The Cares Trail or Ruta del Cares is one of the most popular trekking paths within the Picos de Europa , the route is situated between the province of León and Asturias , in Spain . It runs from the Asturian village of Puente Poncebos to Posada de Valdeón through Caín in Leon along the Cares Canyon. In the old times, the route was the only way to reach both towns during the snow seasons in the winter.
6-537: The Cares Trail was first opened in the mountain rock along the Cares river 's canyon between the years of 1916 and 1921 to provide maintenance, food and supplies to the hydroelectric powerplant of Camarmeña - Poncebos; It was later improved and expanded between 1945 and 1950. The Cares Trail runs in between the Cantabrian Mountains and is referred to as the "Divine Gorge " of the Cares river , It
12-642: A bridge that runs through the town. The spectacular scenery and the moderate slope of the Cares Trail make it ideal to enjoy Hiking along its path. Out of the two million estimated visitors to the Picos de Europa National Park it is estimated that the Cares trail receives approximately 300.000 hikers as it is the most popular within the National Park. To avoid hiking accidents the use of proper footwear
18-650: Is a pathway at mid-height of approximately 11 kilometers in length. It is considered one of the most beautiful natural sites in Spain , it runs along caves , bridges and pathways sculpted in the rock. While the Cares river carves a much longer path across the mountains to flow into the bay of Biscay in the Atlantic Ocean . From south to north it runs through, Valdeón ( province of León ), Cabrales, Peñamellera Alta and Peñamellera Baja. The path known in Spanish as
24-644: Is advised. Cares River The Cares is a river in Northern Spain that flows through the autonomous communities of Asturias and León until it joins the Deva River and flows into the Atlantic Ocean at the Bay of Biscay . It forms the Tina Mayor estuary, the natural border between Asturias and Cantabria . The Cares is known because of the narrow and spectacular canyon it forms when passing
30-467: The Picos de Europa . A trekking path, " Ruta del Cares ", runs along the river. The stream is also known for the quality of its salmon . The Cares river is joined by the Deva river . Many companies rent kayaks to descend both rivers. Kayaking is popular here during the summer. 43°19′19″N 4°36′20″W / 43.3219°N 4.6056°W / 43.3219; -4.6056 This article about
36-461: The "Ruta del Cares", is an accessible part, through an elevated trail over the river . The rocks that form the mountains on both sides of the Defile are made out of grey Limestone . In them there are numerous hollows and caves, some of which have been used as shelter for sheep that pasture in the nearby fields. When the route reaches Caín, the Defile opens, and the path continues through
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