Brañas de Teverga Route

Route Description

The Teverga Brañas Route (PR.AS-104) is a master class in outdoor history. It takes us to discover the way of life of the vaqueiros de alzada, nomadic shepherds who spent the summer in these high mountain cabins.

The tour begins in Barrio, a town that preserves enviable traditional architecture. The climb is demanding but runs through shady areas until reaching the braña of Fonfría, one of the largest in Teverga. Here, the teitos (cottages with green roofs) are grouped together in an impressive natural amphitheater.

We continue ascending towards Collado de la Magdalena, the highest point, where the views open towards the Camín Real de la Mesa and the peaks of Somiedo. From here, the terrain softens until you reach the braña of La Mesa, next to the Camín Real, with its curious stone-roofed corros and teito-thatched huts.

The final descent returns us to Barrio, closing a perfect circle between nature, culture and sport.

💡 Practical Tips

• Effort: according to the official PR-AS 104 route sheet, this is a very tough route (16.5 km and about 1,300 m of elevation gain). It includes the Pasu Malu, a staircase carved into the rock beside a stream, hemmed in and slippery when wet: take it slowly on the way down.
• Water: There is a spring at the braña of Fonfría and another near the braña of La Mesa, but in summer it can be scarce.
• Fog: The high area (La Magdalena) is prone to fog. Bring GPS or map.
• Fauna: It is bear territory. If you see a bear, enjoy your luck from afar and don’t get close.
• Cycling: Although it is hard, some sections are cyclable for expert mountain bikers, but the descent is technical.

📸 Key Points

• The huts of the braña of Fonfría and the corros of the braña of La Mesa.
• The panoramic views from the Collado de la Magdalena.
• The Pasu Malu passage and the braña of L’Aguil, with huts now roofed with tiles.