From Game Farm to Permanent 3D Archery Course in La Llera
On a secluded meadow in La Llera, tucked into the western interior of Colunga near the border with Villaviciosa, six foam partridges form a semicircle around a caged decoy bird. This setup mimics a traditional hunting ground, but the animals are high-density polyethylene figures rather than live game. The installation anchors Arco Los Valles, a pioneering business initiative that blends active tourism with sport-shooting facilities in a forest clearing sheltered by the Canto de la Vara mountain range.
The property once operated as a game farm raising pheasants, partridges, and quails under the management of Emilio Álvarez. When an occupational illness forced his retirement, a cousin who practiced archery suggested utilizing the open space for target sports. Fourteen years later, the enterprise operates under the direction of María Álvarez Collada, who began shooting as a child alongside her father and now manages the family business.
Competing and Training on Volumetric Targets
The venue hosts both official federation matches and recreational sessions, accommodating more than a thousand archers annually. Installations at Arco Los Valles cater to two primary competitive structures governed by different sporting bodies. Target archery events managed by shooting federations utilize courses featuring 24 volumetric targets—three-dimensional animal replicas positioned at unknown distances ranging from five to 45 meters from firing stakes.
Separately, bowhunting field events simulate authentic hunting scenarios across six to ten stations that test both marksmanship and knowledge of game regulations. During recent state-level competitions held on the grounds, María Álvarez claimed the Spanish national title in bowhunting field courses. Her victory followed previous national titles secured in indoor and outdoor disciplines.
Diversifying Rural Tourism Beyond the Summer Peak
Beyond hosting state and regional championships, such as the annual Tirada Comarca de la Sidra every summer, the facility operates as a training ground for federated athletes preparing for world championships. The operation also targets the corporate sector, providing team-building exercises designed for company groups seeking alternative stress-reduction activities. Visitors without prior experience receive introductory training from certified instructors before navigating a shorter introductory circuit of ten to twelve targets.
This steady stream of visitors throughout spring, autumn, and winter helps offset the seasonal tourist spikes typical of eastern Asturias. While summer remains the peak period for tourism along the coast, the permanent archery installations provide a continuous secondary revenue stream that supports the surrounding rural accommodation year-round.
