The Senda del Oso does not have a single starting point. As a greenway, it can be accessed from several points along the route. But the choice matters more than it might seem: it defines whether the route becomes a comfortable experience or unnecessary effort.
Where you can start the Senda del Oso
The three main access points are Entrago, Proaza and Buyera. Each offers a different experience.
Entrago
Highest point — almost all downhill
Proaza
Midpoint — you can go either way
Buyera
Lowest point — uphill if you want to go further
Starting in Entrago — the most recommended option
Entrago is located at the top of the Senda del Oso. Starting here allows you to do most of the ride downhill, which completely changes the experience.
From Entrago, the ride is almost entirely downhill to Buyera. There are no complications and no need for significant physical effort. This is the starting point we recommend for the vast majority of people.
Departure from Entrago
The most popular starting point
18 km
Distance
2 – 2.5 h
Duration
Downhill
Profile
Very easy
Difficulty
Ideal for beginners, families and groups. The favourable gradient greatly reduces the effort — the bike practically rides itself for most of the way.
Who is Entrago ideal for?
- People with no prior cycling experience
- Families with children of any age
- Groups looking for a comfortable experience
- Anyone who wants to enjoy the ride without significant physical effort
Departure from Entrago
Hire with end-of-route collection included
You start at the top and we bring you back. No hassle.
Starting in Proaza
Proaza is roughly in the middle section of the route. From here you can go in either direction: towards Entrago (uphill) or towards Buyera (gentler). It has easy access and the area has some services.
The main drawback is that you do not get the full benefit of the descent. If you get as far as Proaza, the usual approach is to continue towards Buyera, but the stretch loses some of its comfort compared to starting from Entrago.
- When it makes sense: if you are already in the area or just want to do a short stretch
- When it does not: if you want the complete and most comfortable experience
Starting in Buyera
Buyera is at the end of the route, the lowest point. If you start here and want to ride along the trail, the route is mainly uphill.
This is the least recommended option for cycling the route, unless you only want to see the bears and do a very short stretch with little pedalling. The effort is significantly greater and the experience is less enjoyable for most people.
Starting from Buyera
Not the usual option — completely changes the experience
If you start from Buyera or any low point, the route involves more uphill, more effort and is less enjoyable for beginners. This is not the usual way to do the route and we do not recommend it except for very short stretches.
Which is the best starting point
the best option is to start in Entrago. You make the most of the descent, the route is easier and you enjoy the ride more.
This is especially important if you are going with children, if you have no cycling experience, or if you simply want a comfortable route without unnecessary effort.
Why start in Entrago
Which is the best option if you are going with children
always start in Entrago.
With almost the entire route downhill, children do not have to make a constant effort. This makes the difference between enjoying the route or having a difficult time.
Starting in Entrago
Starting from the bottom
How the starting point affects the time
The starting point also directly affects the total time for the route.
- From Entrago: smooth downhill ride, 2 to 2.5 hours at a relaxed pace
- From Proaza: depends on the direction chosen, but loses some smoothness
- From Buyera upwards: slower, more stops, greater fatigue
Logistics: the main challenge when planning the route
One of the biggest challenges when planning the Senda del Oso is logistics. If you arrive by car, you will wonder where to park it and how to get back to the starting point once you have finished. You can check our guide on where to park at the Senda del Oso to sort this out before you go.
If you start in Entrago and finish in Buyera, you have two options: arrange two cars (one at the top and one at the bottom) or use a transfer service to get you back to the starting point.
The simplest way to organise it
The most comfortable option is to start at the top, ride downhill and return by transport. This avoids having to leave cars at different points and gives you better control over your day.
The bike hire includes the return transfer: at the end of the route we collect the bikes and there is transport back to Entrago. No need to worry about organising anything else.
No hassle
Return transfer included in the hire
Start at the top, finish in Buyera. We take you back to the start.
Common mistakes when choosing where to start
Starting from the bottom without realising
Makes the route harder — find out before you go
Not planning the return
Causes problems at the end — better to have it sorted in advance
Choosing the wrong starting point with children
Can make the experience uncomfortable for the whole family
Trying to do the route out and back
Twice the effort — this is not the usual approach
Tips for choosing the right starting point
- If in doubt → start in Entrago
- With children → start in Entrago
- If you want to enjoy without effort → start in Entrago
- If you only want a very short stretch → Proaza may be enough
- If the transfer worries you → include it with your hire, it is already included
The most comfortable way to start the Senda del Oso
If you want to do the route without hassle, the most recommended approach is to start directly at the top of the route, in Entrago. This lets you ride downhill, avoid unnecessary effort and not worry about the logistics of getting back.
Online booking
See bike hire in Entrago
Departure from the top, return transfer included.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the recommended starting point for the Senda del Oso?
Entrago. It is the highest point on the route, allowing almost the entire ride to be done downhill. It is the most comfortable option and the most popular choice.
Can you start from Buyera?
Yes, but it is not the usual approach. Starting from the bottom means more uphill and more effort. It only makes sense if you want to do a very short stretch.
What about the car if I start in Entrago?
The hire includes the return transfer: once you finish in Buyera, there is transport to take you back to Entrago. You do not need to leave cars at different points.
Is it better to start in Proaza than in Entrago?
Generally not. Proaza is in the middle section and you do not get the full benefit of the descent. If you have the choice, always start in Entrago.
With children, which is the best starting point?
Entrago without question. The descent means children do not have to make a constant effort, which makes the route a much more enjoyable experience.