Bierces in Asturias: Sierra de Ques and Cultural Heritage

From the summit of Picu Bierces, also known as Pico Mayor, you can see the nearby Sierra del Sueve, the Sierra de Peña Mayor and other peaks of Piloña.

Nature and Trails

The Área El Chorrón is located in a pristine forest on the banks of the Río de La Cueva, also known as Río Pequeño. From there, a path approximately 200 metres long leads to the Cascada del Chorrón; from there, you can continue for about two kilometres to the abandoned village of La Cueva and a natural cave in the upper part of the village.

A path approximately three kilometres long leads from the Área Recreativa de La Cueva and the Santuario de La Cueva along the Río de La Marea to Peridiella. The Senda de La Peridiella, also known as Sendero Máxicu, runs parallel to the Río de La Marea through densely vegetated riverside forests and past small artistic interventions. An estimated duration of up to three hours is given for this trail.

Mountain Landscapes and Circular Routes

The route from Infiesto to Puente Miera crosses the Sierra de Ques after Montecoya and then continues to Cuerries de Maza. A hiking route then leads from Collado La Flecha for approximately three kilometres through the Sierra de Ques.

The circular route to Pico Mayor, also known as Pico Bierces, starts at the disused bottling plant in Ques, leads through Bierces and Beroñes, and reaches Collado La Flecha. Picu Bierces, also known as Pico Mayor, reaches an elevation of 769 metres.

The Bierces–Beroñes circular route is listed in the surroundings of Bierces as being 7.72 km long, with 358 metres of ascent. It leads from Bierces via the road to Beroñes and returns along a path through the sierra; the ascent is continuous, while the descent to Bierces is considered uneven.

The route to Pico Mayor, also known as Pico Bierces, in the Sierra de Ques is listed as being 10.61 km long, with 491 metres of ascent. Different route lengths, elevation gains and estimated durations provide several clear points of comparison for planning a day trip.

Culture and History

The Palacio de Sofelguera is listed as stop 26 on Piloña’s Ruta de Casonas and is recorded in the inventory of Asturias’s architectural heritage. The chapel of Santa Rita in the Palacio contains an altarpiece, probably dating from the 16th century, depicting the Apostle Santiago.

The sanctuary Santuario de la Virgen de la Cueva is located by the valley of Ques on the banks of the Río de La Marea; it has been a place of worship since the 16th century. Nuestra Señora de la Cueva is listed for Ques in September.

The archaeological exhibition “Los 13 del Sidrón” deals with the Neanderthal finds from the Cueva del Sidrón and their relationship to the stone tools found there.

Local Traditions

Hazelnuts are a fundamental part of Piloña’s confectionery tradition and belong to the identity of the municipality. The programme of the 54th Festival de la Avellana in 2025 included the sale of hazelnuts as well as a traditional market for handicrafts and food.

Access and Address Details

Bierces is listed as a stop on bus route 049-025 Ferreros–IES Infiesto. The bus route runs from Ferreros to IES Infiesto on the outbound journey and via Bierces on the return journey.

The three fully restored rural houses Casas Rurales El Nogal, El Regueru and El Roble are located at C/Bierces s/n, 33539 Piloña, Asturias.

Other Places

La Goleta, Robledo, Sevares, Villar De Huergo, Cereceda, Caldevilla, Cuerrias, San Román De Villa

For the higher-level travel overview: Piloña.