On the path of the bear

Trials star and mountain bike adventurer David Cachon took his gravel bike along the Senda del Oso in northern Spain – and discovered a magical ride.

The Principality of Asturias, on Spain’s northern Atlantic coastline, always manages to surprise me.

This area hides so many jewels that I never tire of visiting it again and again. A rugged coast, mountains, religious sites, medieval architecture, wild nature and enviable gastronomy... what more could you ask for when you’re looking to explore magical roads and trails.

The 60km Senda del Oso (Path of the Bear) between Tuñón and Cueva Huerta or Ricabo (it forks out into a ‘Y’) treats hikers and cyclists alike to the unparalleled raw, natural beauty of Asturias. You might even get the chance to see the Cantabrian brown bear… In fact, the trail passes by Cercado de los Osos, a wildlife reserve where these endangered bears roam in semi-liberty.

The Bear’s Path was once a mine railway (built in the 19th century to transport coal), but is now one of the most stunning hiking and cycling trails of northern Spain. The trail runs through lush vegetation and dense forests, with several wooden bridges over spectacular drops, and illuminated tunnels through rugged mountains. It’s well signposted and bounded by a wooden fence, with easy gradients.

Thousands of sport and nature enthusiasts complete the trail every year. It passes through towns and villages where you will find cafes, bars and restaurants to refuel. Or you can pack a picnic and stop at one of the picnic areas along the trail.

Tunnels & Bridges

Discovering the Senda del Oso on a gravel or mountain bike is a true delight. It can easily be done in one day but I’d recommend you take the time to do it in two. If you spend the night in one of the villages along the way, you’ll experience what the region has to offer to its fullest.

Start in Tuñón and head towards the Cueva Huerta. Then, double back towards Caranga and take the fork towards Ricabo. The trail presents easy gradients (no more than 4%) but the long tunnels and bridges add a nice touch of adventure. Just watch out for hikers, especially in the reduced visibility of the tunnels. You’ll also find lots of informative signs about flora and fauna, monuments in the area and alternative routes. The villages along the way offer a great selection of lodgings (best reserved in advance, especially during the summer months) and there are a number of camping sites, too.

The greatest takeaway from doing the Senda del Oso is seeing the endangered Cantabrian bears up close in the wildlife reserve in Proaza. Used to human presence, the bears don’t usually shy away from humans – especially when it’s time to come down for lunch! And the bear is not the only animal you’ll get a glimpse of along the hike. The area is rich in a wide variety of flora and fauna. You’ll also cycle through the Valdecerezales Gorge, carved out over millions of years by the Teverga River, where you’re surrounded by towering walls of granite rock and riverside forest.

Another highlight is the Valdemurrio Lake, a popular spot for water sports. Make sure to pack a swimsuit so you can take a dip, or rent a canoe to glide along its surface and take in the landscape. You’ll want to do the trail in spring, summer or autumn. When spring arrives, so does the greenery of Asturias, creating a spectacular setting. In summer temperatures are pleasant and even the least brave take a dip in the cool-flowing river. During autumn, incredible ochre colours abound. Each season is different, but they all have something magical.

Article was originally published in Mountain Bike Magazine, Winter 2025

Words: DAVID CACHON

Photographs : DAVID PONCE