La Pared: Hiking the R2 Valle del Silencio

Hiking the R2 Valle del Silencio

After passing the Cueva de Covalanas, the R2 Valle del Silencio circular route continues through La Pared. It is 18 kilometres long, involves 816 metres of elevation gain, and takes an estimated six to seven hours. This duration makes the R2 a hike for a longer day on the trail. For comparison, the route to the caves of Ramales is four kilometres long, takes about one hour and 15 minutes, and involves 220 metres of ascent and descent. This puts the approximately 75 minutes for that route alongside the estimated six to seven hours for the R2. This can help you choose a route based on how much time you have available. The route figures do not replace checking current trail conditions, which may change.

One section of the R2 on Monte del Pando follows a narrow path through a Cantabrian holm oak forest. This gives a concrete impression of the trail’s character alongside the route figures. The Ruta de las Cuevas passes through the area known as Valle del Silencio. The names R2 Valle del Silencio and Ruta de las Cuevas refer to different routes: the R2 is a circular route with the figures listed above, while the Ruta de las Cuevas crosses the Valle del Silencio.

Caves and visitor trails

At the Cueva de Covalanas, the focus is on its Palaeolithic art: the UNESCO World Heritage-listed cave features paintings of 18 hinds, a stag, an aurochs, and a horse. The guided tour takes about 45 minutes. From the car park, a 650-metre uphill footpath leads to the cave. The tour and the access path are separate parts of your planning: the approximately 45 minutes refers to the tour, not the entire journey from the car park.

At Cullalvera, distinguish between the walkway and the prehistoric paintings. Inside, a 400-metre walkway has been adapted for people with reduced mobility. The paintings are outside the visitor route and cannot be visited. The adaptation therefore applies to the walkway, not to access to the paintings. Check the current official information before visiting Covalanas and Cullalvera; trail conditions and visitor services may also change.

The large entrance to Cuevamur is accessible next to Pared del Eco, although conditions may change. Pared del Eco is one of the sites of geological importance in the Valles de Cantabria Geopark project. As conditions at the cave entrance may change, it is advisable to check before visiting.

Historic trails and other routes

The Camino de las cuevas de Ramales follows the old Camino Real from Laredo to Burgos. Its route is associated with Charles V’s journey during his retreat to Yuste. If you are interested in historic routes as well as caves and landscapes, this trail offers a distinct historical connection.

A trail leads from La Pared along the Río Calera; from there, you can view the Cueva de la Luz in a vertical limestone wall on Monte del Pando. On the Senda de la Dama Roja, after descending through the forest towards the Río Calera basin, the trail follows a vehicle track closer to La Pared. For planning, the view of the Cueva de la Luz and the forest descent towards the Río Calera basin are two distinct points of reference.

Discover more destinations: Dueso, Tresviso, Torrelavega, Cotillo, Gornazo, Herrerías, Ampuero, Veguilla.

For the broader travel overview: Cantabria.