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Picos de Europa - The Cares Trail hike

Ruta del Cares, Asturias, Principado de Asturias

Description

The Cares Trail (Ruta del Cares) is a 21km out-and-back hiking path within the Picos de Europa mountain range, crossing between the provinces of León and Asturias. It has a cumulative ascent of about 450m and a well-marked non-technical trail (but sometimes narrow) that is sometimes carved through the rock-face and crosses bridges over the canyon formed by the Cares river. Expect to see some chamois or mountain goats.

Access & Transport

The trail connects the Asturian village of Puente Poncebos to Caín de Valdeón in León. Poncebos is 105km from Santander via the A-8/A-67/AS-114 until Las Arenas and then the AS-264. From Oviedo, it is 125km. Due to the elevated frequentation in the summer, parking is in Las Arenas with bus shuttles taking hikers to the trailhead. You could also do this trek from the León province side; Caín de Valdeón is 130km northwest of the city of León.

Instructions & Recommendations

This is a long hike so make sure to bring enough water and food + sun protection (cap, sunglasses, sunblock)

Meta review

This is an incredibly popular route with over 200,000 hikers each year, most of them in the summer. This popularity is well helped by a good coverage among travel bloggers and online reviews. The majority of the hikers enjoy the beautiful views and find it easier than expected; it is clearly long but besides the steep first 2km out of Poncebo the route is fairly even. However, there are some more experienced hikers who think the route is nice but largely over-rated and nowhere near the best views one can have in this mountain range.

Environmental & Social

Eco-friendly activity. Marginally positive for the community as it brings some revenues to the villages in the area

Conclusion

One of the best trails for casual hikers in the Asturias region with a few rather impressive sections. That being said, if you are after high mountain views or planning to do this route in July or August then you may want to consider other options in the Picos de Europa national park

Key positive

Some spectacular canyon scenery

Very well marked and easy trail

Company of mountain goats

Key negative

Can be busy

May be too flat for experienced hikers

Suitability

A decent fitness level is required but not necessarily hiking experience. Would not recommend with younger kids due to the distance

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Seasonality reflects the expected weather & track condition. It is accessible year-round

av. transport time:1h 30m

est. visit time:7h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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