A Guide to Walking the Cares Gorge Trail

The Cares Gorge, also known as 'the Divine Gorge', is a steep-sided limestone valley that cuts its way through the jagged peaks of the Picos de Europa.

These days, it’s famous as being one of the most dramatic walking trails, not just in the Picos de Europa, but the whole of Spain.

The trail connects the villages of Poncebos (Asturias) and Caín (León). The path it follows was originally created for the maintenance of the water canal that runs alongside it, which was built between 1916 and 1921 for energy production at the Poncebos power station. 

In addition to the truly spectacular scenery, you can also see plenty of important flora and fauna – keep an eye out for furtive mountain goats – and geological features along the route.

Cares Gorge Route Difficulty

The Cares Gorge walk is 12km one way and 24km if done as a round trip, typically taking 3.5 hours or 7 hours, respectively. 

It’s of medium difficulty, with a steep ascent in the first part, starting from Cabrales, but it becomes gentler as the route progresses. This initial ascent can be avoided by doing the route from Caín to Poncebos.

A narrow path that clings to the sides of the gorge, with no fencing or handrails between you and a steep drop for much of the way, the Cares Route is not suitable for people with a fear of heights or vertigo.

 

Cares Gorge Elevation Profile

In the below image you can see the elevation profile of the Cares Gorge route, starting in Poncebos, arriving in Caín, and then heading back to Poncebos again. 

 

Cares Gorge Map

In this image, you can see a map of the Cares Gorge trail and how it follows the river. If you click on the image, you can enlarge the map to view it in more detail.

 

Getting to the Cares Gorge

By car:

To Caín (León):

If you’re coming from León, you need to get to Riaño and from there head towards the Puerto del Pontón via the N-625, until you take the turn-off that leads to Posada de Valdeón (LE-2711) and Caín. 

If you’re coming from Asturias by car, take the N-625 from Cangas de Onís, pass the Puerto del Pontón, and 1km downhill take the same turn-off that leads to Posada and Caín.

To Poncebos (Asturias):

If you’re travelling from Cantabria or Cangas de Onís, you need to take the AS-114, which leads to Arenas de Cabrales. From this town, you need to take the AS-264 and after 5 kilometres, you'll reach Poncebos.

During Easter and the month of August, parking spaces in Poncebos fill up fast, and as a result you have to park your vehicle in the Ovar parking lot (which has a capacity of 146 spots), located 1.2km from Poncebos. 

Once this parking lot is full, you have to leave your vehicle in the Llaneces parking lot in Arenas de Cabrales. From both parking lots, you can then take a bus to Poncebos (www.alsa.com).

By public transport:

To Caín (León):

The village of Caín can be reached by bus (www.alsa.es) from the larger towns of Riaño or Posada de Valdeón, in León, which can also be reached by public transport or by car.

To Poncebos (Asturias):

Coming from the Asturian side, you can also reach the starting point of the route in Poncebos by bus (www.alsa.es), which departs from the town of Arenas de Cabrales. The cost is €1.55 (in 2024).

Cares Gorge Walking Information

• You should wear suitable mountain footwear.
• It's essential to bring enough water and food. There are no drinking water points anywhere along the 12km route, except at the beginning and end in the towns of Poncebos and Caín (which have a good selection of places to eat and drink).
• Shade is only provided in the tunnel areas, so it's advisable to wear a hat in summer and use sun protection.
• The route runs alongside an unprotected cliff, with the risk of falling rocks due to natural causes (rain, wind) or animals grazing on the path, so you need to stay alert, especially if you’re doing it with children.
• Dogs are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash.
• Bicycles aren’t permitted along the trail.
• If you start the route from Poncebos, the first two kilometres are uphill. If you only want to do part of the route, it is recommended to start from Caín to avoid the ascent and to walk through the tunnel section, which is the most spectacular.

 

Excursions & Organised Tours on the Cares Route

If you don’t want to do the full Cares Gorge route, round trip, you can always hire a taxi to go from Caín to Poncebos, or vice versa. Keep in mind, though: the road route is long at 105km.

Another interesting option is to return by 4x4, crossing the Picos de Europa. Several taxi drivers offer this service during the summer months, and the price can be reduced if you share the vehicle with other tourists.

Recommended local businesses:

Taxi Carlos (Cabrales): 676 29 39 45
Ruta del Cares 4x4 trips: https://rutadelcaresen4x4.com/ 
Frontera Verde: https://fronteraverde.com/ruta-del-cares/ 
Vive Picos: https://www.vivepicos.com/ 
Valle de Valdeón taxis: https://valledevaldeon.es

 

Thinking about a short walking holiday in the Picos de Europa? Check out this self-guided walking tour of the Cares Gorge trail.