Teverga Branch — The most popular route
Entrago - Buyera Descent
Eighteen kilometres downhill along the former mining railway of Teverga. Tunnels carved through rock, the breathtaking Penas Juntas gorge and a finale beside the brown bears of La Senda del Oso. The most thrilling descent in Asturias on two wheels.
Practical information
The route kilometre by kilometre
From the pastoral calm of Entrago to the thrill of the Penas Juntas gorge, every section holds a surprise. Here is what you will find along the way.
Setting off from Entrago — Teverga Valley
The route begins in the peaceful village of Entrago, in the heart of the Teverga municipality. As soon as you set off, the path opens up with a generous panorama of the valley: intensely green meadows framed by hillsides of mixed forest climbing towards the limestone peaks. The old railway line, converted into a greenway, glides gently between stone farmhouses and centuries-old granaries. The descent is barely perceptible in these first kilometres, just enough to warm up your legs while your eyes adjust to the beauty of the landscape. If you ride early, you will see the morning mists rising slowly from the River Teverga.
Bridges over the river and mining railway tunnels
This is where the adventure begins. The path crosses the river over restored iron bridges that retain their original industrial structure, a tangible reminder of the old railway that transported coal from the Teverga mines. Shortly afterwards, you plunge into the first tunnels carved through rock. They are all lit with artificial lighting, yet the sensation of pedalling beneath tonnes of limestone, with the echo of your wheels reverberating off the walls, has something truly magical about it. Some tunnels stretch several hundred metres and preserve the original curvature of the railway line. Bring a light for your bike as a precaution, though it is not strictly necessary. Between tunnels, the landscape narrows progressively, hinting at what lies ahead.
Open valleys, picnic areas and fountains
After the intensity of the tunnels, the route relaxes. The valley widens and the landscape opens into broad meadows flanked by forests of oak, chestnut and hazel. This is the best-equipped section of the ride: you will find several picnic areas with stone and wooden tables beneath the shade of the trees, drinking-water fountains where you can refill your bottle and benches strategically placed at the finest viewpoints. It is the perfect spot to take a break, unwrap your sandwiches and enjoy the sound of the river, which here flows wide and calm alongside the trail. Children (and adults alike) particularly enjoy this section, where the flat terrain invites unhurried pedalling.
Penas Juntas Gorge
The showstopper of the entire route. Suddenly, the limestone walls close in on both sides of the path to form a natural corridor of awe-inspiring beauty. The Penas Juntas gorge, whose name perfectly describes how the rock faces almost touch above your head, is a geological spectacle you will not find on any other greenway in Spain. The vertical walls, draped in moss, ferns and cliff-dwelling vegetation, soar dozens of metres while the river squeezes into a narrow, resonant channel. In places, the trail passes so close to the rock face that you can reach out and touch the stone with your hand. Pedal slowly here: this is not a place for haste, but for absorbing every detail of this natural monument.
Arrival at Buyera — The Bear Enclosure
The final three kilometres bring the cherry on top. Shortly before reaching Buyera, the trail passes the Bear Enclosure, a large naturalised compound that is home to Molina, a Cantabrian brown bear rescued from captivity who now lives in semi-freedom. Watching them from the elevated walkway, just a few metres away, is an experience children (and adults) remember forever. The enclosure is free to visit and has no fixed opening hours. From here, a short pedal takes you into Buyera, where the route connects with the main branch of La Senda del Oso. You will find parking, facilities, fountains and, if you fancy extending the day, you can continue riding towards Proaza or Tunon.
Practical tips
What to bring
- ✓ Helmet (compulsory for under-16s)
- ✓ Water (min. 1 bottle per person)
- ✓ Sun cream and sunglasses
- ✓ Light rain jacket (this is Asturias...)
- ✓ Snacks or a packed lunch for the stop
- ✓ Rear light for the tunnels
Water and shade
The route has several drinking-water fountains, mainly concentrated in the picnic area zone (km 8-12). Much of the ride passes through wooded areas that provide natural shade, although there are open stretches where the sun beats down strongly in summer. The Penas Juntas gorge and the tunnels offer a cool respite even on the hottest days.
Best time of day
For a quieter ride, set off early: between 9:00 and 10:30. Most cyclists arrive from 11:00 onwards, especially at weekends and on public holidays. In summer, avoid the midday hours (13:00-16:00) due to the heat. The late afternoon, with the golden light of sunset, offers an unforgettable experience if you time it right.
Where to park
Both Entrago and Buyera have free parking areas. The most practical approach: leave your car in Buyera (the finish point), take the bus up to Entrago and cycle downhill back to your car. That way you do not depend on return transport. In peak season, arrive early to secure a space. See our guide on how to get to La Senda del Oso for driving and public transport options.
Shuttle bus
During peak season (June to September, weekends in May and October) there is a bus service that takes cyclists and bikes from Buyera up to Entrago. The ride takes about 25 minutes. Outside peak season, check with the bike rental shops, as many offer a transfer service to the starting point.
Safety
The route is shared with pedestrians: moderate your speed, especially on blind bends, in tunnels and in areas with children. Always ride on the right and call out before overtaking. Although the descent is gentle, check your brakes before setting off. In the tunnels, slow down and switch on your light.
FAQ
Is the Entrago-Buyera route suitable for young children?
Yes, it is one of the best routes in Asturias for families. Because it is almost entirely downhill on a paved surface, it is perfect for children aged 5-6 and above on their own bikes. For younger children, you can use a child trailer or rear-mounted seat without any difficulty. The only point to watch out for is the tunnels, which are lit but still require caution with small children. See our family guide for more details.
How do I get back to the starting point in Entrago?
The most convenient option is the bus service connecting Buyera with Entrago during the peak season (June to September, weekends in May and October). The journey takes about 25 minutes. Outside peak season, you can arrange a return by taxi or leave a car at each end. Many bike rental companies also offer a transfer service to the start.
Do I need a special bike for this route?
No. The surface is tarmac or well-compacted gravel for the entire route. Any bike will do: mountain, touring, electric or even a tandem. The only recommendation is to make sure your brakes are in good condition, as you will use them frequently on the continuous descent.
Are there drinking-water fountains and rest areas along the way?
Yes, there are several drinking-water fountains along the route, especially in the picnic areas between km 8 and km 12. You will also find rest areas with tables and benches. Even so, we recommend carrying at least one bottle of water, particularly in summer.
What is the best time of year to do this route?
The route is open all year round, but the best time is from April to October. In spring the valleys are particularly green and full of wildflowers. Summer is the peak season, with more services available but also more visitors. Autumn offers a spectacular display of colour from the deciduous forests. In winter the route is rideable, but daylight hours are shorter and some sections may be damp.
Explore other Bear Trail routes
Each section of La Senda del Oso has its own character. Find the one that fits your plans.
Tunon - Proaza
11 km · Flat · Ideal for families
The most family-friendly section of La Senda, with a stop at the Bear Enclosure and shaded picnic areas.
Proaza - Valdemurio
10 km · Gentle climb · Peaceful
The quiet branch few people know: chestnut groves, mountain hamlets and the Valdemurio reservoir without the crowds.
Oviedo - Senda del Oso
30+ km · Moderate · Full day
For ambitious cyclists: ride out from Oviedo and connect with La Senda through the Trubia valleys.
Ready for the descent?
Book your bike and get ready for one of the finest cycling experiences in Asturias. No rush, no cars, just you and nature.