Before you set off. In Omaña you'll often come across cows and mastiffs guarding the herds. If you have a dog, keep it on a lead near livestock and on stretches next to the road. Download the route before you leave: mobile coverage in the mountains is limited. Maps of waymarked routes: Cuatro Valles Tourist Office, La Magdalena, Mon–Fri 8 am – 3 pm.
From Alto del Castro to Pandorado · our walk
Out and back · 4 km · flat · 1 h 15 · starts at the LE-4405 junction, next to the house.
Very flat with great views of the valley. Our favourite if you're bringing your dog.
Riello – Oterico – Villaceid – La Velilla
Loop · 9.8 km · 100 m ascent · 2 h · starts in Riello, 1 km away.
An almost flat walk along tracks and paths linking the villages around La Alberiza. Dogs: yes, with care; there's livestock and some stretches near the road, so keep them on a lead there.
Cueto Rosales · the Omaña viewpoint
Loop · 5.3 km · 225 m ascent · 2 h – 2 h 30 · Rosales, 12 km · 20 min.
From Rosales you climb to the top of the Cueto (1,557 m), a natural balcony over Omaña and the Valle Gordo. Suitable for children used to walking. Drive via Castro de la Lomba (LE-4405); avoid the El Castillo road, which is very narrow and winding. Parking in Rosales is limited.
Paladín boardwalks · Samario valley
Loop · 6.1 km · flat · 1 h 30 · La Utrera, 10 km · 15 min.
A riverside walk on wooden boardwalks between La Utrera, La Garandilla and Paladín, through riverside woodland and past the church of La Garandilla. Perfect for families and in autumn. To round off the day: the La Utrera swimming spot in summer and Bar La Utrera (closed Wednesdays).
Omaña riverside · Inicio – Trascastro de Luna
Loop · 6.9 km · almost flat · 1 h 45 – 2 h · Inicio, about 10 min via the LE-451.
A walk along the banks of the Omaña among alder groves and meadows, with the ruins of Trascastro castle halfway. Lovely in any season, even with snow.
La Omañuela – Guisatecha · the Zancas walk
Out and back · 4.2 km · flat · 1 h 15 · 5 km · 10 min.
A shady riverside walk along the Omaña, on a stretch of the "Forgotten" Way of St James. It passes the La Omañuela pool, one of the best swimming spots in the area: bring your swimsuit in summer.
Las Miédolas · Rome's gold
Loop · 5.1 km · 150 m ascent · 1 h 40 · Las Omañas, 17 km · 20 min.
A walk among the remains of ancient Roman gold mines, on a small scale. It starts from the Las Omañas picnic area, with tables to eat at afterwards. Note: the path skirts an active gravel quarry and has changed over the years; follow this track, updated in October 2023.
Los Calderones · the Piedrasecha gorge
Loop · 8.5 km · 335 m ascent · 3 h · Piedrasecha, 19 km · 25 min.
A rocky gorge carved by the Calderones stream, reached by a mountain road through a narrow pass. Mostly on tracks and easy to follow. Before the gorge, a detour to the right climbs to the Cueva de las Palomas, with the Virgen del Manadero chapel. The route continues to the ruins of Santas Martas; if you're short of time, go that far and come back the same way. Take care in the gorge: the rock is slippery when wet. Parking at the village entrance, next to the route sign.
Fishing. The Omaña is one of León's benchmark trout rivers: no dams, with otters and centuries-old alder groves. Its season ends in late August. If you come later, the nearby Luna is a regulated river where fishing is allowed until mid-October. Dates are set each year by the regional government. Ask us about stretches and permits.