All good things require effort, and the Canal de Cureñas Route is no exception. It’s one of the classic trails in the region, but it requires you to be fit. It’s just over 18 kilometers long and has an incline of 870 meters. But what’s so special about it? We’ll tell you right now:

1. Natural environment: it’s within a natural park. The uneven terrain all around allows you to see different vegetation as you climb higher. If you’re quiet and observant, you may be able to spot animals that live in this natural paradise.
2. Geology: halfway through there are some castle-like rock formations to the left called the Molinucos del Diablo. The route ends at Cantos de la Borrica, where there are large masses of stone with glacial origins.
3. Megalithism: close to Cantos de la Borrica you’ll find the Sejos – Cuquillo megalithic area. Spread out throughout 2.5 kilometers you can see large menhirs, mounds and circular structures with slabs of rocks. This place is truly a marvel and the most significant megalithic complex in Cantabria.
4. Tradition: in Cantos there are some of the cabins that shepherds used to take care of the cattle during the summer.

Now, if we’ve convinced you to do the route, we’ll give you some details about it. The starting point is kilometer 25 of the CA-280. You have to leave your car in the parking lot signposted as Jaya Cruzá. To the right is the trail where you’ll begin your journey. Right away you’ll see a beech tree with a curved trunk next to the path. It’s known as the crossed beech, or “la Jaya Cruzá.” Then, you’ll reach the Tramborríos area, which is where the Bijoz and Cureñas Rivers meet. From this point on, it’s called the Saja River. You’ll then go uphill for several kilometers through a forest of Sessile oaks. To your right there are some castle-shaped rocks called the Molinucos del Diablo. Next, there’s a conical mountain known as the Cueto de la Concilla. And at the end, the Sejos mountain pastures, along with Cantos de la Borrica and the menhirs.  You return using the same path.

Technical information and recommendations:

►  Starts and ends: Jaya Cruzá parking. Km 25 road CA-280
►  Length: 19 km
► Duration: 7 h 
► Level: moderate
► Type of track: linear
►  Incline: +920 m./ -920 m.
► Type of path:  walking path
► Signpost: parcial. 
► Drinking water: no

Notes:  

1.  We recommend downloading the track of the route on your phone. 
2. Wear good hiking shoes and take a walking stick. 
3. Check the weather forecast beforehand. If there’s bad weather, it’s best to leave it for another day.
4. Only leave your footprints on the ground: throw any trash you accumulate into the correct bin when you return.
5. Live in harmony with the environment: observe animals from a distance and respect the plants. If you walk quietly you may find some pleasant surprises.

Download more information and track HERE

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