Tielve de Cabrales, a village in the mountains

Latitude: 43.2633171 Length: -4.7754722
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Today we visit Tielve and see that everything has evolved around its mountain and livestock-farming essence . Cheese remains the epicenter of activity. Cabrales cheese from Tielve is one of the most flavorful in the area, with centuries of tradition and numerous national and international awards . Livestock farmers still head up to the mountain pastures in the summer and rise early for the first milking of the animals. Cows and sheep graze near the houses; roosters and hens run about in the farmyards, and goats perch on the nearby crags. For this reason, Tielve is a hub for peaceful tourism, with a good number of rural houses available to travelers . It is also a town known for its good food: besides cheese, there are cured meats, meats, stews, and casseroles just like in the old days. Tielve is also an ideal starting point for mountain enthusiasts.

Why visit Tielve? What to see

Located approximately 700 meters above sea level , the municipality of Tielve covers an area of ​​43,15 square kilometers and is inhabited by fewer than one hundred people . This mountain village of stone houses features the Church of San Cristóbal , which stands prominently in a square complete with characteristic elements such as the old washhouse and bowling alley. The Duje River is a defining geographical feature and an undisputed protagonist of the landscape. It descends swiftly from the central massif of the Picos de Europa, and as it passes through Tielve, it seems to slow down in a gentle, narrow gorge that creates pools perfect for swimming. From here, it plunges again into the Rumiada ravine before flowing into the Cares River, very near Poncebos.

Paths and routes from Tielve

A trail leads to the hamlets of Valfrío and Tabaos, two charming mountain pastures where the traditional way of life of the Cabrales livestock farmers is still preserved. This is an easy hiking route, perfect for families to discover the beautiful surroundings of Tielve. The distance is just 4,7 kilometers , with an elevation gain of less than 300 meters, and takes about three hours to complete.

We start from the old washhouse in Tielve's main square. The initial ascent is a short but impressive ramp. The first section of the route, up to the Valfrío mountain huts, coincides with the PR-AS-127 and PR-20 trails of the Carou Route. The path climbs diagonally through hawthorn, hazel trees, scrubland, and terraces of former farmland. During the climb, there are no navigational problems thanks to occasional painted markers on rocks and tree trunks. We reach a clearing, from which a path begins its descent into the valley. However, the Valfrío trail continues to the left, always ascending, traversing the upper reaches of the Duje River gorge. After about half an hour's hike, we find a spring and a drinking trough, perfect for refreshing ourselves and regaining our strength after the climb. To reach Valfrío, turn right onto the main track, pass the Puerta pass, and you'll see the first huts of the mountain pasture. There's also a stone beside the path engraved with the name of the area, the coat of arms of Asturias, and the yellow and white markings of the PR-AS-127 trail.

The path continues through the Valfrío mountain pasture, shaded by a row of ash trees, and reaches the bend in the ravine that descends from the Posadoiru pass and crosses the cluster of cabins. At this point, the PR-127 trail leaves the track and turns left to climb to the Roman road along the bottom of the valley formed by the ravine. Before reaching the Posadoiru pass, remnants of the original route of the Roman road of Caoru appear. From here, there are breathtaking views of the three massifs of the Picos de Europa.

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The path enters a grassy hollow and climbs towards a gap visible at the top of the valley, to the left of a cabin. This is the Colladín de Tabaos pass, the gateway to the splendid Tabaos mountain pasture and the spot where, on clear days, the summit of Naranjo de Bulnes can be seen . To the left, the silhouette of Peña Maín will be visible.

In summer , cows and horses roam the meadows . It's easy and fun to be tempted to give them bread or crackers. The problem is that when the food runs out, they're never satisfied and chase after children looking for more. Children should never be left alone when they approach animals.

Sleeping in and around Tielve

Although it's a small village, it boasts several rural guesthouses, and in nearby towns you'll also find hotels, apartments, hostels… a wide variety of accommodations to enjoy the Picos de Europa . Our link offers deals and direct contact with the owners, without intermediaries or commissions.