Xiblu Waterfall and Montegrande Beech Forest a 70 m drop at the end of the woods

The Xiblu Waterfall sits at the end of one of the most beautiful hikes in Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park. A drop of about 70 m (some sources stretch it to 100 for effect), reached after a walk through the Montegrande Beech Forest, one of the best-preserved beech woods in Asturias. If the plan reads “walk a couple of hours, end up in front of something impressive”, this is the one.

The trail starts at the braña de la Puerca, off the AS-228. It’s 8.4 km round trip, 3 to 4 hours at a comfortable pace, with about 300 m of cumulative elevation gain. Difficulty is easy-moderate: forest track first, footpath after, no technical sections but a few ramps you’ll feel.

Beech forest first, waterfall at the end

The first two kilometres follow a wide track that climbs fast. From there the path enters the beech forest and the whole character changes: enormous trees, a carpet of leaf litter, light filtering through in shades of green and gold. In autumn the forest turns red and copper, and it’s hard to walk without stopping every few metres.

Out of the woods, the trail opens onto high meadows, with the cliff where the Xiblu falls visible in the distance. The last section drops slightly to a viewpoint over the waterfall. The fall comes down in two stages: the upper one near-vertical, the lower one wider.

Walk a couple of hours, end up in front of something impressive. That’s the route.

When to go

Flow is highest in spring (April to June, with snowmelt and rain) and after autumn rains. In July and August the waterfall thins out considerably; it’s still pretty, but loses impact. The beech forest in October, with the leaves turned, is probably the best single visual this route offers all year.

Avoid the days right after heavy snow or frost: the access track and the sections under the beeches can be impassable.

What to bring

Hiking shoes with grip, water (no reliable source on the trail), a snack for the rest stop at the waterfall, and an extra layer — the upper section catches wind even in July. For autumn, pack a hat and gloves.

With kids

This is doable with children from 7-8 years old who walk comfortably, as long as you don’t rush and adapt the pace. The 300 m of gain is noticeable, but the beech forest and the waterfall keep them engaged. For younger children, a different route is a better choice.