Re-visiting the Cares Gorge - The Divine Gorge

One of the defining walks of Asturias is the Cares Gorge. Known as the Divine Gorge, the 22km path winds its way through the heart of the Picos de Europa mountains. The path carved into rock and passes through tunnels cut through ancient limestone as it winds its way around the gorge and the river Cares way below.

The route is linear from Poncebes to Cain to Posada de Valdeón in Leon. We have walked this path several times and it always leaves a lasting impression. You cannot fail to be impressed with the magnificence and grandeur of the ancient limestone gorge. 

As you walk the path, which is no more than two meters wide for most of the gorge, in the depths you can occasionally spot the crystal clear blue waters of the Rio Cares whilst above you are the rocky peaks, scree beds and fissures of the Picos de Europa mountains.

It is a while since we walked the path but we will aim to do it again this Spring. In the height of summer it is extremely hot and arduous as the sun beats down relentlessly. The route is not for the feint hearted as you will see from this wonderful film shot by Tomas Millar (view it in full screen HD format). Thanks Tomas and Anna, you reminded us of this wondrous place and we will visit soon.

A section of the path collapsed about a year ago and you will see Tomas controlling his quad-copter on the newly constructed bridge that has been installed.

One of the few times we have heard wolves in the Picos mountains is when we walked the Cares gorge, we arrived in Cain mid-afternoon and a lone howl echoed around the valley triggering the local dogs to respond with their somewhat tamer version ...spine-tingling.