In Espinama, striking hiking routes meet a rich architectural history: one circular trail follows the Deva and passes through Las Ilces, while another crosses the mountain pastures of Áliva to Fuente Dé. Churches, a historic bridge and La Casona add to the picture of the village.
Hiking: Circular Trail along the Deva and Route across Áliva
The PR-PNPE 26, Ruta Hayedo de las Ilces, is a 10.4-kilometre circular trail that starts and ends in Espinama. It is recommended to begin by walking counterclockwise; the route is signposted in this direction. Its length provides a practical reference for planning your hike.
On the Deva’s right bank, the Ruta Hayedo de las Ilces follows the river below the forests that descend from the peaks of Coriscao. It passes through Las Ilces, linking the riverbank, wooded slopes and the village on a circuit that begins and ends in Espinama.
The PR-PNPE 24, Ruta Puertos de Áliva, follows a different course: it leads from El Cable across the extensive mountain pastures of Áliva and descends to Fuente Dé. Beech and oak forests appear along the final section. The two routes therefore differ not only in their landscapes, but also in their format and endpoints: the Ruta Hayedo de las Ilces is a circular trail starting in Espinama, while the Ruta Puertos de Áliva runs from El Cable to Fuente Dé.
The final section of the Ruta Puertos de Áliva is an alternative to the path that descends to Espinama. From Espinama, it is 2.5 kilometres uphill by road to Fuente Dé. When planning your trip, distinguish this road connection from the hiking route. Trail and mountain conditions can vary depending on the season. Check the current signposting on site, as well as road access and parking, before setting out.
Espinama and its Architectural History
Espinama and Pido together make up the upper part of the Valdebaró valley and are considered a suitable starting point for excursions into the Picos de Europa. The village’s buildings also offer contrasting features: the new church stands on a hill overlooking Espinama, while the Iglesia Vieja is dedicated to Saint Vincent the Martyr.
The Centro Parroquial de Espinama, the new church, was built between 1966 and 1968 to a design by architect Ángel Hernández Morales. The church and its ancillary rooms are arranged in an L shape around a square courtyard. A colonnade with cloister-like design elements defines the courtyard. The building has two clearly distinguishable features: its position above the village and its layout around the courtyard.
The Iglesia Vieja dates back to the late 16th century, although its origins are sometimes placed a century later. It was built by stonemasons from Trasmiera. Next to the old church stands the Puente de San Vicente: the bridge was built towards the end of the 18th century with the support of Alejandro Rodríguez de Cosgaya. The church and bridge are thus two neighbouring landmarks in the village’s history, dating from different periods.
La Casona, Espinama’s largest manor house, is located in the neighbourhood of Resturo. Notable details include two large coats of arms and elaborate ornamentation on the stone-framed windows, wooden gallery and eaves. These features add an example of secular architecture to the churches and bridge.
The first known documentary mention of hórreos in Espinama dates from 26 July 1463. The Hórreos de Liébana are a regional type of free-standing grain and food store, with walls made of wooden boards and tiled roofs. The roofs of the Hórreos de Liébana have either two or four slopes. The Hórreos de Liébana stand about two metres above the ground on four or six truncated-pyramid supports made of wood or stone, known as “pegollos”.
Discover more destinations: Turieno, Lon, Cosgaya, Pembes, Pido, Fuente Dé.
Go to the main travel overview: Camaleño.
