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The Cares gorge

  • Author: TrailExplorer

Cares gorge

The walk through the Garganta del Cares, literally the throat of the Cares, is probably the most traveled trail in the region. Rightly so, because this is a unique gorge where in some places the Cares River flows 800 meters deeper. The Cares path was constructed in 1946 to maintain the Hydro Canal, which was constructed between 1916 and 1921.

Distance: 22 km.

Time: 5h30.

Grade: Heavy.

Type: Back and forth.

Gps Track: Yes.

Route description: Yes.

Wheelchair: Not suitable.

Dog: Allowed.

Height gain: 513 meters.

Trail: 100% unpaved.

Marking: See PDF route description.

Hiking shoes recommended.

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Garganta del Cares.

Not only the construction of the canal but also of the path must have been a real challenge in those times. The path along the canyon will take you from one surprise to another. It is easily passable and the height difference is minimal. You start from Puente Bos and soon you start the climb of about 250m to Los Collados. The gorge is still very wide here and you already have beautiful views. Just before you reach Los Collados you will see a number of dilapidated buildings on the left (Barracons Electra de Viesgo), on your right you can take a look at the fully covered canal that will accompany you all the way. You now descend into the gorge. If you come to a modern construction you have to look up, you see a natural arch in a rock, Canal de Sabugo. You follow the path that winds along the Horse Shoe bridge. The gorge is now getting narrower and narrower and you now take the spectacular Bolin bridge to the other side of the river. After a while you cross the river again via the Rebecos bridge and you walk through tunnels (people taller than 1.75 meters - head down!). You now come to the construction that diverts the water from the Cares to the canal. A little further you cross the river via a modern bridge and you reach the hamlet of Cain. Here you can choose from several things to drink or eat. You return to Poncebos via the same path. You can do this walk almost all year round but avoid weekends because you will certainly not be alone.

Cares gorge

Download PDF for route description.

Take enough drinking water along.

Map & Poi's.