Discover Asturias on foot: an adventure between history, nature, and sea
At Las Mimosas del Nalón, we believe that some of the best learning doesn’t take place in a classroom, but outdoors, discovering places that spark curiosity and help us better understand the world around us. We highly recommend this activity for families and young people: one of the most interesting and surprising routes in central Asturias, the Ranón Trench Trail. It is an experience that combines nature, history, heritage and some of the most spectacular views of the Asturian coast. An easy and accessible route that allows children and young people to learn about an important chapter in our history whilst enjoying the stunning surroundings of the mouth of the River Nalón, Los Quebrantos Beach and San Juan de la Arena. Our aim is not simply to walk. We want participants to observe, ask questions, imagine and discover. We want them to understand what life was like almost a century ago, to appreciate the importance of preserving our historical heritage, and to learn to see the landscape through different eyes. This activity is part of our approach to tourism and education: authentic experiences that fuel curiosity, encourage contact with nature and create memories that last long after returning home. Asturias is an extraordinary classroom. And at Las Mimosas del Nalón, we love sharing it with our visitors. VIEW ROUTE ON WIKILOC THE TRENCH ROUTE Below, we’ll tell you all about what we’ll discover during this exciting route through the Ranón Trenches. Hello explorers! Today we have a very special route. Not only are we going to walk through one of the most beautiful spots in the Soto del Barco district, but we’re also going to travel back in time to discover how soldiers lived almost 90 years ago. We’re at the Ranón Trenches, a place where history and nature come together in a surprising way. What are trenches? Trenches are ditches dug into the ground that soldiers used to protect themselves during wars. Imagine you have to keep watch over an important area without being seen. The trenches were used to hide, move more safely and defend a position. The ones we are going to visit were built during the Spanish Civil War, between 1936 and 1937. Why were they built here? Look around you. Can you see the mouth of the River Nalón? Can you see San Juan de la Arena and Los Quebrantos Beach? From this spot, you can see a large part of the Asturian coast. That is why it was such an important strategic point. The soldiers could keep watch over anyone approaching by sea or land and sound the alarm if there was any danger. The soldiers’ lives Now let’s imagine what it was like to be here many years ago. There were no mobile phones. There was no internet. There were no video games. The soldiers spent many hours on watch, even at night. They had to endure rain, wind and cold, something we in Asturias know all too well. They often slept in dug-out shelters or in small concrete bunkers that we can still see today. If you look closely, some of the remaining structures are genuine witnesses to that era. The secret bunkers Along the route we’ll come across several bunkers. The bunkers were small concrete structures designed to protect the soldiers. They had narrow openings to observe the outside and defend the area without exposing themselves too much. You can imagine them as little fortresses hidden amongst the vegetation. The great viewpoint Now comes one of the best parts of the route. Let’s head towards the viewpoint. From here we can see: 🌊 Los Quebrantos Beach. 🏘️ San Juan de la Arena. 🚢 The mouth of the River Nalón. 🌿 The woods and meadows surrounding the whole area. As you take in the landscape, think about something interesting: the very spot we’re using today to enjoy the views was chosen many years ago because it offered a view of miles and miles of coastline. A challenge for true explorers As we walk, try to find: ✅ A trench. ✅ A fort. ✅ A spot where you can see the sea. ✅ A seabird. ✅ A plant or flower you don’t recognise. The natural surroundings of the trenches are just as fascinating as the history itself. The most important thing about this visit The trenches remind us of a difficult period in Spain’s history. Today, they are no longer used for war. They are used to learn. To remember. And to understand that places can have many stories to tell. That is why it is important to look after and respect them. What will you take away from this adventure? A walk through woods and along cliffs. A journey into the past. Spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea. And the chance to discover that history isn’t just in books… it’s also right under our feet. Now look up, breathe in the sea air and enjoy the scenery. Because few routes combine adventure, nature and history as well as the Ranón Trenches. 🌿🌊🏰😊