Quiros Branch — The road less travelled
Proaza - Valdemurio Route
Ten kilometres of gentle climbing towards the Valdemurio reservoir, along the quietest branch of La Senda del Oso (Bear Trail). Centuries-old chestnut and hazel forests, stone hamlets that feel frozen in time, and sweeping views of the Las Ubinas peaks. The authentic Asturias, without the crowds, pedalling at your own pace.
Practical information
The route, kilometre by kilometre
From the junction at Proaza to the stillness of the Valdemurio reservoir, each stretch reveals a deeper, lesser-known Asturias. Here is what awaits you.
Departure from Proaza — Branch junction
The route begins in Proaza, where La Senda del Oso splits into two paths. While most cyclists carry on along the main branch towards Tunon or Buyera, you take the turning towards Quiros — and that single turn changes everything. Within just a few hundred metres, the bustle fades away. The trail eases gently into the valley of the River Quiros, flanked by hay meadows and scattered farmsteads. The gradient is barely perceptible, the merest hint of a climb that your legs absorb without effort. This is the moment you realise you have left the busy route behind and stepped into something different: La Senda del Oso as it was before the world discovered it.
Chestnut and hazel forests
This is where the magic of the Quiros branch truly begins. The path dips beneath a dense canopy formed by centuries-old chestnut and hazel trees. In spring and summer, their crowns weave together overhead to create a natural tunnel of cool shade where the temperature drops several degrees compared with the open air. The ground, carpeted with leaves in autumn or scattered with prickly chestnut husks, crunches softly beneath your wheels. The sound of the river accompanies you constantly, sometimes close at hand, sometimes as a distant murmur threading through the trees. This is a stretch for pedalling slowly, breathing deeply, and letting yourself be enveloped by that singular silence of the Asturian woodlands, broken only by birdsong and the rush of water.
Mountain hamlets — Rural Asturias in its purest form
The branch passes through tiny mountain hamlets that seem frozen in another era. Stone houses with slate roofs, wooden horreos (traditional raised granaries perched on stone stilts called pegollos, designed to keep grain safe from damp and rodents), vegetable plots of cabbages and potatoes, chickens pecking beside the path. This is the Asturias that has all but vanished from conventional tourist routes. If you pause for a few minutes, someone will quite likely wave from a window or invite you to try their home-pressed cider. There are no souvenir shops or kiosks here: just authentic rural life and the kind of hospitality that springs from the surprise of seeing cyclists in such a remote spot. It is the stretch that best captures the character of this branch.
Ascent towards Las Ubinas
The gentle climb becomes slightly more noticeable on this stretch, though nothing that demands any special effort. In return, the visual reward is extraordinary. As you gain height, the landscape transforms: the enclosed woodland gives way to more open hillsides and, on clear days, the peaks of the Las Ubinas-La Mesa Natural Park rise on the horizon with an imposing presence. In early spring, the summits are still capped with snow, creating a spectacular contrast with the deep green of the valley below. The atmosphere turns wilder, more mountainous. It is common to spot birds of prey gliding above the ridgelines and, with luck, a roe deer crossing the hillside meadows. This is where the branch reveals its true nature: a mountain route disguised as a leisurely bike ride.
Valdemurio Reservoir — The grand finale
The final two kilometres lead to the ultimate reward of the branch: the Valdemurio reservoir. When the reservoir comes into view, ringed by an amphitheatre of mountains, you understand why every pedal stroke was worthwhile. The sheet of water, a deep blue that mirrors the peaks like a looking glass, radiates an almost dreamlike stillness. It is the perfect place to dismount, sit down on the bank and savour the silence. There are no crowds, no traffic noise — just the wind through the trees and, now and then, the splash of a fish. Unwrap your sandwiches, take photographs, rest your legs. When you are ready, the return to Proaza is pure joy: ten kilometres of downhill, virtually effortless, with the breeze in your face and a smile that will not fade easily.
Practical tips
What to bring
- ✓ Plenty of water (min. 1 litre — no fountains)
- ✓ Food for a picnic at the reservoir
- ✓ Helmet (compulsory for under-16s)
- ✓ Lightweight rain jacket (just in case)
- ✓ Sun cream and sunglasses
- ✓ Binoculars (for wildlife and mountains)
Gradient and fitness
The 120 metres of elevation gain spread over 10 km work out to an average gradient of less than 1.5%. It is so gentle that many cyclists do not notice it until they find the return leg noticeably easier. You do not need any special fitness level or a mountain bike. Any bicycle will do, including city bikes. If you are riding an electric bike, you will barely use any battery on the climb. The key is to go at your own pace and enjoy the scenery without rushing.
