The Cares Gorge: Puente Poncebos - Cain

Jim Thomson

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The Cares Gorge, known by many as the 'The Divine Gorge', links the coastal province of Asturias through the heart of the Picos de Europa mountains with Leon to the south. Surrounded by limestone faces of up to 2,000 metres in height and with the crystal-clear waters of the River Cares far below, it is no surprise that this is one of the most popular walks in Spain during the holiday season (August). On a clear day it is common to see colonies of griffon vultures circling in the thermals and if you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the rare and beautiful wall creeper.

The path was built as a service access for a hydroelectric project which takes water from a small dam in Cain and then follows a canal for some 12km, before plunging approximately 300m into the turbines of the hydroelectricity plant at Puente Poncebos.

Constructed during the 1930s without the use of any mechanical aid, it's an incredible feat of engineering for its time. Until recently, the route was walked almost daily by engineers, to inspect the canal for any damage or leaks, although these days this task is performed electronically.

The entire walk is on a very well-defined path and offers no technical difficulties, although it should be remembered that once reaching the end, you will need to return by the same path, making it a fairly long day out.

The walk takes approximately three hours in each direction and can become a suntrap in the summer months. It's advisable to take plenty of water as there is little or none en route. Take care of loose rocks falling, especially on the first part up to Los Collaos, where animals can dislodge stones from above. Also be especially careful when taking pictures, as in many places there is a large drop to the river below, with no protection.

In the months of July, August and September, minibus taxis are normally waiting in Cain to ferry people back to Poncebos. This works as a 'collective', which means that, they normally wait until there is a full vehicle to reduce the cost per person (about 120 euros).

Spain - North West Spain - Asturias - Picos de Europa

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Industrial Archaeology, Mountains, Restaurant, River, Tea Shop, Waterfall, Wildlife
9/28/2017 - Graham Barthorpe

Did this walk Sept 20/2017. not surprisingly nothing has changed since this guide was written,its not that kind of trail. Even in mid September we had trouble parking and although the walk wasn't crowded there was no shortage of company. The start of this is just off a good road and so there are no twisting, single track mountain climbs to negotiate ( a feature of many Pecos and Redes PN walks in Asturias) An unmissable walk if you are in the area and I cant compare it to anything else. I would rate it at 5 except it is 1 way. By the way it is over 100k and a 21/2 drive from Cain back to the start!!

9/28/2017 - Graham Barthorpe

Did this walk Sept 20/2017. Not surprisingly nothing has changed since this guide was written. It's not that kind of trail. Even in mid September we had trouble parking and although the walk wasn't crowded there was no shortage of company. The start of this is just off a good road and so there are no twisting, single track mountain climbs to negotiate ( a feature of many Pecos and Redes PN walks in Asturias) An unmissable walk if you are in the area and I cant compare it to anything else. I would rate it at 5 except it is 1 way. By the way it is over 100k and a 21/2 drive from Cain back to the start!!

12/15/2010 - Mark Southwell

Er - Taxis 120 Euros per person??????? Bit steep for a few miles.