The Bear Path (Tuñón-Caranga)
- Tuñón, Villanueva, Proaza, Caranga Baxu Central Asturias
- Distance: 11.5 kms
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cumulative difference in altitude: +170 m
- Cumulative difference in altitude: -74 m
- Maximum altitude: 284 m
- Minimum altitude: 148 m
- IBP index: 34
- Document: Accessibility
This section, the best known of the Senda del Oso, starts in Tuñón and follows a pleasant greenway alongside the River Trubia. It passes through tunnels, crosses the medieval bridge at Villanueva and reaches the bear enclosure, home to Molina, a brown bear living in semi-freedom. The route continues through the Peñas Juntas gorge, between limestone cliffs and riverside vegetation, until it reaches Caranga Baxu, a fork in the trail where one branch leads to Bárzana (Quirós) and the other to Entrago (Teverga). Ideal for walking or cycling and perfect for families.
The first section of the Senda del Oso, one of the most emblematic and busiest routes in Asturias, begins in Tuñón (Santo Adriano) and ends in Caranga Baxu (Proaza), following the old mining railway line that has been converted into a pedestrian and cycle route. There are 11 kilometres of gentle profile, fully prepared, ideal for the whole family, on foot or by bicycle.
From the Tuñón recreational area, and after a possible visit to the pre-Romanesque church of Santo Adriano, cross the river Trubia over the La Esgarrada bridge to take the path that runs parallel to the river. The route crosses areas of riverside woodland, with very pleasant stretches in the shade of poplars, ashes and alders.
In Villanueva, you cross the river again over a beautiful medieval bridge, next to which there is a traditional fountain. Shortly after, you reach the Buyera recreational area, where there is a play area, picnic area and car park.
Next to this area is one of the great attractions of the path: the bear enclosure, a large fenced area where the Molina bear lives in semi-freedom. This brown bear was found injured in 2013 in Rimolín (Cangas del Narcea), and after being released in the Muniellos Integral Reserve, she was unable to readapt to the natural environment, so she was transferred to the enclosure where she has lived ever since, under the care of the Asturias Bear Foundation.
The path continues towards Proaza, crossing a wooded area and passing next to a hydroelectric power station, before entering the narrow and spectacular Peñas Juntas gorge, where the limestone walls close in on the river Trubia. In this section, you pass through small tunnels dug into the rock, a vestige of the path's railway past.
Finally, you reach Caranga Baxu, where the route forks into two branches: the Teverga branch, which continues southwest, and the Quirós branch, which heads southeast.
This first section of the Senda del Oso perfectly sums up the spirit of this greenway: nature, history, fauna and accessibility. An ideal route to enjoy the Asturian landscape in a peaceful and safe way.
NOTE
The Bear Trail, covering over 40 km there and back, is divided into three main sections:
The section you are currently on is one of them, but any of the three allows you to enjoy a varied landscape combining gorges, tunnels, forests, reservoirs and charming villages.
- It partially runs through the Caldoveiro SCI and the Río Trubia SAC of the Natura 2000 Network.
- Partially coincides in a minor section with the GR-109.
Basic tips before going into the mountains
- If you go with a dog, always keep it on a leash.
- Avoid approaching livestock.
- If you find mastiffs protecting livestock, do not approach them, do not pet them and do not feed them. Do not allow them to follow you or stray from their herd. They are working.
- Don't leave a trail. Collect all your waste, including organic waste. Nature is not a dumping ground.
- Act with prudence. Plan your route well, take everything you need and make sure it is adapted to your physical capacity.
More recommendations for planning your route 
