Despite being a route with hardly any unevenness, it is very long and with a continuous vertical drop to one side of the trail; many sections do not have a protective fence, practically all do not have one and we must not let our guard down at any time since there are areas where we barely have two meters of passable path width.
We recommend doing it with children over 12 years old And if there are children under that age, they should always go hand in hand because, although it is not a technically difficult route, it is a dangerous route due to its narrowness and the ravines along its route. It is not a route to walk calmly, you have to be very attentive to the path -there is gravel and stones are released in our path-; If it is done at times of great influx, it is better to take it easy.
We advise you to do the excursion in autumn or spring, since this way we will find fewer hikers and there will be less influx of public, in summer it is very saturated.
The route, from the physical point of view, implies a long walk of 12 km one way and the same return, so that children can get confused and commit some imprudence as a result of fatigue. It is not a tour to take baby carriages.
Tips
· You have to check the Weather forecast for the area. In winter, in Poncebos, it doesn't usually snow much, but it does in the Caín area, to be taken into account if we start in the Leonese part.
· The weather changes abruptly at any time when you are in the mountains. In summer, if there is not a very clear forecast of good weather, you have to bring some warm clothes.
· We recommend you bring plenty of fresh water and supplies type: nuts, chocolate, energy bars, some fruit... since on the way you will only find a source.
· The trekking sticks They will be of great help especially in the area of the hills.
· if we carry one small flashlight It will be very useful in the tunnel next to Cain's dam. They are barely 100 meters, but with wet and irregular ground where we can stumble.
What do I have to bring to do the Ruta del Cares?
· Small backpack.
· Food and water.
· Jacket or raincoat depending on the time of year, even if it is sunny.
· Sun protection: hat and cream, although it is cloudy when you go out.
· Mountain sports shoes in good condition.
· Mobile phones charged and operational in case of an emergency.
What type of footwear should I take to the Ruta del Cares?
· Mountain shoes or sports shoes, which must be in good condition and have the drawing of the sole well marked, since this is what is going to grab us to the ground.
· You cannot wear sneakers without a design or with a low profile, footwear that is more than 10 years old, city footwear such as shoes, heels, flip-flops...
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
