Cares Gorge trail (Poncebos)
Arenas de Cabrales, Spain
A path carved into the cliffs of the Cares gorge, 12 km one way from Poncebos to Caín and mostly level after the first climb. Arrive early for parking at Poncebos; the Bulnes funicular leaves from the same spot.
The Ruta del Cares (PR-PNPE 3) in Picos de Europa National Park follows the Cares Gorge and links Poncebos in Asturias with Caín in León; the full route from Posada de Valdeón is 21 km, and Poncebos to Caín is about 12 km each way. The path is cut into the rock, crossing bridges and tunnels, and in places runs along a drop with no side protection. There is no drinking water on the way, cycling is forbidden and rockfall is possible.
Important (as of October 2026): because of maintenance work, the stretch between Poncebos and Caín cannot currently be walked end to end. The Asturias tourism site lists cut-off points at the Puente de Bolín (about 8 km from Poncebos) and the Puente de los Rebecos (about 3 km from Caín), and another Asturias page even reports a complete closure; no reopening date is given. Check the status before you set out. Access to Poncebos is regulated because of crowds, with parking in Arenas de Cabrales and shuttle buses.
- Nearest town
- Arenas de Cabrales, Spain
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 43.2567, -4.8317
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping Picos de EuropaCampsite13 km from Cares Gorge trail (Poncebos)TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- El CaresCampsite15 km from Cares Gorge trail (Poncebos)TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- San PelayoCampsite17 km from Cares Gorge trail (Poncebos)TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- La ViornaCampsite19 km from Cares Gorge trail (Poncebos)TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Vanventure Camper ParkMotorhome stopover20 km from Cares Gorge trail (Poncebos)CaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping La Paz Playa de VidiagoCampsite22 km from Cares Gorge trail (Poncebos)TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
All campsites in Spain · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cares Gorge trail (Poncebos)?
Cares Gorge trail (Poncebos) is in Arenas de Cabrales, Spain, at GPS 43.2567, -4.8317. It is about 12 km from Fuente Dé.
Can you camp near Cares Gorge trail (Poncebos)?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Aparcamiento de Autocaravanas, about 5 km away; within 25 km there are 28 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Cares Gorge trail (Poncebos)?
Cares Gorge trail (Poncebos) is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Picos de Europa: the Cares gorge, Liébana and Fuente Dé.
What is there to see near Cares Gorge trail (Poncebos)?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lagos de Covadonga (13 km), Fuente Dé cable car (13 km), La Hermida gorge (18 km) and Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana (19 km).
When is the best time to visit Cares Gorge trail (Poncebos)?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)