It crosses tunnels, passes over the medieval bridge of Villanueva and reaches the bear enclosure, where Molina, a brown bear living in semi-freedom, lives. The route continues through the Peñas Juntas gorge, between limestone walls and riverside vegetation, until it reaches Caranga Baxu, where the path forks. 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.

  • 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

  • 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.
  • If you go with a dog, always keep it on a leash.
  • 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.

Imagen información More recommendations for planning your route

Tuñón recreation area with picnic tables under trees
Brown bear walking among the bushes in the Proaza enclosures.
Traditional stone fountain next to the washing place in Villanueva
Façade of the pre-Romanesque church of Santo Adriano de Tuñón surrounded by nature.
Hiker crossing a wooden bridge over the river Trubia on the Senda del Oso (Bear Trail).
River Trubia flowing through lush vegetation on the Senda del Oso (Bear's Path)
Beginning of the Senda del Oso with signs and shaded forest road
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