Eleven bridges spanning the Trubia, Picarós, Teverga, and Llanuces rivers have been restored here . Thanks to them, we can cross from one bank to the other. We will also pass through numerous tunnels that once carried the train. Some of them, over one hundred meters long, are equipped with lighting.
The best way to see the brown bear is via Asturias' most popular greenway, a route very close to the city of Oviedo. The path, which bears its name, dates back to the area's mining past. In the mid-19th century, a railway line was built to transport coal from Proaza and Teverga to Trubia.
A century later the road was abandoned. Today, without rails or trains, it transports sensations, sport and nature.
What are the Bears of the Bear Route called?
There are other reasons to choose this trail, such as the recreational areas : a perfect spot to stop for a bite to eat. But perhaps the biggest draw of this hike, at least for younger hikers, is the chance to see "Moli" the bear up close . She spends her days roaming freely within a fenced enclosure next to the trail. She arrived at the sanctuary in 2018, after the deaths of Tola and Paca.
Lunchtime, at noon, is the best time to see the bears . The Asturias Bear Foundation is in charge of everything. They take care of feeding and caring for the bears, maintaining the facilities, and looking after us, the visitors. They've also built a small viewing platform in this area so we can get a better view of the enclosure.
Bicycle rental in Senda del Oso with TeverAstur
For over 13 years, TeverAstur has been offering downhill biking on the Senda del Oso (Bear's Trail), an easy and fun activity suitable for all ages and perfect for children . Thanks to the gentle slope of the path, the bike descends smoothly along what is considered one of the most beautiful greenways in Spain . Once you've finished the route, TeverAstur has a large fleet of vehicles to offer a shuttle service from one end of the trail to the other with a wide range of departure times. Demand for this activity is very high, so advance booking is highly recommended. You can book through their website.
How long does it take us to do the route?
We now return to the path, which runs along the valley floor beside the river, between slopes of limestone and quartzite rock and vegetation consisting of riparian woodland, oak groves, and patches of chestnut trees. If you cycle the Bear's Trail , given the minimal elevation change between the starting and ending points (145 m and 450 m), it becomes a pleasant ride, suitable for cyclists of all levels. The total time required to complete the route, in both directions, will be approximately 3 hours.
Walking will take much longer. We need to think about the return trip, so we'll only tackle the kilometers we can manage before turning back. It's also possible someone will be waiting for us with a car at the end of the trail.
How many kilometers is the Bear Route?
The route is shaped like a Greek "Y" . It begins in Tuñón, in the municipality of Santo Adriano, passing through Villanueva—shortly after, you'll see the Bear Enclosure and the Buyera Recreation Area with ample parking, sports facilities, a café, tables, and benches for enjoying a meal—and continues towards Proaza. A few kilometers further on, you'll reach a fork in the road. If you turn left, you'll go towards Barzana, passing through Caranga and the Valdemurio Reservoir; if you turn right, you'll go towards Entrago.
Tuñón - Proaza: 6 kms.
Proaza - Valdemurio: 8 kms.
Proaza - Entrago: 14 kms.
To make a more interpretive itinerary we recommend the first part of the path, from Tuñón (Santo Adriano) to Proaza, about 6 kilometers. We can choose a shorter route, from 2 Kilometers, taking as a starting point the recreational area of Buyera, passing through the fencing and arriving at Proaza, where the House of the Bear.
You'll discover charming villages with their traditional buildings (granaries, bread ovens, fountains, washhouses, etc.), pass through tunnels belonging to the old railway, and explore stunning gorges like Peñas Juntas and Valdecerezales, which you won't be able to resist photographing. You'll find breathtaking landscapes such as the Valdemurio reservoir in the Quirós municipality, with various recreational areas where you can take a break. The route is perfect for families.
Books «MásAsturadictos» and «Rutas por la montaña y los caminos de Asturias»
If you want to discover routes and places like this firsthand, we recommend buying the book "Más asturadictos" (More Asturian Addicts) , written by Ana Paz Paredes, a journalist and writer specializing in all kinds of rural topics, gastronomy, and tourist routes in the region . Ángel Fdez. Ortega, in his book "Rutas por la montaña y los caminos de Asturias" (Routes through the Mountains and Paths of Asturias) , proposes specially selected hiking trails and routes, off the beaten track or away from the most popular or crowded paths.
Information:
Access: from Oviedo (Km. 0), by the N-634 to Trubia (km.12) or taking the highway, take the county road to Proaza / Puerto de Ventana and reach the recreational area of Tuñón (Km. 18), where is the Brown Bear monument and a recreational area.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
