñamellera Baja, and Ribadedeva. It stretches for a total of 40 kilometers , beginning near the Sella River in the west and continuing close to the sea, ending at the easternmost point of the Principality, next to the Deva River.
The Cuera mountain range is also a thriving ecosystem . Its fauna includes foxes, martens, and wildcats, as well as an abundance of roe deer and wild boar. With luck, we might catch a glimpse of golden eagles, vultures, Egyptian vultures, and other large birds of prey. The forest is primarily composed of beech, oak, and holm oak groves . From the coast, the mountain range appears sparsely vegetated; however, beyond the first ridgeline, the Cuera opens into narrow, often dead-end valleys that shelter countless meadows and pastures fringed with ash, maple, and hawthorn trees. The widest and most productive valley for livestock farming is undoubtedly the Llosa de Viango. On the slopes surrounding this plateau, extending almost to the highest peak of the Sierra, Pico Turbina , lies the largest forest in the range: a eutrophic beech forest facing north , which captures the frequent fogs that roll in from the sea and which, at this point, fail to cross the ridge. At 1.315 meters , it is the highest point in this small mountain range and perhaps the most appealing hiking route.
Climb to Turbine Peak
Pico Turbina is a renowned summit, an unforgettable visual experience, with unique panoramic views… Read more
For humans, the mountain range rises seemingly insurmountable, demarcating two geographical areas that have undergone different historical and social evolutions: the Llanes coast and the area known as the "trascuera" (inland) . The relationship between these two territories has been shaped by livestock farming and shared pastures. On the coastal side, around Llanes, there are several flat mountain ranges that serve as a prelude to the Cuera, such as the Cué and Pimiango ranges, and others further inland, like the Purón, La Borbolla, and Los Carriles ranges. Throughout these smaller ranges, we find charming villages and quality rural accommodations from which to embark on countless routes. A possible and very easy excursion from this area near the Cuera is to reach the Neolithic monument of Peña Tú, which held profound sacred significance during the Bronze Age. Located on a promontory, it offers an excellent panoramic view of much of the municipality of Llanes.
The Idol of Peña You
The idol of Peña Tú, forever tattooed on a mysterious rock that has stirred religious sentiment… Read more
To the north , the steep slope of the mountain range makes it impossible to find any hamlets; only the village of El Mazucu ventures onto the first foothills, following the cleft of La Tornería. On its southern slopes , near the Picos de Europa, we find numerous villages in the Cabrales region, such as Ortigueru, Pandiello, Puertas, Asiegu, Arangas… in all of them we will find comfortable rural accommodations and good food for excursions towards the accessible peaks of the Cuera range.
Here we propose a few excursions through the Cuera.
From the top of La Tornería, a possible excursion is to approach the Llosa de Viango. A beautiful and immaculate valley between mountains that has always been frequented by shepherds and ranchers.
Route the Llosa de Viango
This route runs from Alto de la Tornería to the Viango Valley and ends in the Llanes village of Purón. This… Read more
Another affordable excursion that allows us to enjoy a great 360º panoramic view of the coast and the Picos de Europa is the ascent to Pico de Mediodía.
Picu Mediodía: viewpoint of the East of Asturias
One of the best panoramic views of the eastern coast of Asturias can be enjoyed from the vicinity of… Read more
Information:
The entire perimeter of the Sierra is traversed by roads of certain importance: to the North the N-634, that crosses the llansal rasa, and to the South the Regional AS-114, that crosses the valley of the Cares. The transverse communications are limited to the N-621 that connects the councils of Ribadedeva and Peñamellera Baja on the East, and the Regional AS-115 that communicates Llanes with Cabrales on the West through the Altu de Ortigueru.
Arangas - Turbine - Arengas
Approximate duration: 6 hours.
Slope: 950 meters.
Difficulty: medium. It can be done at any time of the year although it is preferable to avoid fog and rainy days.
The shortest ascent to Turbina, though not the easiest, begins at the Cruz or De la Mina del Oso pass (400 m), on the road connecting Arangas and Peñamellera Alta. From this point, a wide, steep mining track climbs to the Trebes cabin, meadow, and spring (45 minutes). The track ends opposite the entrance to the Oso or Francés mine. It was an underground mine that produced iron and manganese.
We leave Trebes and follow the old road that reaches the Sellón pass (1h.10 '). There, it joins the track that climbs from Arangas to enter the Gobiu channel. The ascent ends at the pass of Concha Gobiu (2h.20 '), at the feet of Peña Llacia (1.228 m.). This is an excellent viewpoint of the Massif Central de Picos, between whose summits the Naranjo de Bulnes silhouette clearly stands out.
We continue on a path (right) that leads us to the braña Piedra del Oso (2h.35 '). It is an area of meadows dotted with beech trees and overlooking the valley of Cares. We found numerous cabins, some inhabited during most of the year, and a fountain.
The best way to approach Pico Turbina and its twin, Terenosu, from here is via a well-marked trail that leads over a pass and into a treeless area. The final ascent is easy and follows a path to the double summit (3 hours 20 minutes). At the top, you'll find a cross, an IGN (National Geographic Institute) marker, a small hut, a solar-powered antenna, and a cairn that serves as a mailbox. The views are once again excellent, especially of the Llanes coast, which lies below. The return journey follows the same route used for the ascent (6 hours 20 minutes).
Asiego - Peña Blanca - Asiego
Approximate duration: 5 hours.
Slope: 700 meters.
Difficulty: medium
The route begins in the village of Asiego. At the end of it, leaving behind the trough and the fountain, we take a track with good slope that takes us to the Majada de Tebrandi. We continue along the path leaving a closed farm on the left. The path climbs in a zigzag to the cabins of La Mata, there you take a path that leads to the Vega de Brañes with beautiful cabins. To the north of this sheepfold we have the Peña Blanca peak, on top of which is the geodesic landmark. From there the views are spectacular. The descent is made through the same itinerary.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