Best time of day
Early morning, between 8:00 and 10:00, is when the views towards Las Ubinas are at their clearest. The valley's morning mists create stunning photographic moments, and the low-angle sunrise light bathes the snowy peaks in golden tones. Since this branch is already quiet by nature, setting off early means you will have the trail virtually to yourself. In summer, avoid the middle of the day: the woodland provides shade, but the final stretch towards the reservoir is more exposed.
Parking in Proaza
Proaza has free parking next to the trailhead. During peak season (July-August and spring weekends), spaces fill up before 11:00, so it pays to arrive early. If the main car park is full, there are additional spaces at the entrance to the village. Since this is an out-and-back route that finishes where you started, you only need one car — an important logistical advantage over linear routes.
Downhill return
One of the great perks of this branch: the return is entirely downhill. The same 10 km that took you one to two hours of gentle climbing, you will cover in 30-40 minutes of comfortable and enjoyable descent, with barely any need to pedal. It is a wonderful sensation, especially after a rest at the reservoir. That said, control your speed on bends and watch out for other trail users. Well-maintained brakes are essential for enjoying the descent safely.
Wildlife and nature
The lower number of cyclists makes this branch a privileged spot for observing wildlife. Red squirrels are a common sight among the hazel trees, darting from branch to branch without much wariness of passing riders. On the more open stretches, look up: griffon vultures, red kites and, with luck, the occasional golden eagle can be seen gliding above the ridges of Las Ubinas. At dusk, roe deer descend to the meadows near the trail. Bring your binoculars and pedal quietly to maximise your chances.
FAQ
Is it much harder than the main branch of La Senda del Oso?
Not at all — the difference is minimal. The Proaza-Valdemurio branch has a total elevation gain of around 120 metres over 10 km, which works out to a very gentle and steady gradient. If you can cycle the Tunon-Proaza section without difficulty, this branch will not pose any problem. The only difference is that here you climb slightly instead of riding on flat terrain, but the incline is so gradual that many cyclists barely notice it. The return journey, moreover, is downhill, so getting back is actually easier than the outward leg.
Can you combine it with the Tunon-Proaza section?
Absolutely, and it makes for an excellent combination. Many experienced cyclists ride the full route: setting off from Tunon, reaching Proaza (7 km), taking the Quiros branch to Valdemurio (another 10 km), and then retracing their steps. The total round trip is about 34 km, perfectly manageable in a day because the profile is very gentle throughout. If you prefer a shorter ride, you can do just Proaza-Valdemurio return (20 km). The ideal strategy is to tackle the Quiros branch first while you are fresh and save the flatter Tunon-Proaza section for the way back.
Is there anywhere to eat or drink on this branch?
On the branch itself, between Proaza and Valdemurio, there are no bars or restaurants. The route passes through countryside and tiny hamlets with no hospitality services. That is why it is essential to bring enough water (at least 1 litre per person) and some food. In Proaza, both at the start and on your return, you will find several bars and restaurants serving good meals. The Valdemurio reservoir has a clear, open area that is perfect for a picnic, so packing sandwiches and enjoying lunch with views over the reservoir is one of the best parts of the whole experience.
Is this route suitable for children?
Yes, though with some considerations. For children aged 7-8 and above with a bit of cycling experience, the route is ideal: the surface is good, cyclist traffic is minimal, and the gradient is very gentle. For younger children in a rear seat or trailer, the outward journey requires a little more effort from the adult due to the slight incline, but it is entirely doable — especially with an electric bike. The great advantage for families is the peace and quiet: there are none of the crowds found on the main branch, so children can pedal at their own pace without any pressure. The downhill return is a real treat for them.
What is the best time of year to ride this branch?
The Quiros branch is spectacular in any season, but each one has its own charm. Spring (April-June) offers the forests at their greenest, with the chestnut trees in bloom and the river running high. Summer is ideal thanks to the shade of the woodland, which keeps the temperature pleasant even on hot days. Autumn (October-November) is arguably the finest time of all: the chestnut and hazel trees turn golden, ochre and red, creating a display of colour that is hard to beat. Winter is perfectly rideable, but daylight hours are short and some stretches may be damp. For the best views of Las Ubinas capped with snow, early spring is unbeatable.
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 · Family-friendly
The most family-friendly section, with a stop at the bear enclosure and shaded picnic areas.
Entrago - Buyera
18 km · Downhill · The star route
The ultimate descent: 18 km downhill through the green heart of the trail, with tunnels and viaducts.
Oviedo - Bear Trail
30+ km · Moderate · Full day
For ambitious cyclists: ride out from Oviedo and connect with the Bear Trail through the Trubia valleys.
Ready to discover the quiet branch?
Leave the crowds behind and pedal into the silence of the chestnut forests and the Valdemurio reservoir. La Senda del Oso as it was always meant to be experienced.