La Vega Beach
There is something very satisfying about walking to the sea from the mountains and Playa La Vega where this walk takes you is a lovely wild sandy beach. The first hour of the walk is the hardest as you climb continually along quiet lanes. I started the walk quite early in the morning and I was surprised just how many different birds I could hear in the trees that lined the road side. There was even the continual hammering of a woodpecker.
Trees on the side of the road
It was one of those mornings when there was mist in the valley but it wasn’t long before I walked up out of the mist into brilliant sun and could see the snow capped Picos de Europa in the distance.
Walking out of the mist
After about 3 kms the climbing ends and you leave the road to start following forestry tracks which gently descend along the Fito hills. Along the track there is a mix of pine and eucalyptus forests as well as open views towards the surrounding hills and mountains. After about two hours walking you cross a small coll and in the distance have your first sighting of the coast. I was checking our self guided walking notes as I walked and was pleased to see that despite the number of different tracks the notes seemed to explain the route well.
Forestry tracks
The walk carries on winding around different tracks and eventually comes out at the Berbes golf course. Over the years I’ve watched how they have managed to convert this rough hilly terrain into a manicured golf course. Although it’s still quite rough compared to a lot of sites it’s gone a long way from when they used to use cattle and sheep to maintain the greens! They’ve even built a small wooden clubhouse to replace the original club house which used to be a tin shed.
Just before arriving at the golf course
After passing through the golf course you follow a small lane to the old coastal road which you cross and then wind your way down through fields to arrive at La Vega Beach with its fine golden sands and quite strong currents. There are two bar restaurants by the beach one of which is a good fish restaurant.
Golden sands of La Vega Beach
If you’ve still got the energy it’s possible to extend the walk onto Ribadesella a lovely coastal town. To carry on walking to Ribadesella first you pass through the hamlet of La Vega with its protected microclimate. Much to my envy I noticed small vegetable gardens with potatoes plants well over 30cms high; my potatoes haven’t even appeared above the soil yet. There was an avocado tree with fruits on as well as other exotic tender plants.
The hamlet of La vega
Once up and out of La Vega hamlet you go through a small forest and then pass a farm with an organic cider apple plantation. You then follow a small lane along the head land till you come to Terrenes with its two bars where it’s well worth a drink and a rest to admire the views. After continuing on country lanes a small path takes you through a forest and then brings you out at the far end of the beach at Ribadesella. It’s a lovely contrast walking along the promenade at Ribadesella dotted with its fine summer houses. Finally you walk along the river estuary till you come to the main bridge to cross over the river Sella and then you’re in the old the town of Ribadesella.
The river estuary at Ribadesella
In Ribadesella it’s possible to get a train or bus back to Arriondas (3 kms ) from the hotel, though the services are not that frequent.
Technical Information
Profile Hotel Playa La Vega Ribadesella
Download GPS track from Wikiloc
Self guided walking notes and GPS trail available for guests from the hotel
| Type of walk | A to B |
| Starting Point | Hotel |
| Finishing Point | La Vega Beach or Ribadesella |
| Public transport options | Need to get a taxi back to Hotel from La Vega or train from Ribadesella |
| Grading | Medium |
| Total Length | 16 km to La Vega 25 km to Ribadesella |
| Total Ascent | 480 m to La vega, 730 m to Ribadesella |
| Altitude | 179 – 460 – 0 |
| Total Walking time | 4 ½ hours to La Vega 6 hours to Ribadesella |
| Terrain | Mostly forest tracks and country lanes |
| Navigation | Fairly easy |
| Refreshments | Bar in Playa la Vega and in Ribadesella |
| Map | Mapa Topográfico nacional de España: Colunga + Ribadesella |
