Sport

All about how to do the Bear Trail

In Spain there are many options for tourism routes, the Senda del Oso in Asturias being one of the best known. Recommended to visit with the family, on foot or by bicycle, on this route there are forests, tunnels, bridges and the brown bears Paca and Molina, protected by the Bear Foundation of Asturias.

If you like hiking or want to start cycling , you can’t forget to visit the Senda del Oso, also known as the route of the bears. A route of approximately 16 km that is located in the heart of Asturias and has a Y shape; crossing the old mining routes and the councils of Quirós, Santo Adriano, Teverga and Proaza.

It is best to start the route from Entrago in Teverga to continue a slight descent towards Proaza, continuing to Santo Adriano. This makes the journey easier if you want to travel the Senda del Oso by bike. 

where to start 

First of all, we must clarify that the Ruta del Oso in Asturias is not flat, so it is usually started at the top of the path, located in Entrago so that the path is downhill, smooth and peaceful. 

But, you can also start it from the bottom up, considering that it will be approximately 20 km of a constant climb. 

On the other hand, if you decide on the first option and do not want to walk or cycle the ascent, you can hire the services of some companies that offer bicycle rental on the bear route and return by vehicle. 

Returning to the route, the Ruta del Oso (Asturias) begins in the same place where the mining trains left and where the facilities of the company Hulleras e Industrias SA were located. This path goes from Entrago to Buyera, in it we find bridges, gorges and tunnels surrounded of a beautiful landscape with the paved road. 

Leaving Entrago, you come to a paved path on the banks of the Teverga River and pass through the Vardecerezales Gorge. Then you reach the Horniella Reservoir on the Teverga River and after going through several tunnels and forests you reach Caranga de Abajo.

Again, you cross other bridges that lead to a detour where you can choose to go towards Quirós or Proaza. If you decide to continue the route towards Proaza, you will go through other tunnels and the Peñas Juntas gorge. 

Finally, the path continues to the Buyera recreational area. According to the experience of many tourists, it is a simple route, fun for the whole family and with numerous places to rest. Therefore, you cannot forget to bring a couple of bottles of water (you can find some options to buy at this link) and some snacks, as well as comfortable clothes and shoes. 

route duration

By bike, the route can last from 2 to 3 hours with a low difficulty. But, if you are thinking of doing the Senda del Oso with children, you should consider a little more time, as it is recommended to stop so that the little ones can rest and eat a snack to continue the tour. Also, we should always reserve a little time to take lots of photos and enjoy the view. 

It should be noted that, depending on your experience with cycling, you can consider doing other routes of medium and high difficulty, following different routes that may vary in time and distance, as well as in the demands of the cyclist’s physical condition.

If you walk, the usual journey has an average duration of 4.5 hours, taking into account the rest time, as well as the stops to take pictures. 

The bears in Asturias

One of the main attractions of this walk is being able to see Paca and Molina, two brown bears protected by the Bear Foundation of Asturias that are inside an enclosure located between Proaza and Buyera. These are some Cantabrian bears that were rescued and later their reintegration into nature was made difficult. The animals are fenced within a four-hectare area, where they can live in semi-freedom. 

They can usually be seen at any time of the day. Just remember that from November to March they are hibernating and it is unlikely to see them in those months. 

What to do on the Senda del Oso?

Along the route you can learn about the flora and fauna of the region with informative posters distributed throughout the place. Also, you will be able to see the monuments of the area and learn about some alternative routes.

Along the way it is possible to cross the Trubia, Picarós, Teverga and Llanuces rivers thanks to the 11 rehabilitated bridges on the path. Likewise, you will be able to pass through the different tunnels that used to be the train path, among which there are some that are 100 meters long, illuminated and safe for the whole family. 

Among the leafy forests and green areas, stops can be made because the region has several recreational areas. There are also restaurants in Teverga or Proaza where you can taste traditional Asturian food. 

Another alternative on the Senda del Oso is to deviate towards the Valdemurio Reservoir , which has a slight upward slope that makes the path more demanding. But, it is worth all the effort to get to this very pleasant natural space, because in it you will find a cafeteria, a recreational area and a pier. There you can rent paddle surf boards, fish or enjoy in the bar with terrace, resting for a while before continuing the tour.

An almost obligatory stop during the tour is the Casa del Oso in Proaza . This is the headquarters of the foundation that protects bears in Asturias and its purpose is aimed at the conservation of brown bears in the Cantabrian Mountains. There you can buy souvenirs in the store, get tourist information and learn more about these animals with audiovisual resources. 

Accommodation on the Bear Trail

Asturias offers in this region many rural and traditional lodgings, with charming country decorations that allow you to have the long-awaited contact with nature and forget the hustle and bustle of the city a bit. 

Many tourist companies offer packages with accommodation, bicycle rental and guided tours to get to know this route in several days, rest and make the most of the view of the mountains. Without a doubt, it is an experience that deserves to be repeated several times with children, family or friends.

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