A 71-year-old Norwegian hiker died this Friday after falling while walking the Cares Route, in Asturias. The accident occurred about four kilometers from Poncebos, one of the main access points to the well-known itinerary that connects Poncebos and Caín.
According to available information, the woman fell when she was about to put on a backpack. Emergency services received the alert and personnel from the Emergency Service of the Principality of Asturias (SEPA) and the Civil Guard were dispatched to the scene.
The body of the hiker had to be recovered by helicopter due to the characteristics of the terrain.
One of the most well-known mountain routes in Asturias
The Cares Route runs through the gorge carved by the Cares River between Poncebos, in Cabrales, and Caín, in León. The route crosses a mountainous area with rocky walls, elevation changes, and narrow sections, so it requires caution and adequate preparation.
The complete route between Poncebos and Caín has an approximate length of 12 kilometers each way. The route is linear, so doing it round trip means covering about 24 kilometers.
Recommendations for walking the Cares Route
Given the characteristics of the route, the usual recommendations for completing it include using appropriate mountain footwear, carrying enough water and food, and checking the weather forecast and the conditions of the itinerary in advance.
It is also advisable to adapt the route to each person's physical condition and to take extra precautions in sections close to elevation changes and exposed areas.
The specific circumstances that caused the hiker's fall are being investigated, and it has not been established that the accident was due to reckless behavior.