Desfiladero de Los Beyos, Limestone defile between Asturias and León Province, Spain
Desfiladero de Los Beyos is a limestone gorge where the Sella River cuts through between vertical cliff walls. The road follows this narrow passage, winding between the steep sides where the river and pavement compete for limited space.
A pedestrian path through the gorge existed from 1665 onward, funded by Pedro Diaz de Oseja to connect isolated settlements. This early route was maintained by local residents over centuries before the modern road was eventually built.
The gorge links communities from two regions, and along the river banks you can still see old paths used by locals for generations. Visitors notice different building styles and local traditions on each side that shape life in this remote area.
The road through the gorge is passable but narrow and winding, so driving requires patience and attention to oncoming traffic. Access is best from the north through Amieva or from the south through Oseja de Sajambre.
The limestone pillars El Frailon and Les Monxines rise so closely that the river and road barely fit side by side through the narrowest points. At these tightest passages, you see how nature dictates what can pass through.
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