From Cubillas de Arbas the horizon opens into mountains, villages with history and mountain flavours. Here is a map of sensations to imagine your days here.
Pick a pace or mix them all: the same sunrise can be a trail from Cubillas, mountain adventure, nearby towns or a good meal.
From your doorstep
The campsite sits in Cubillas de Arbas: many of the valley’s best hikes start in the village or within easy walking distance. Our favourites below, from easiest to hardest; Wikiloc has dozens of GPS tracks to download.
Stroll
Leave the campsite to wander the village: stone houses, the church and the green of the valley without getting in the car.
No marked route needed: lanes, nearby meadows and the murmur of the valley are enough for an unhurried afternoon.
Summit
The valley classic: a loop from San Mamés church to the summit (1,862 m), with views of the reservoir, Las Tres Marías and the Cantabrian range.
Final ridge with airy sections; avoid snow and wear proper mountain shoes. One of the most downloaded tracks in the area.
Summit
Loop over two emblematic summits (1,937 m and 1,865 m), with Casares reservoir and limestone walls as a backdrop.
Trails sometimes fade among meadows and the ascent gully; a moderate mountain day, especially lovely in spring.
Traverse
A mountain day linking the three most characteristic peaks of the area in one go.
Varied terrain — gully, ridges and Collada Ferreras — with constant views over Cubillas and the reservoir.
Valley
A nearly flat circuit around the reservoir, linking Casares and Cubillas on gentle paths with water views.
Ideal for families or easy recovery after a summit day; picnic on the shore and an unhurried afternoon.
Traverse
A demanding traverse along the Las Tres Marías ridge: María de los Corros (1,957 m), Peña Esquina, Brazosa, Hoyos and Barragana.
For experienced hikers only: full day, good navigation and solid mountain fitness; one of the great classics of the valley.
Mountain adventure
Beyond hiking from Cubillas, there are many other ways to enjoy the valley: trail races, via ferratas, ancient beech woods, MTB or climbing. Ordered from nearest to farthest.
Trail running
A mountain race held every May in the valley where we are: forests, cols and Alto Bernesga scenery as the backdrop.
Routes from 5.5 km to 23 km, with categories for juniors, cadets and children; pre-race meet-ups to walk the loops too.
Via ferrata
One of the first via ferratas in León, on Peña el Castillo (1,400 m), with views of Casares reservoir and the biosphere reserve.
About 500 m of route and 150 m of elevation (K3–K4); signposted access from Cubillas. Prior permit required from the village council.
Climbing
Limestone crags around the valley, ideal to combine with an active stay in Cubillas de Arbas.
Naturocio and other local operators run guided outings, courses and gear hire; check reserve rules before going on your own.
Mountain biking
A 35 km loop through the Biosphere Reserve: Boyariza beech wood, Celorio trail, Paradilla, Folledo, Casares reservoir and Cubillas de Arbas.
Little tarmac and almost fully rideable; only the La Gril trail may require pushing in places. Start and finish can be adjusted to Cubillas, Geras or Pto. de Aralla.
Trail & viewpoint
A six-metre giant swing by Amancio González, with views of the valley, the chapel and the surrounding peaks.
Reach it on foot via the Celorio trail (Geras–Paradilla), an easy circular route mixing nature, sculpture and literature.
Beech woods
Faedo de Ciñera: 4.5 km circular trail on boardwalks among beeches over 500 years old — one of Europe’s southernmost beech forests.
Also worth visiting Hayedo de La Boyariza in Geras de Gordón: a beech wood to get lost in, especially in autumn.
Active tourism
Guided buggy or off-road routes through the Biosphere Reserve: beech woods, mountain passes, Solana or the Gordón–Arbas loop.
They also offer shuttle uplifts for MTB descents on Zona Alfa without exhausting climbs; book ahead.
MTB centre
IMBA-certified MTB centre in the Alto Bernesga Reserve: singletrack trails, circular routes and flow lines in La Pola and La Robla.
Over 320 km of cycling itineraries across five sectors; free access respecting temporary closures. Shuttles available via Alto Bernesga 4×4.
Villages & cities
From nearest to farthest: Cubillas and surrounding villages, La Pola for everyday services, Pajares and Valporquero for day trips, and León or Oviedo when you want a city break.
Village
This is where the campsite sits: the square, the church and the everyday rhythm of the village.
In a short walk you already pick up traces of mining heritage woven into local life.
Village
About 10 minutes by car you will find a supermarket, pharmacy and municipal pool for everyday needs; the campsite also has a small shop.
Castile and León’s sunny climate meets Asturias’ deep green here — a unique microclimate at the gateway to the valley.
Village
Casares is a mountain village with wide views and a strong memory of coal and life around the mine.
It rewards a slow walk and attention to mining heritage still readable in the surroundings.
Heritage
A gem of Leonese Romanesque, tied to the story of the Pajares route and a past as a pilgrims’ hospital.
You can visit in a short time and still feel you have touched something deep about the valley.
Municipal capital
Half an hour by car, the municipal capital: health centre with 24-hour emergency care, municipal pool and several bars to stop in.
A handy reference point for services and for linking up with routes through Alto Bernesga, La Robla or the Ciñera beech wood.
Ski resort
The nearest winter resort, about 30 km away: slopes, cable car, ski school and on-piste dining.
Summer mountain activities too; check opening calendar and snow conditions before you go.
Natural heritage
One of León’s great underground wonders: stalactites, stalagmites and spectacular chambers in Valporquero del Torío.
Guided visits with standard and long tours; open season from March to October (check hours on the website).
City
Provincial capital, an hour by car: Gothic cathedral, monuments and a charming old town to explore.
Famous for León’s tapas culture: in many bars across the province, each drink often comes with a free tapa.
City
Capital of Asturias, 83 km away: airport, old town full of cider houses and a relaxed atmosphere for strolling.
From Oviedo it is only about 30 km to Gijón and the Cantabrian Sea — a good mix of city break and beach.
Mountain flavours
When you ask us where to eat, these are the places we recommend from the heart: trusted tables, homely local cooking and spots where you are welcomed warmly, without any rush.
Hotel-restaurant
In Cubillas de Arbas, minutes from the campsite, with valley views.
Daily set menu with local produce and homely mountain cooking.
Country inn
In Poladura de la Tercia, with mountain home cooking at the restaurant.
Weekend tasting menu with local produce; booking strongly recommended.
Inn
A landmark in Villamanín since 1945, with its own artisan charcuterie factory.
Generous portions and Leonese mountain flavour; a classic stop in the area.
Restaurant
Family factory and restaurant in Geras de Gordón, with rustic décor and a welcoming feel.
House-made charcuterie and spoon dishes to recharge after a day outdoors.
Restaurant
In the heart of Geras, known for its rice dishes and Rosi’s cooking.
Shop on site with house charcuterie and Leonese pantry products.
Restaurant
On the N-630 in Ciñera de Gordón, with terraces and views of the Bernesga river.
Vegetarian options on the menu and daily set menu as well.
Don't miss your spot at Camping Valle de Arbas. Contact us to book your pitch.
Travelling with a pet? You are welcome too.
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