There seems to be an unwritten rule that you pass oncoming walkers on the right. Not everyone observes this of course. Its all right to pass slower walkers, always at their convenience. Remember that they may be going more slowly than you because they are soaking up the ambiance of the place, or it may be because they are less fit and less sure of themselves. In which case you would not want to endanger them on these narrow paths by passing too close to them, getting in their way or knocking into them. Their safety is more important than your desire not to break your step. Always remember to show them respect. If you are one of the slower walkers I suggest that, when you hear people coming up behind, you choose which side they are to pass you on by moving over to the other side of the path yourself. Always put yourself on the safest side when being overtaken. 

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The weather is clouding over now, making the way easier and cooler but not so good for photography. 

Now we cross a series of plain, metal bridges over the River Cares, starting with Puente Bolin. The others do not appear to be named. The river is now on our right side, now again on our left. One of the bridges is covered with wire as a precaution against falling rocks. 

As the day wears on, the trail becomes clogged with walkers, many wearing trainers and carrying brand new, virginal, walking staffs. Be warned, I also passed an abandoned, severed, trainer sole. Boots are essential here, don't be like that poor pilgrim who had to hobble back with bare and blistered feet. Navigating around people who thoughtlessly insist on walking two abreast, oblivious to the sheer drop on one side, provides for an exhilarating experience too. I am sure for many of them its just a physical excursion and they take no time to appreciate the beauty of this wonderful place. 

As we get closer to Cain, the trail meanders through a series of damp, dripping, dark tunnels (a torch would be useful here).

Walk through the village, past bars and a couple of hostels, until we reach a t-junction were we turn left. Some people stop in Cain for the night, as I did on a previous occasion. If so I most certainly do not recommend Hostal La Ruta for reasons I discuss in another article. 

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The Cares Route now follows the road out of Cain, heading towards Posada de Valdeón. Don't blame me, I didn't design the route, its just the way it is. Carry on up the road, dodging traffic, until you come to a fascinating artifact from the past. A wolf trap (Chorco de los Lobos). It is a round tower built into the hillside, with a opening at the back, at ground level, through which the wolf enters, presumably after bait, or maybe it was driven, there is a wooden, funnel structure behind, a bit like a duck decoy. Viewed from inside, this opening is high up, we are on a hillside remember. So from here the wolf falls or jumps to the floor. There is also a metal door in the front through which it was removed, presumably after it had been shot. This is in a heavily wooded area called La Carrona which is well worth exploring on another occasion. 

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Next we come to Teja Oscura, and Fuente Teja Oscura, with a sign warning that the water may not be fit to drink. You must bring enough water on this route as there is none available anywhere on the path. And then a very welcome sign, our track leads off to the left towards Posada de Valdeón. It follows a high path through trees and is a delightful way to end this fascinating and delightful walk. 

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