La Stage 2 of the Llanes – Covadonga route unites the village of The Alleys, in the Ardisana Valley, with the town of Heart, in the council of Cangas de Onís. With a length of about 22,5 km, depending on the variant, is the stage longer and more demanding of the entire route, since it combines a notable slope with a great diversity of landscapes: hills, sheepfolds, rural villages and panoramic views of the Sierra del Cuera and the Picos de Europa.
It is a An intense day, but also one of the most spectacular, Where the The cultural imprint of traditional villages blends with the grandeur of the Asturian mountains.
🗺 How to get there
See on Google Maps: Stage 2 Los Callejos – Corao
El point of this stage 2 of the Camín del Oriente is located in The Alleys, in the heart of the Ardisana Valley, between the towns of Riocaliente and Vibaño.
- 🚗 By car: To get to Los Callejos from Llanes, take the AS-115 en direction Posada de Llanes and continue along local roads to the valleyParking can be difficult, so it's best to arrange support transportation or stay locally.
- 🚶 Connection to Stage 1: Those who complete the full route reach Los Callejos on foot from Llanes, connecting directly with the start of this second day.
🌄 Detailed route description
La Stage 2 of the Camín del Oriente (GR-105.2) It is the longest and most demanding of the entire route, with some 22,5 km which suppose between 7 and 8 hours of walkingThis section offers a fascinating contrast: from the serenity of the Ardisana Valley to the mountain passes and sheepfolds, to finally descend to the historic village of Heart, in the municipality of Cangas de Onís. It's a day that combines physical exertion with the rewards of spectacular panoramic views and an immersion in the most authentic Asturias.
🔹 Section 1: Los Callejos and the soul of the Ardisana Valley (approx. 6 km)
The stage begins in The Alleys, in the heart of the Ardisana Valley, one of the most beautiful and best preserved rural environments in LlanesThe path winds its way through meadows, farmhouses and small villages, surrounded by a landscape that conveys calm and tradition. The dirt and stone roads, flanked by moss-covered walls, mark a friendly beginning that goes gaining height little by littleThis section is perfect to appreciate the Asturian peasant life and its intimate relationship with nature.
🔹 Section 2: Ascent to mountain passes and sheepfolds (approx. 8 km)
Once past the lower part of the valley, The route ascends more decisively towards the higher areasThe road goes into chestnut and oak forests, before opening up to hills where the view expands dramatically. Here appear the majadas, ancient grazing settlements that are a reminder of the importance of transhumant livestock farming in the area. This is the most demanding section of the stage, with accumulated gradients, but also the most impressive: on clear days, the view reaches as far as the Sierra del Cuera like the peaks of the Picos de Europa, creating an unforgettable landscape.
🔹 Section 3: Descent towards Corao, Covadonga Gate (approx. 8,5 km)
After crossing the high areas, the trail begins a progressive descent towards the municipality of Cangas de Onís. The road passes through rural villages and grasslands where the slow pace of traditional life is still preserved, with grazing cattle and centuries-old granaries. The stage concludes in Heart, a historic town that has been a key point on the approach to Covadonga for centuries. With its farmhouses and natural surroundings, it represents the perfect transition between the mountains and the next spiritual destination on the route.
🏞 Tips and recommendations
This stage 2 of the Llanes – Covadonga route It is the most demanding of the three, therefore it is necessary to take into consideration the following tips and recommendations:
- 👟 Durable mountain footwear: essential to face the ascent and descent sections.
- 💧 enough water: Supply points are scarce during the stage.
- ???? Light meal: it's a long day; It is advisable to bring snacks or a picnic.
- 🌦 Attention to the weather: In high areas there may be fog or sudden changes in the weather.
- 🚗 Logistics: the most advisable thing is sleep in Corao or Cangas de Onís at the end of the stage.
📜 History and Culture
La Stage 2 connecting Los Callejos and Corao It clearly reflects the historical and cultural evolution of eastern Asturias. Along the route, hikers pass through spaces where the peasant and pastoral life has been the basis of subsistence for centuries. The majadas that dot the high areas are testimony to the transhumant livestock farming, a fundamental activity that shaped both the landscape and local customs.
The path also connects with ancient communication routes between valleys, used by muleteers, merchants, and shepherds traveling with their flocks. These trails, now part of the long-distance route, were for centuries the natural link between coastal and mountain communities.
arrival at Heart has a special meaning. This town was historically a crossroads Toward Covadonga and the Picos de Europa. Its farmhouses, granaries, and traditional architecture reflect the area's rural traditions, while its location made it a key point in the territorial structure and in welcoming hikers and pilgrims on their way to the Royal Site.
Overall, this stage is a journey through the Asturian rural memory, where the constant interaction between humans and the mountains is evident at every stretch of the trail.
🛏 Where to sleep
At the end of this long day, the most convenient accommodation options are found in the town itself. Heart or, if you are looking for a wider range of offers, in Cangas de Onis, located a few kilometers away and with an excellent tourist infrastructure.
- 🏡 Heart → The village offers rural cottages and small family accommodations, perfect for those seeking tranquility and proximity to the start of the next stage towards Covadonga.
- ???? Cangas de Onis → One of the most visited destinations in Asturias, with a wide variety of hotels, apartments, and rural accommodations. It's ideal for those looking for more services, restaurants, and local life after the hike.
👉 You can check all available options and book easily at Booking – Accommodations in Corao and Cangas de Onís.
