If you have 2-4 hours and want to ride a short version of the Bear Trail (Senda del Oso), the best option is the Proaza → Tuñón section, 6 km. It’s flat, downhill, passes the Molina bear enclosure and several tunnels of the old railway. It takes 45 min by bike or 1 h 30 on foot, and at the end there is a bus or transfer to return to the start.
This guide explains the 3 most popular short routes on the Bear Trail, with km, times, what you see on each and which one fits best depending on who you’re with. Signed from Entrago, where we have spent more than 20 years renting bikes to families and groups.
The 3 short routes on the Bear Trail
Quick summary to pick fast:
| Route | Km | By bike | On foot | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proaza → Tuñón | 6 km | 45 min | 1 h 30 | Bear enclosure, long tunnels, Valdecerezales (partial) |
| Entrago → Buyera | 18 km | 2-3 h | 5 h | Full Valdecerezales canyon, both canyons |
| Buyera → Proaza | 4 km | 30 min | 1 h | Bear enclosure, Buyera picnic area |
Option 1: Proaza → Tuñón (the most family-friendly)
6 km downhill on the main trunk of the trail. The most-ridden short route by families with small kids, school groups and first-time visitors.
What you see:
- Molina enclosure (the brown bear who lives in the Fernanchín enclosure).
- 4-5 long tunnels of the old mining railway, with solar-powered lighting.
- Part of the Valdecerezales canyon.
- Santo Adriano de Tuñón church at the end (pre-Romanesque temple consecrated in 891).
How to do it:
- By car, park in Proaza and start there. At the end in Tuñón, take the bus back to Proaza (check Autos Bimenes) or call us and we’ll pick you up.
- Downhill by bike, 45 min at a relaxed pace. Recommended with kids 5+ riding on their own, or with trailer/child seat from 8-9 months.
Difficulty: easy. Compacted surface, 1.5% gradient. Suitable for first-timers.
Option 2: Entrago → Buyera (the classic by bike)
18 km downhill on the Teverga branch plus part of the trunk. The most popular plan with rented bikes: leave from our shop, pedal 2-3 hours with stops and call us from Buyera for the return transfer.
What you see:
- Valdecerezales canyon (vertical walls, 4-6 long tunnels).
- Peñas Juntas canyon.
- Molina bear enclosure (2-min detour off the trail).
- Centre of Proaza to stop and eat.
How to do it:
- Book your bike online, no upfront payment.
- Leave from Entrago in the morning.
- Finish in Buyera, call us and in 15 min we’re there with the van.
- Return transfer included in all our rates.
Difficulty: very easy if you ride downhill. 1.5% gradient. Suitable for anyone who can ride a bike.
Option 3: Buyera → Proaza (the micro version)
4 km of very short downhill, for people with 1 spare hour or with very young kids who tire quickly.
What you see:
- Buyera picnic area (tables, fountain, parking).
- Molina enclosure.
- Part of the Proaza centre.
How to do it:
- By car to Buyera (free parking).
- Walking or bike, very downhill.
- Walk back to the car or take a taxi.
Difficulty: the easiest of all. Ideal with kids 3-5 on small bikes.
Which to pick by profile
- Family with kids under 3: Proaza → Tuñón with trailer or child seat.
- Family with kids 5-10: Entrago → Buyera with return transfer (full-day plan).
- Group of unhurried adults: Entrago → Buyera, with lunch in Proaza.
- Express 2-h getaway: Proaza → Tuñón on foot.
- First visit in general: Entrago → Buyera by bike. You see every highlight.
- Grandparents or low-activity visitors: Buyera → Proaza, slow walk.
Our advice
“The short route most people end up choosing is Entrago → Buyera by bike”. It covers all the main highlights (both canyons, bear enclosure, long tunnels) in a manageable time (2-3 h), with the return transfer so you don’t suffer the climb.
If it’s your first visit, don’t overcomplicate things with the Quirós branch (14 km, less visited, fewer highlights). Save Quirós for a second visit if the trail wins you over.
For more detail, see the sections in depth and what to see on the trail. If you’re going with little ones, the specific guide is at with kids.
