The Camín de Careses starts in Careses; other highlights include the climb to the peak, with views from the mountains to the sea, and the story of a railway line that was never put into service. This makes it possible to plan a stay combining hiking, scenery and cultural heritage. The small village is in central Asturias, about five kilometres from La Pola Siero. When choosing accommodation for your trip, it helps to consider whether you want to devote most of your time to the circular route, nature and views, or cultural heritage.
A circular route with a specific duration
The Camín de Careses (PR AS-216) starts in the village and is a 15.1-kilometre circular route. The stated duration is 3 hours and 45 minutes; almost the entire route can be covered on foot or by bicycle. This gives you two concrete details for planning: the distance and the duration. If you make the Camín your main activity, you can plan the rest of the day around this block of time.
Peña Careses: views and nature conservation
The climb to Peña Careses offers panoramic views from the Cantabrian Mountains to the Cantabrian Sea. The protection plan for Peña Careses, officially approved in 2011, combines the conservation of the area's natural resources with their use for recreation and leisure. There is a specific seasonal restriction on climbing: climbing Peña Careses is prohibited during the breeding season of the birds that live there, from 15 February to 31 July. Check this restriction locally before climbing. The 2011 protection plan also mentions bat colonies in the La Viona tunnel, including species classified as protected.
The Senda Verde and railway history
The Senda Verde La Viona uses part of the route of a railway line whose construction was begun around 1906 by the company “Ferrocarriles de San Martin-Lieres-Gijon-El Musel”. The line was nearly completed but never went into service. This means an unused railway line now meets the Senda Verde, which uses part of its route. In 2011, the protection plan designated the former railway corridor between La Collada and Careses as a connecting path. As current trail conditions may differ, check their status before setting out.
Ethnographic heritage and an August festival
The Lavadero de Careses also has cultural and historical significance: it is one of the area's inventoried items of ethnographic heritage. Nearby is the Cueva de San Pedrín, a cave about 80 metres long through which the Rufiañu River flows, and one worth highlighting for its geological value. The San Pedrín festival is held every year on the third Sunday in August in the area around Careses and is recognised as a festival of tourist interest. The programme includes a folkloric procession and an Asturian mass sung by the Coro Santiaguín. If this date is important to your trip, check the event dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Escobal, Avilés, Tresano, Helgueras, Celada, Buelles, Cardoso, Camuño
For the main travel guide: Asturias.
