Attractions and Places To See around Riosa - Top 20

This trail is very easy to walk, as it's mostly shaded. However, you should still wear good, sturdy shoes.

If you want to reach the top, start by saving your strength. And if you have to put a foot down, do so; it's no disgrace. With a 12-kilometer route, 1258 meters of elevation gain, a first half with an incline of around 8% and a second half with an average of 13% and ramps over 22%, it is considered one of the toughest climbs in Europe. And watch out for the descent: if it's wet, it's very dangerous, and if it's dry, rim brakes could overheat the rims too much.

Before renting a bike from the "Oso goloso" rental shop in Proaza, you should know the following: the gearshift on the mountain bikes (without mudguards, bell, or luggage rack) is absurdly intentionally locked so that, out of a hypothetical 18 gears, you can only use 4 in the middle range (so the chain doesn't come off, hahaha). After you pay and sign, they'll explain this to you. However, this is completely unsuitable for riding the Bear Trail, especially the rather steep eastern variant with its very poor surface. Even with good fitness, you'll often have to dismount. Apparently, there's another rental shop in Proaza...

The "Xanas," after whom the gorge is named, are Asturian mountain stream nymphs who enchant shepherds on St. John's Eve. The path was created in the 1930s as preparatory work for a planned road from Villanueva to Pedroveya, which ultimately never came to fruition.

Spectacular place

Spectacular route

Take it easy at the beginning, the hard part is at the end

In Santa Marina there are some steps that connect with the section of the Senda del Oso in the municipality of Quirós, perfectly conditioned in the valley of the river Trubia. In autumn the trees are colourful and the warm lights of the most suggestive season of the year envelop the landscapes in a very seductive luminous effervescence. Bárzana is the capital of the municipality of Quirós, it is on the other side of the river, like many villages along the route. The route of the old mining train runs solitary and hidden to the Valdemurio reservoir, a reserve for aquatic birds and an active leisure centre. The Senda crosses the Cuevafurada gorge through an illuminated tunnel and reaches the Caranga de Abajo detour. The Teverga branch deviates to the left, this is the path we will take later on the return from Tuñón. The route continues straight ahead through the tunnels of the Peñas Juntas and Peña Caranga Gorges to the Proaza valley, where the Bear Enclosure is located. At times you can see bears that live in semi-freedom and come to the Senda Enclosure to eat. The cycle route continues through Villanueva and ends at the Tuñón Recreational Area, set up at the Esgarrada bridge. There is a fountain, benches, a children's playground and a bear sculpture. The route returns along the same path to the Caranga de Abajo turn-off and continues through the Teverga valley. On the way back you can take advantage of the opportunity to visit the town of Proaza, connecting again with the Senda at the bridge of the Hydraulic Power Station. The Bear Enclosure is still beautiful, wooded and comfortable for cycling, small villages appear, well-lit tunnels and after several curves the canyon opens up and the houses of Entragu emerge between the trees. The stage continues for a couple of kilometres to San Martín de Teverga, an important crossroads and town with all services.