If you have arrived at Camping el Cares you will already have a slight idea of the wealth of trail in the Picos de Europa and the Valdeón Valley.
Surely you will be eager to get lost on the trails to discover all the magic that comes out of the raw nature that abounds in these parts…
As an aperitif, we propose a circular route that starts from the Cares campsite, located in the Picos de Europa National Park, where you will not miss the varied diversity of ecosystems that this walk offers in less than four kilometers…
Introduction to the “Circular trail of Camping el Cares”.
It is a very easy route to do and at the same time with a lot of charm and changes in the landscape that surrounds us during the same, so it is recommended by the campsite for all types of public. To get started in the valley, to do with children or to warm up for the different excursions of greater difficulty, as it can be linked with several of those that we also propose.
On this route, we will pass through different altitudes, albeit on a small scale. But they are enough to observe how the natural spaces that surround us and their inhabitants are adapting to them, to their type of substratum and their conditions. As well as enjoying the immense panoramic views that the Central and Western massifs offer us.
Profile of the trail in Picos de Europa
Difficulty: Easy. Duration: 1h. Distance: 3.44km.
Difference in altitude: 160m. Type of route: circular route, not signposted.
Route: link to wikiloc


Description of the route “circular trail Camping el Cares”, in Picos de Europa
Where to start the route
We will start the route behind the restaurant and from outside the campsite, going along a path covered with dry leaves and remains of wood. In a forest of large beech trees that at certain points almost completely block the view of the sky, giving us the sensation that the forest includes us in it, as it surrounds us.
Ascend along the path and always take the route to the right at the forks you come across.
Along the route, you will find a wide variety of trees such as oaks, ashes, hazels, and holly trees that live together in the beech forest, as well as all the plants, mosses, lichens and fungi that grow in their shade.
We will also find different edible and medicinal plants traditionally used by the inhabitants of the valley, as well as the first traces and sounds of the fauna that inhabits the forest. And as we go upwards until we reach a small slate area, from which we will descend to the river. So, we will observe how in just a few meters, the change in the substratum completely changes the vegetation.



Once down, we will find a small river of clean and crystalline waters where the amphibians and small reptiles of the area live.
We cross the course of the river without any difficulty. Then we will find the link with the route. Ascend until you come to a rural path where you turn left. Go down until you reach another path on the left.
From here, we will advance until we complete the curve formed by the road. After this, continue the route along a tree-lined path on the left, which will take you to the village.
Depending on the time of year, we may encounter mud, but we can avoid it by walking along the right-hand side of this section.
On the left-hand side, you will see meadows where the shepherds of the area are engaged in traditional extensive livestock farming.
Following the path, where we will find several hazelnut and blueberry trees. We will reach the beautiful village of Santa Marina de Valdeón, which we will cross as indicated on the route. Halfway through the village, look for a large meadow on the left that will take you to the Fuente del Rejo.
To the left of the fountain, we will find a steep wooded path that will finally connect us with the path to the campsite.


You can do this magnificent ecotourism route with us and we will show you, in less than four kilometers, the best-kept secrets of those who inhabit these fabulous forests.
We hope you enjoy this fabulous route, and we remind you that you can see more routes with their descriptions in our Wikiloc and Komoot profiles.
Greetings mountaineers!