Cordel de Merinas Trail

The Cordel de Merinas Trail is a circular route that starts and ends in the village of Abelgas de Luna, located within the Valles de Omaña y Luna Biosphere Reserve. You can typically find parking within the village itself, near the trailhead.

The terrain is quite varied. It begins by winding through Abelgas de Luna village, then follows the Cuartero stream through a deep limestone gorge. You'll also encounter pastures with karst formations like sinkholes. While some sections have gentle slopes and soft surfaces, others can be 'technical' with pronounced descents. Be aware that parts can be slick with leaves and rocks, especially after rain, so careful footing is essential.

Given its 'moderate' difficulty for jogging and the presence of varied, sometimes technical terrain with pronounced descents, this trail is generally more suitable for experienced trail runners or joggers comfortable with uneven surfaces. Beginners might find certain sections challenging, particularly when wet.

You'll experience spectacular landscapes within the Biosphere Reserve. Highlights include the Path from Abelgas to Mallo, near the Cuartero stream, offering views of a deep limestone gorge. You'll also pass by the View of Prado Espino, the Collado de San Lorenzo, and a beautiful Path Through Oak Trees. The route also boasts views of the Pereda River with several waterfalls.

The area is particularly vibrant and beautiful in spring, making it an excellent time to visit. However, be mindful that during wet seasons, the path can become slick due to leaves and rocks, requiring extra caution. Autumn also offers stunning scenery with changing foliage.

While the trail is generally accessible, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially given its location within the Valles de Omaña y Luna Biosphere Reserve. This helps protect local wildlife and ensures a pleasant experience for all trail users.

As the trail is located within the Valles de Omaña y Luna Biosphere Reserve, there are typically no specific permits or entrance fees required for general access to the trail itself. However, always respect local regulations and signage regarding protected areas.

The trail starts and ends in Abelgas de Luna. While it's a small village, you might find local establishments or services. For a wider range of amenities, including cafes and pubs, you may need to venture to larger towns in the surrounding Valles de Omaña y Luna region.

Given the varied and potentially technical terrain, sturdy trail running shoes with good grip are highly recommended. Bring enough water, especially on warmer days, as sources may be limited. Depending on the season, consider layers of clothing, and a light rain jacket if there's a chance of wet weather, as parts of the trail can become slick.

Be prepared for a pronounced descent and potentially technical sections, especially if the path is wet from leaves and rocks. While the route is circular, some experienced runners suggest tackling it in a specific direction to manage the descents more comfortably. Always pay attention to your footing, particularly along the gorge and karst formations.