The most beautiful section
Yes, you can do the Ruta del Oso with your dog: the 22 km are open to dogs all year round with a mandatory leash (fines of up to €300), there are 4 fountains along the route and 80% shade between Entrago and Proaza.
Rules and permitted sections
The Senda del Oso welcomes dogs end to end: the 22 km between Entrago and Tuñón are open to them all year round, with no restrictions on breed, size or age. The only condition is the leash, mandatory along the entire route under Asturian regulations, with fines of up to €300 if your dog runs loose.
The exception is at km 19: the Fernanchín bear enclosure viewpoint does not admit dogs because it is a protected wildlife area and their presence stresses Molina, the bear who lives in its 40,000 m².
The practical solution is to take turns: the visit lasts 15-20 min, the outdoor viewpoint is free and right beside the trail, and the chances of seeing the bear are around 70%, especially from 9 to 11 am and 5 to 7 pm. Visit times are managed by the Fundación Oso de Asturias from the Bear House in Proaza.
Every section is permitted, but not all are equally comfortable for the animal. Between Entrago and Proaza, 80% of the route runs under riverside forest shade; between Tuñón and Caranga the trail is more open and it is best to avoid midday in summer. If you are only walking for a while, start with the most beautiful section on foot.
Buyera – Fernanchín enclosure
0.8 km · 20 min
- Flat and short; ideal if your dog is a light walker
Proaza loop
5 km · 1.5 h
- Fountain in the village and plenty of shade
Tuñón loop
10 km · 3 h
- More open; better first thing in the morning in summer
Entrago – Buyera
18 km · 4-5 h
- 80% shade as far as Proaza; fit dogs
Full Entrago – Tuñón
22 km · 5-6 h
- Only for dogs used to long walks
One important warning: around Proaza and on the branch from Caranga to Entrago, flocks graze under the guard of mastiffs of 50-80 kg. Keep at least 50 m away, always go around the flock and never break into a run, because the mastiff reads flight as a threat.
If one approaches barking, stop and have your dog sit: as soon as it identifies you, it withdraws. They are territorial dogs, not aggressive ones.
Tips for bringing your dog
First, choose your time of day well. In summer, set off first thing in the morning and make the most of the 30-plus tunnels running 4-5 degrees cooler than outside; above 25 °C, do not have your dog trot beside a bike or plan long stages on foot. Check the forecast at AEMET before setting out.
Schedule stops every 30-40 min so it can drink and stretch. The compacted gravel surface helps: there is no asphalt to burn paw pads, no loose stones, and the 1.5% average gradient is barely noticeable for either of you.
If you are unsure whether your dog should walk, trot beside the bike or ride in a trailer, apply these criteria:
- It can come along trotting only if it is used to outings of 5 km or more and is over 12 months old, with fully formed joints.
- Better the trailer if it is an urban dog used to 20-30 min walks, a puppy or a flat-nosed breed (bulldog, pug), which struggles to breathe under effort.
- Above 25 °C, trailer or change of plan: there is no middle ground.
- An elastic hands-free leash, fastened at your waist, prevents jerks when you cross paths with bikes.
In the backpack, three essentials: a folding bowl, waste bags and extra water in a bottle if it is hot. You have the full gear list in what to pack for the Ruta del Oso.
A dog trailer if you combine the trail by bike
If part of the group is on wheels, the Entrago rental point (Polígono de Pradacón, Nave 1) has dedicated dog trailers: the standard one costs €25 a day and takes up to 20 kg (80 x 50 cm interior), and the XXL costs €32 and goes up to 30 kg (95 x 60 cm, with reinforced suspension), with a €40 deposit you get back in full if you return it clean.
Both include a safety net, leash, front window and waterproof cover. You have the details in bike rental and in the prices.
Leash on for all 22 km and a 50 m margin from any flock: with those two rules, the trail is a very comfortable route to walk with a dog — no cars, a soft surface and four fountains along the way.
Water fountains along the route
You can count on four fountains along the trail: Entrago (km 0), Proaza (km 14), Buyera (km 18) and Tuñón (km 22). All sit beside the route or a minimal detour away, so topping up water never takes you off track.
- Entrago (km 0): at the starting point, next to the rental area.
- Proaza (km 14): in the village centre, about 200 m from the trail; it has a wide spout, handy for filling the bowl.
- Buyera (km 18): at the recreation area, with picnic tables and a seasonal bar.
- Tuñón (km 22): next to the church.
The figure that shapes all the planning: there are 14 km without a fountain between Entrago and Proaza, the longest gap on the route. If you walk that stretch, set out with a full bottle and water reserved for your dog, especially from June to September. The 80% shade helps, but it is no substitute for water.
As for timing, May-June and September combine mild temperatures and fewer people; in high summer, start early; in winter, save it for sunny days, because there are frosts. We go into it in the best time to do the Ruta del Oso.
One last logistical note: the free car parks at Entrago (around 60 spaces) and Tuñón (around 40) fill up before 10 am in July, August and long weekends, so an early start also solves the parking.
And if you want to stretch the plan, the places to stay cluster in Proaza, Teverga and Quirós, less than 10 min from the trail; in July and August book 3 weeks ahead.
Ruta del Oso