Above Brañavara lies A Pedra Dereta, an archaeological site in the central section of the Sierra de La Bobia. Two hiking routes include Brañavara in their names; a historical account also links the place with A Bruxa de Brañavara. A stay here therefore brings Roman military history, specific route distances and a historical figure into focus.

A Pedra Dereta: location, shape and camp type

A Pedra Dereta lies on an 891-metre-high hill, above Brañavara and near the border with the municipality of Castropol. The site has a pseudo-rectangular layout and covers about 8 to 9.5 hectares. An earthen rampart up to one metre high encloses the area. Classified as castra aestiva, A Pedra Dereta is considered a temporary camp or one used by the Roman army while on the march.

The terrain also helps define the site: the landscape of A Pedra Dereta extends down the eastern slope to a mountain pass with a spring. Thus, the description includes not only the hill but also the course of the eastern slope and the hollow with the spring.

Comparing two hiking routes

The Brañavara–Silvón route is listed as a one-way trail. It is 16.27 kilometres long and has a moderate technical difficulty level. The elevation range given for this route is 122 to 832 metres. Brañavara–Pilella is also a one-way trail; it is 21.77 kilometres long and its difficulty is listed as moderate. The one-way designation is useful for planning: the kilometre figures refer to each route in one direction, not to a round trip.

The comparison makes the difference clear: the route to Pilella is 5.50 kilometres longer than the one to Silvón. For Silvón, the technical difficulty level is specified; for Pilella, the stated difficulty is moderate. Check current conditions and access before setting out.

Landscape and historical connections

An older Asturian tourism guide describes a scenic drive from Boal to Vega de Ouría. It suggests a detour to Brañavara to take in the surrounding sierras. If you follow this suggestion, check current road conditions. The guide names Brañavara as a detour on a drive; the route information, by contrast, concerns two hiking trails with specific lengths.

A historical account also links Brañavara with the figure of A Bruxa de Brañavara. Visitors came from nearby settlements as well as from Lugo, Gijón, Oviedo, León, A Coruña and Madrid to consult her. The reference to the past places these visits within the historical account and distinguishes them from a current visitor offering.

For the broader travel overview: Parque Histórico Del Navia.