Local Walk 4: El Arbeyal

Rising to the edge of the valley through the woods between Brecín and La Formiga, the route circles Pico Viyao (the mountain directly to the right of our garden). Here there are spectacular views over the valley towards the Picos de Europa. It continues along an asphalt track through a eucalyptus forest and more woods down to the hamlet of Busllería. Closing the circle back to el gran sueño you pass the church of Pintueles surrounded by grazing cattle in pastures.

1. Start at Plaza of El Caspio: The journey begins in the plaza of El Caspio, right opposite our guest house. Here, you'll enter the inviting woods.
2. Through the Woods to Brecín: Venture through the well-worn path in the woods until you emerge onto the road. Take the turn leading to Brecín, located in the upper lefthand corner of the hamlet.
3. Uphill Walk in the Woodland: In the hamlet, locate and follow the woodland path as it begins the uphill section of the walk.
4. Ascending to La Formiga: Turn left upon reaching the woods and continue uphill. After a 1 km walk, you'll arrive at La Formiga.
5. Hill Climb Behind La Formiga: Proceed behind the house on the road, climbing uphill. After 300 metres, make a sharp right turn and continue ascending.
6. Pass the Animal Enclosure: 200 metres later, you'll pass a small animal enclosure on your left, followed by a dirt track to the right.
7. Around Pico Viyao: This 2 km dirt track encircles Pico Viyao. From the southern side, enjoy stunning views of the Picos de Europa and spot el gran sueño below. Continue until you meet the asphalt road, then turn right.
8. Road Fork and Downhill Path: After 700 metres, at a fork, take the left road, leading downhill through a eucalyptus forest. Follow this road for 2 km, then descend a steep hill to a T-junction.
9. Towards La Roza: Turn left at the T-junction and climb a slight hill for 300 metres to reach La Roza, marked by a grand farmhouse with a walled garden. Turn right and walk along the grass track.
10. Through the Woods to Busllería: The path continues through the woods for 400 metres, leading you to Busllería, a small hamlet. Keep walking downhill with the houses on your right.
11. To the Church of San Cristóbal: From Busllería, head towards the church of San Cristóbal in Pintueles, 800 metres away. At a T-junction 600 metres in, turn left, passing the church and continuing along the lane.
12. Final Stretch to El Gran Sueño: Pass a farmhouse, then take a sharp right turn up a hill. Half-way up, at a road triangle, turn left. You'll pass the manor house, a granary, and farm buildings. As you near the last house, the road turns right up a hill, leading to el gran sueño.