Tuñón – Proaza
9,5 km 2h 30min EASY
The Senda del Oso (Bear Trail) is a 50km greenway in Asturias, Spain. It runs along the Fuso river between Tuñón and Entrago. This trail was once a mining railway and is now one of the most popular nature routes in Northern Spain. It is nearly flat and fully accessible for families, cyclists, and people with mobility challenges.
1. Where is the Bear Trail in Asturias?
Located in the heart of the "Valles del Oso" (Bear Valleys), this trail offers spectacular mountain landscapes. It connects the municipalities of Santo Adriano, Proaza, Teverga, and Quirós.
- Main Access Points: Tuñón (North Start), Entrago (Teverga Valley), and Santa Marina (Quirós Valley).
- Trail Surface: Compacted gravel and asphalt in specific sections, designed for easy cycling and walking.
2. How to explore the trail
The trail is shaped like a "Y". The main stem starts in Tuñón and goes up to Caranga de Abajo, where the old railway splits into two branches: Teverga and Quirós.
Teverga Branch: The Gorges
This branch is famous for the Valdecerezales Gorge, where the path is carved into massive limestone walls. It features many tunnels and ends in Entrago.
Quirós Branch: Valdemurio Lake
To the southeast, the Quirós branch offers a more pastoral landscape. The highlight is the Valdemurio Reservoir, a beautiful lake surrounded by peaks, perfect for kayaking.
3. The Professional Strategy: Descending
To enjoy the route with minimum effort, local experts recommend doing it descending. Starting at the high points (Entrago or Santa Marina) allows you to cycle down almost by inertia, as there is a gentle 1.5% to 2% slope.
Shuttle Services: Local bike rental companies offer shuttle vans to take you and the bikes to the top, so you only have to cycle downhill back to the base.
4. Meeting the Bears
The trail passes by the Bear Enclosure in Proaza, managed by the Asturias Bear Foundation. You can see the bears (Paca and Molina) in a large semi-natural territory.
- Proaza Enclosure: A large facility where you can observe Cantabrian brown bears.
- Landscape: Stunning geological formations and karst gorges.
Where are the bears exactly?
Near the Buyera recreation area, follow the marked path for about 800 meters to reach the Asturias Bear Foundation.
