The path was originally constructed to allow maintenance access to the canal that supplies water to the Camarmeña power station.
The canal system, which runs alongside the walking path, transports water through tunnels and galleries bored directly through the mountain.
Vertical drops from the path to the riverbed reach depths of over 1,000 meters in several sections.
The route requires traversing several hand-hewn tunnels that cut through the solid rock of the limestone massif.
Despite its proximity to a water source, the trail is extremely arid and lacks natural shade along the vast majority of its length.
La Ruta del Cares is a 12-kilometer hiking trail carved directly into the limestone cliffs of the Picos de Europa National Park in northern Spain. It connects the villages of Caín in León and Poncebos in Asturias, tracing the path of a hydro-electric canal built between 1916 and 1921. The trail is known as the 'Garganta Divina' or 'Divine Gorge' because of its dramatic canyon walls that drop vertically into the Cares River. The elevation gain is minimal, though the path is narrow, unshielded, and subject to high exposure along steep vertical drops. The terrain is strictly rocky and uneven throughout the duration of the path. It remains an active route for hikers crossing the border between the León and Asturias provinces. The route operates entirely within a protected mountainous environment.
The mid-point sections overlooking the deepest parts of the gorge near the tunnel entrances.
Bring a headlamp or flashlight for navigating the dark, unlit tunnels along the route.
Carry significantly more water than you expect to need, as there are no natural springs or services between the trailheads.
Start your hike early to avoid the midday heat, which intensifies significantly as the sun reflects off the surrounding limestone.
Do not attempt this hike in high winds or during winter months, as rockfalls and snow are common hazards; avoid looking for shortcuts, as the path is the only safe traverse.
The route is accessible year-round, but weather-dependent closures occur during severe winter storms or periods of high rockfall risk.
Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory due to constant loose rock; yield the path to those walking uphill or moving faster.
