Cares Gorge from Poncebos to Caín

The walk starts at Poncebos, at the end of the road from Arenas de Cabrales, beside the lower station of the Bulnes funicular. The path climbs steadily for the first 2 km to Los Collaos, its high point, then runs almost level along the wall of the gorge, high above the Río Cares, past the Culiembro pastures and over the Bolín and Rebecos bridges. A run of short tunnels leads to the dam and the village of Caín. Return the same way.

It is 22.9 km there and back with 562 m of climbing; allow about 7 hours. The grade is Hard, for the length rather than the ground: the path is broad and stony, cut into the rock.

There are long unfenced drops beside the path, and stones fall from the cliffs, most of all in and after rain and wind: the national park says you walk it at your own risk. There is no drinking water and little shade, so in summer start early and carry plenty. A torch helps in the tunnels.

Parking at Poncebos is very limited. In summer and at holiday weekends a bus runs from Arenas de Cabrales, where there are car parks.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.