The Circular Route to Prada de Valdeón from Camping el Cares is a mixed trail that passes through both forest and meadow, following part of the PN-PR14 path and entering the magical beech forest of Peña de las Cabras and Collado Colgadorio. It is ideal to enjoy in any season and stands out for its ease and clear signage, making it suitable for all types of people, including those with pets. It is a perfect option to visit some of the local villages while allowing you to feel part of an isolated and wild natural environment.
General ranking EASY
The Circular Route to Prada de Valdeón from Camping el Cares is a charming mixed trail through forest and meadow, where you will follow part of the PN-PR14 to enter the magical beech forest of Peña de las Cabras and Collado Colgadorio. Perfect for spring, summer, and winter, this well-marked and easy path offers the privilege of exploring the very heart of these deep beech woods along a trail that is very easy to walk and leads right into the habitat of the most common wildlife in the area.
As this route is marked by the National Park, very easy and intuitive to follow, and without any technical difficulties, we consider it suitable for all visitors, including pets. It is an ideal trail to feel part of your surroundings, to experience the magnitude, remoteness, and wildness of these forests, enjoy the stunning views of the mountain massifs that appear in the clearings, and discover the other villages in the valley—especially Posada de Valdeón, located halfway along the route and about 500 meters from Prada, where you will find bars and restaurants to rest before taking the rural road that leads back to the campsite.
It is also one of the routes we most often recommend for running, using one of our electric bikes, or for those days when the weather is not at its best.
Details of the hike
Type of hike: Circular
Distance: 9,39 km
Elevation gain: 329 m
Elevation loss: 329 m
Max altitude: 1.255 m
Min altitude: 968 m
Description of the route
This circular route begins right from the campsite. We start the walk by descending towards the picturesque village of Santa Marina de Valdeón, and before reaching the bridge you crossed to ascend to the campsite, you will find the official park signs on your left, marked as PN14. Continue along this path, which leads into a lush beech forest.
This section is especially pleasant, as the beech woods provide shade and coolness, as well as allowing us to enjoy the silence and natural beauty of the area. During this ascent, it is important to pay attention to the signs, as the route partly coincides with the path that leads to the Majada de Montó.
At approximately kilometre 3 of the route, before reaching a spring, which is usually a good spot to rest and refill your water, we will find a marked intersection. Here, we must be attentive: the signs will guide us to take the right-hand turn, which descends directly to the village of Prada de Valdeón. This point is crucial to avoid heading toward the Majada de Montó and to continue correctly on the circular route.
Once in Prada de Valdeón, we can take the opportunity to stroll through its quiet streets and enjoy the traditional architecture of the Leonese mountains. From here, there are two options to continue the route: you can visit the nearby village of Posada de Valdeón, located just 600 meters in the same direction. It is an easy walk that allows you to discover another of the charming villages of the valley—this being the main one, where you will find a tourist information point, the interpretation centre, the town hall, and some shops with local products.
The other option is to resume the circular itinerary by following the road, as indicated by the National Park signs, to comfortably return to the campsite, following the old road that runs parallel to the current one and thus complete the route.
This well-marked route, of moderate difficulty, is perfect for those seeking a complete experience of nature, culture, and scenery in the heart of the Picos de Europa.
Follow the route circular Prada PN 14
Follow the route circular Prada PN 14
SEE VIDEO 
SEE VIDEO
Possible variant: “Prada Circular from Camping el Cares, return via the Arenal River”
In summer, temperatures rise considerably and returning via the road may not sound like a very attractive plan. As an alternative, we suggest returning to the campsite by following the Arenal River.
General ranking MEDIUM
If you choose this option, just before reaching the village of Prada—about 50 meters before the bridge—take the path that goes off to the right, which is marked with a white and yellow cross-shaped sign.
Along the way, you will enjoy the sounds of nature and the flow of the Arenal River. You will also hear the beautiful concert provided by the birds of these forests.
This path leads back to the campsite, following the riverbank. The route fades in some places, so it is important to pay attention to the various cairns (stone markers) found as you progress along the river.
You will enjoy the fantastic views that this route offers of the Picos de Europa. However, what we are sure you will love is discovering the natural pools and waterfalls that wind through the forest.
If you take this alternative, it is necessary to be attentive to the terrain, as this variant follows a stream and can be slippery or somewhat more difficult to walk in some sections, even requiring the use of your hands to secure your steps.
We do not recommend this variant if there has been rainfall in the previous days, as the mud can make access considerably more difficult.
Dicover other hikes on the Valdeón valley, the heart of Picos de Europa.
follow ruta circular PR-PNPE 14 Prada vuelta por el río Arenal
follow Ruta circular PR-PNPE 14 Prada vuelta por el río Arenal