Cares Route Trail: Posada de Valdeón to Caín

The entire route, encompassing Posada de Valdeón, Ermita de Corona, and Caín de Valdeón, is estimated to take around 5 hours and 36 minutes to complete. However, the segment specifically from Posada de Valdeón to Caín de Valdeón Village is often described as an easier walk, taking about 3 hours one way or 4 hours round trip.

The full trail is generally rated as difficult, requiring very good fitness, sure-footedness, and experience in high mountain environments. It corresponds to CAS 4-6 on the Swiss Alpine Club Hiking Scale. While the section between Posada de Valdeón and Caín de Valdeón Village is considered an easier, green rural path, the overall route with Ermita de Corona is challenging and not recommended for beginners.

The trail offers diverse terrain. You'll traverse wide dirt tracks, paths running parallel to the Cares River, and some sections that follow a road with a designated pedestrian lane. Expect dense vegetation, including linden, ash, and oak trees, especially along the riverbanks. Further into the mountains, you might encounter beech forests, as well as karst and scree, with some steep ascents and descents.

You'll encounter several notable points of interest. The Tombo Viewpoint offers impressive panoramas of the Cares Gorge and the Central Massif. Other highlights include the historic Ermita de Corona, a Medieval Necropolis, and an old wolf trap. Keep an eye out for a limestone block near a monument containing a 300-million-year-old fossilized colony of rugose corals.

Yes, this route shares sections with several other trails. You'll find it intersects with parts of El Anillo Vindio, Ruta del Cares, [CIMA LE10] Panderruedas * Caín, and [CIMA LE15] Pandetrave, among others.

Picos de Europa National Park generally allows dogs on trails, but they must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of other hikers. Always check for any specific local restrictions or signage, especially in sensitive areas.

The autumn months are particularly beautiful, offering a stunning display of ocher colors in the forests. Spring and summer also provide pleasant hiking conditions, though summer can be busier. Always check the weather forecast, as conditions in the high mountains can change rapidly.

Generally, there are no entrance fees or specific permits required for hiking this trail within Picos de Europa National Park. However, it's always advisable to check the official park regulations before your visit, as rules can change, especially concerning access to certain protected areas or during peak seasons.

The trail starts from Posada de Valdeón. You should be able to find parking options within or near the village to begin your hike. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.

While the full route is demanding, if you're looking for a less strenuous option, consider hiking just the segment from Posada de Valdeón to Caín de Valdeón Village. This section is often described as an 'easy walk' taking about 3 hours one way, offering a 'green, easy and short rural path' experience without the more challenging ascents to Ermita de Corona.

The Picos de Europa are rich in biodiversity. While specific sightings are never guaranteed, you might spot various bird species, and if you're lucky and observant, perhaps even some of the larger mammals that inhabit the park. The dense vegetation along the Cares River provides habitat for a variety of creatures.