Faedo de Ciñera de Gordón, a fairytale beech forest near León
The Faedo de Ciñera is a tranquil haven of pure nature in León’s Central Mountains: a century-old beech woodland lining the waters of the Arroyo del Villar, offering storybook scenes especially in spring and autumn.
Extent and location
- Covering just 1.5 km² in the municipality of Ciñera de Gordón, province of León.
- Sits at about 1,000 m altitude within the Alto Bernesga Biosphere Reserve.
Trails and routes
- Faedo Trail (3 km, 1 h): a circular waymarked route along the stream through the densest stands of beech.
- Arcediano Viewpoint: a 500 m spur offering panoramic valley views and Peña Ubiña peaks.
- Rest areas with wooden benches and interpretive panels on local flora and geology.
Biodiversity and ecosystem
- Dominated by Fagus sylvatica (beech), with yew, holly and maple.
- Rich fungal community: oyster mushrooms, saffron milk caps and amanitas.
- Birdlife: tits, jays and woodpeckers; mammals: roe deer, wild boar and shrews.
“Fagus”, the centennial queen
A beech known as “Fagus” is about 500 years old and dominates the understorey. It features in Árboles, leyendas vivas as one of Spain’s 100 most notable trees.
Best time to visit
- Spring: fresh translucent greens and beech blossoms.
- Autumn: golden leaf carpet and mists over the stream.
- Avoid heavy rain days to protect the fragile trail.
Conservation and protection
- Part of the Alto Bernesga Biosphere Reserve.
- Local stewardship: villagers help maintain paths and control visitor numbers.
- Picking mushrooms without permission and straying off marked trails is prohibited.
How to get there and services
- Access via LE-112 from La Pola de Gordón (15 km).
- Park-and-ride at the entrance; picnic area with tables.
- Interpretation centre in Ciñera de Gordón with panels, restrooms and trail info.
How to get there
Coordinates:
Decimal: 42.884444°, -5.633333°
DMS: 42°53'04" N, 5°38'00" O
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