The half-kilometre-long trail along the Deva stands alongside a challenging route spanning several stages. This range provides a helpful starting point for planning: Cosgaya connects trails of very different lengths with woodland and river landscapes, as well as historical associations.
Routes with varying levels of challenge
The GR-PNPE 202 Ruta de la Reconquista runs for 58.6 kilometres from Covadonga to Cosgaya. Along the way, it passes through meadows, forests, high mountain passes and deep gorges. The route is considered challenging and must be divided into at least three stages. This makes it a multi-stage undertaking, quite unlike a short trail such as the route to the waterfall.
The Peña Oviedo route starts in Areños, a district of Cosgaya. It passes through a forest of Pyrenean oaks to the Collado del Campo la Santa and continues towards Pembes. The sequence of starting point, oak forest, pass and onward direction provides clear landmarks for this route. The two routes also differ in what shapes the planning: for the Reconquista, it is the length and stages; for Peña Oviedo, it is the forest, pass and direction towards Pembes.
Riverbanks, forests and tracks
The PR-PNPE 26 Ruta Hayedo de las Ilces follows the Pista de Pierga towards Cosgaya, along the right bank of the Deva River. It runs below the dense forests that descend from the peaks of Coriscao. Unlike the meadows, high mountain passes and gorges of the Ruta de la Reconquista, this route focuses on the riverbank and forested slopes.
Several agricultural tracks lead from Cosgaya on excursions through beech and oak forests. One track climbs to the Collado de Llesba near Puerto de San Glorio; another passes through the forest towards Pido. These add further route options to the named trails, each heading in a different direction: a pass near Puerto de San Glorio, or a continuation through the forest towards Pido.
The trail to the waterfall at the Vejo Caves
The trail to the waterfall at the Vejo Caves is half a kilometre long and follows the Deva River. In 2024, a footpath was built in Cosgaya to make it easier to reach the waterfall viewpoint and a picnic area. This short route is very different in length from the 58.6-kilometre Ruta de la Reconquista. Before visiting, check whether access is currently possible.
Historical associations in Cosgaya
Cosgaya honours Don Pelayo with a statue. According to local lore, the Asturian king Fávila, Don Pelayo’s son, was killed by a bear in Cosgaya, on Monte La Calavera. The tribute to Don Pelayo and the story about his son are two distinct historical associations: the statue on the one hand, and the account of Fávila and Monte La Calavera on the other.
Road directions
Cosgaya is on the CA-185, on the Potes–Fuente Dé route, at kilometre 13+200 in the direction of Fuente Dé.
Discover more destinations: Pido, Fuente Dé, Pembes, Espinama, Turieno, Lon.
Return to the main travel overview: Camaleño.
