The Senda del Oso, an ideal route to do with children on foot and by bike.

After the Cares Route, the Senda del Oso is the most popular trail in our region. And no wonder. Its surroundings, the possibility of seeing bears and the fact that the entire route is on a pedestrian path make it perfect for the whole family, either on foot or by bicycle. The latter option is a great incentive for the little ones. It is also the best way to do a large part of the route, as the route covers a total of no less than 48 kilometres.

But today, I will stop at the section of the trail that runs through the councils of Proaza and Teverga, which is about 18 kilometres long.

Although today all the activity of the Senda del Oso revolves around the brown bear that still lives in Asturias, this famous route had its origins in an old railway that transported coal from the municipalities of Proaza and Teverga to Trubia. Eventually, the mines were exhausted and the track was abandoned in 1964.

It was in 1995 when a first six-kilometre stretch, between the Tuñón recreational area and Proaza, was inaugurated as a cycling trail. And four years later, a final section was opened, so we are talking about a relatively recent route. Its tunnels still remind us that it was a place of passage.

This is perhaps the greatest incentive to do the Senda del Oso, although it is true that we saw many people approaching this area without subsequently doing the route. Just by observing the now famous Paca and Molina, many people are satisfied. Paca and Molina are the only pure Cantabrian brown bears in captivity in Spain. Therefore, the first thing we did was to go to the enclosure; it is in a four-hectare area of woodland between the villages of Villanueva and Proaza, in an area that allows the species to live in semi-freedom.

Once upon a time it was only possible to see the bears at feeding times. Now, however, they can be seen at any time. We went by at around 11am and there they were; it was an experience for the children to see the bears as close to their natural habitat as possible.

Remember that it is not a good time when they are hibernating, which is usually from the end of November to the beginning of March, a period in which they remain in the bear dens, although they may occasionally come out.

And it is precisely from the enclosure that we start our journey. In this area, it is best to park in the village of Proaza, where the Fundación Oso Pardo is located, or in the recreational area of Buyera, which has a car park, cafeteria, play area, tables... Either of these two points is just over 500 metres from the enclosure.

I decided to do the trail on foot at a good pace to be able to take the little one in his pushchair, where he had to sleep at some point, while the rest of the family opted for the bicycles, thinking that it would be more pleasant and less tiring for the children. And it was the right choice.

If you don't have bikes or seats to take the kids on the adults' bikes, there are several active tourism companies that rent them.

It is good to bear in mind that, from the village of Proaza to Entrago, in Teverga, there are no restaurants or bars so, if you want to spend the day, the best thing to do is to take some sandwiches and sit down to eat during the walk, as we did.

The whole bike route from Proaza to Teverga takes more than three hours and with children you have to stop every now and then, so it's likely to take much longer. However, if you decide to start the route the other way round, i.e. from Entrago in Teverga, it will take less time.

Although it is apparently a flat route, there is a small slope that makes it easier to walk in that direction. We did it thinking of seeing the bears as soon as possible, but perhaps the most practical and least tiring for the children is to start in Teverga and thus avoid the little slope I mentioned.

Another of the attractions of the trail is its surroundings. And not only the scenery, which is spectacular in some sections, but also the magic of the more than 30 tunnels that you can find. Needless to say, going through some of them was what the children enjoyed the most. Of course, although they are illuminated, the track is not very easy to see and is a bit uneven, so you have to be careful. Caution should also be taken in two sections where the path crosses the road, so children should always be close to the adults.

Otherwise, the route is fenced off and does not pose any danger. What's more, I think it's the perfect trail for the whole family.

Although the Bear Trail ends at Cueva Huerta, it is well worth a visit to the capital of Teverga, La Plaza, which is less than two kilometres away. Not only for the views, but also to see the emblematic collegiate church of San Pedro de Teverga, an 11th-century temple that preserves elements of Pre-Romanesque and Romanesque architecture. It is an Asset of Cultural Interest.

A decorative feature worth mentioning is the sculpture of the crucified Christ, dating from the 13th century, which is located in the main chapel. In the church there is a museum in which the mummified corpses of the Marquis of Valdecarzana and his son Pedro de Miranda, the abbot of the Collegiate Church from 1690 to 1720, stand out. Visits to the interior are made at set times during the high season and by appointment during the rest of the year.

Without a doubt, it has been one of the most fun and complete plans we have done with our family. So much so, that we will repeat! And partly because the path is perfect for cycling and perhaps it is a more appealing plan for the kids. And the good thing is that you can decide how many kilometres you want or can do depending on the age of the children. Totally recommended.