Redes Natural Park in Asturias, what to see and how to go up to Brañagallones

Surely an image you have of Asturias lies in its mountainous and green landscapes.

And it is true, because there are many of us (more if we live on the plateau, as is my case) who, when We travel to Asturias, one of the main reasons is to enjoy those landscapes.

But if you also like mountainous regions, with lush beech and oak forests, for hiking, in the southeast of Asturias You have an area that is not very well known, but that reserves you truly beautiful corners.

I mean the Redes natural park, which you find in the upper area of ​​the Nalón Valley.

Where is and how to get to the Redes natural park

This area was declared parque natural in 1996, and in 2001 the Unesco included it among his Biosphere reserves.

Al Redes natural park You arrive on the AS-117 highway from Langreo, passing through Pola de Laviana, and after surrounding the Tarna Reservoir, it takes you up to the Tarna port, now on the border with León.

The park occupies 377 square kilometers and its two councils are Overscopy and Case, which group together about 50 towns and villages.

Is in Case Fieldprecisely where you find the Network Visitor Center, with all the useful information to visit it.

What to see and do in Redes Park

Y what you can do in the Redes natural park? Walk and enjoy its lush landscapes.

To do this, regardless of whether you can drive to the port of Tarna Along the winding road that will offer you beautiful panoramic views, it is advisable to climb the mountains to go hiking and delve deeper into the beech forests.

How to go up to Vega Brañagallones, all the options

The most visited place in the Redes natural park is called Vega Brañagallones.

It is a large meadow located in the mountain range of this natural park where numerous traditional ranchers' cabins are concentrated, a place that shows us one of the most beautiful landscapes of said park.

From Brañagallons You have the possibility of hiking along different marked routes that run through the nearby peaks that already border the province of León.

To go up to Vega Brañagallones, which is located at 1.240 meters above sea level, there is a dirt track, but with the limitation that access is closed to unauthorized vehicles.

Therefore, visitors who want to access the braña have two alternatives.

From your accommodation in one of the hotels and rural houses of the Nalón River Valley you must go to the small town of bezanes, where you find a wide parking right at the beginning of the rural road that ascends to Brañagallons, which is 11 kilometers away.

If you like hiking, from the parking lot, you can walk up, which will take you about two and a half hours.

You will find the steepest slopes in the first sections, while in the second part of the route the path is steeper.

Of course you also have the option of ride a mountain bike.

Walking down will take you about two hours.

Go up to Brañagallones in 4×4

The second alternative is book an excursion at the Interpretation Center of the Redes natural park, in the village of Case, where you can send an email or call by phone in advance of your trip.

Another alternative is to hire a 4×4 taxi, as we did on our trip a while ago.

In the latter case, they are all-terrain vehicles that can take you closer to the different mountainous places in the area. Redes natural park for its ability to travel on the often rugged rural roads.

So for go up to Brañagallones, the taxi all terrain  It will take you to the braña to enjoy the beautiful landscapes for a brief time and then get off in the same vehicle.

Of course, I will tell you that the most common thing is to use the all-terrain vehicle to go up and then, after the visit, walk down.

You also have the option of going up in the morning and after spending the day hiking through the peaks or simply resting in the meadow, getting off in the same taxi, which will come up to pick you up at a specific time, the cost of which in this case will be that of another new service.

In our case, we got into the all-terrain taxi Rafael Fernández (689893051), who actually fulfills more the function of tour guide than that of a simple taxi driver.

Their continuous explanations during the tour, letting us know the characteristics of the natural area (fauna, flora...) and the traditional way of life of the ranchers, enrich the excursion and allow you to better appreciate the landscapes and understand the culture of the inhabitants of this area. remote area of ​​Asturias.

Incós hill in Redes park

But apart from climbing this braña, you can also climb other mountains in the area. network park, such as the Incós hill, either hiking, or in the aforementioned 4×4 vehicle.

This will allow you to walk through very leafy beech forests, see chestnut and birch trees, and also spot the fauna of the area.

And you can also spot wildlife of the area. The most emblematic of network park They are chamois, but there are also deer, roe deer and wolves.

In addition to mammals, you can also see birds of prey, such as vultures, falcons, goshawks, and six pairs of golden eagles have also been detected.

Finally, you visit to the Redes natural park in Asturias will allow you to see examples of rural culture, such as traditional Madreñas workshop in Pendones, and taste the gastronomy area.

And, in this regard, do not forget to discover and taste the tasty Casin Cheese.