Puntos de Interés
Hydrography
Cares Rives
The Cares River has its source in León, at an altitude of 1,600 meters, in the Sierra de Cebolleda. More exactly, it starts its journey in the rapids at Posada de Valdeón. It then makes its way to where it joins the River Deva River, 54 km away from its source.
The Cares crosses the province of León before it reaches Asturias. During its journey through León, it flows through the villages of Posada de Valdeón. During this stretch, the river flows through valleys which are shaped like the letter "U," as they are glacial valleys. The water flow is gentler when it reaches the Posada de Valdeón Dam.
Once the river reaches Asturias, it runs through the municipalities of Cabrales, Peñamellera Alta, and Peñamellera Baja. The walking trails alongside the Cares are famous because walkers can take in the astonishing gorges and high cliffs that were formed there. This is where the river is joined by tributaries, Duje and Casano.
In the early 20th century, the hydroelectric potential of the Cares River was harnessed when the Camarmeña Hydroelectric Plant was opened. The Electra de Viesgo company successfully managed to build this complex in a location that is very challenging due to its steep terrain. A dam had to be built in Caín to capture the water and divert it to the Cares Canal. This 12-meter-long, 8-meter-high, and 3.5-meter-wide structure utilised locally sourced materials. Notably, a fish ladder was installed at that time, as it was recognised that physical barriers have an adverse impact on the river ecosystem. Construction commenced in 1916, and energy production began when it was inaugurated in 1921. While still operational, the plant has taken a back seat since the Arenas plant was put into service.
Other notable structures along the river include the Niserias footbridge, erected in 1982. Before that there was a footbridge that was built and funded by the owner of Casa Julián. Below the Niserias footbridge lies the Niserias Dam, built in the late 19th century by a British mining company that extracted minerals from the mountains and used the reservoir for washing minerals.
The Cares River is rich in trout and salmon, and so fishing is possible from late April to mid-June.