Hello Glutendtrotters! Today we want to share with you one of the most charming and family-friendly routes in Cantabria: the Churrón de Borleña Route. We would call it a hidden gem, but the truth is that since we started going a few years ago, the number of curious people who decide to visit this beautiful spot in the heart of Cantabria has grown quite a bit. This trail is perfect for enjoying nature as a family and creating an unforgettable experience with the little ones.
Before your visit to the Churrón de Borleña
🚗 As we mentioned, the best way to get there is by car: compare rental options on Discover Cars.
🛡️ We never travel without IATI travel insurance (5% off for Glutendtrotters readers), essential for any trip.
📶 And since there’s no mobile signal on the trail, download your map in advance; for the rest of the trip, a Holafly eSIM (also 5% off for you) keeps you connected.
Route Description
Location
The Churrón de Borleña Route is located in one of our favorite areas of Cantabria, right in the Pas Valley (Valles Pasiegos), in the municipality of Corvera de Toranzo. It is the perfect destination for a day trip and fun in nature.
Duration and Difficulty
Depending on where you start, the route can be a little longer, but it’s worth it in any case. It can vary between 3 and 5 kilometers(round trip) and has a low difficulty rating, making it ideal for children and people of all ages.
However, it is not accessible by wheelchair or stroller. If you are going with very young children, you will need to carry them in a baby carrier. Keep in mind that the final stretch of the route, which leads to the Churrón, is a bit tricky and you have to scramble over some rocks.
Main Attractions
The Churrón de Borleña
The highlight of the route is the impressive Churrón de Borleña, a 20-meter high waterfall that unfolds in a magical setting. Children will be fascinated by the beauty of the falling water and the serene atmosphere of the place.
But we won’t kid you, what really fascinates the little ones are the hundreds of tadpoles that grow in this unique environment. The pool where the waterfall falls is not deep enough for swimming, but children will love walking among the tiny frogs. Just make sure to be extremely careful not to step on them.
Flora and Fauna
The route begins on a semi-paved path that gives no hint at all of the beauty of the forest you are about to enter once you cross the first wooden bridge.
Along the way, little adventurers can discover various tree species, such as beech, oak, and hazel trees, making the hike an educational and entertaining experience.
Thanks to all the vegetation and the river, it is a very humid environment. This makes it the perfect place for many species to flourish and also makes it the perfect family adventure on a sunny day.
Tips for the Route
What to bring
To do this hiking route, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear for walking, although it doesn’t need to be professional gear.
We love going in the afternoon for a snack with a sandwich and a bottle of water for a picnic in nature, but that’s up to you.
What is essential if you go with children is to bring spare socks and water shoes so they can move around the pool without worry. And, of course, don’t forget a camera to capture the most special moments of the day!
Safety
Although the route is safe, it is always good to keep children close and supervised, especially near the waterfall. As we mentioned, the final stretch is a bit rugged and if they are young, they won’t be able to climb it without your help, as well as the water crossings you will find along the way.
Benefits for Children
Contact with Nature
This route offers an excellent opportunity for the whole family. There is no mobile data coverage! So, it will help you and the kids unplug from technology and connect with nature, learning about the natural environment.
Exercise and Adventure
Walking outdoors is a great form of exercise. Plus, the sense of adventure of exploring a new place is something children will always enjoy. From our perspective, it is an ideal route for getting some family exercise without it being tedious for the kids.
How to Get to the Churrón de Borleña
The route begins in the town of Borleña. I know we are very insistent, but the best way to get there is by car. As we have told you on countless occasions, there are fantastic places that you wouldn’t get to know due to the difficulty that other means of transport present or the lack of organized excursions.
We recommend you read our post about the circular car route in the Valles Pasiegos.
From Santander, you will have to take the N-623 towards Burgos. After passing the town of Vargas, approximately 10 kilometers later, you will reach Borleña. Once here, you can park in two different areas:
- Turning right at the “Mesón de Borleña”, you will reach a small parking lot next to a bowling alley. It is closer to the Churrón, but its size makes it difficult to find a spot.
- Turning left before the “Mesón de Borleña”, you enter the Borleña Park parking lot, which is more spacious. Here you will find a sign indicating the start of the route right next to where you leave the car. It is a slightly longer walk but very comfortable.
What to do near the Churrón de Borleña
Borleña Park: Fun for the Little Ones
It is the perfect place for children to play and have fun in a safe environment. You can do the hike in the morning and then enjoy a picnic in the designated area with tables, or simply let the children run around the playground and green spaces after the hike.
Puente Viesgo Caves: A Journey to the Past
A few kilometers from Borleña are the famous Puente Viesgo Caves, Las Monedas and El Castillo, a set of prehistoric caves declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is an educational and fascinating visit that the whole family will love.
Alceda Park: Relax and Leisure in Nature
Alceda Park is another excellent destination nearby. It offers large green areas, a spa, and leisure activities for all ages. It is an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature after a walk.
Cabárceno Natural Park: a great family day trip
If you have an extra day for the area, Cabárceno Natural Park is just over half an hour’s drive from Borleña and is one of the most popular family outings in Cantabria: 750 hectares of karst landscape where more than 150 animal species from five continents roam in semi-freedom.
👉 Book the Cabárceno tour with hotel pickup here, a convenient option if you’re not driving: it includes a guided minibus ride through the park and a cable car ride with panoramic views.
Where to Eat Gluten-Free Near the Churrón de Borleña
We are not going to forget one of the most important points: where to eat gluten-free near the Churrón de Borleña. Although the places we are going to recommend do not belong to the Celiac Association of Cantabria and cannot guarantee the absence of cross-contamination, they are very valid options for those who, like us, cannot eat just anything.
Puente Viesgo Spa
The Puente Viesgo Spa is very well known for its popular hot chocolate and churros snack, although unfortunately, they don’t have gluten-free options for that yet. However, we recommend trying their restaurant, which offers options for celiacs and stands out for its excellent quality and service.
Heladería López in Ontaneda
Are you a sweet-toothed Glutendtrotter? For dessert, don’t hesitate to try the most famous ice creams in the Pas Valley at Heladería López, in Ontaneda. They offer various flavors suitable for those with restrictive diets who still can’t pass up a good treat.
Restaurante La Unión, in Puente Viesgo
Another option worth considering is Restaurante La Unión, in the El Cuco neighborhood of Puente Viesgo: it’s one of the top-rated restaurants in town, and several customer reviews highlight a varied set menu with multiple options for celiacs. The restaurant itself has publicly replied to those reviews explaining that they design their menus so that “everyone can eat.” As always, we recommend confirming their cross-contamination protocol on site before ordering.
Go ahead and discover the Churrón de Borleña Route with your family! It is a wonderful experience that combines nature, exercise, and fun. See you on the trail, Glutendtrotters!
And please, if you do, share your big day with us, send us your favorite photos, and tell us if you enjoyed it as much as we did.
You might also be interested in:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is the Churrón de Borleña hiking trail and how do you get there?
It’s located in the municipality of Corvera de Toranzo, in the Pas Valley (Valles Pasiegos). The best way to get there is by car via the N-623 towards Burgos: about 10 km after passing Vargas, you’ll reach Borleña, where there are two parking areas right by the start of the trail.
How long is the hike and how difficult is it?
The round-trip hike is between 3 and 5 kilometers depending on the starting point, with low difficulty suitable for children. The final stretch leading to the waterfall is a bit more rugged and involves scrambling over rocks.
Is it suitable for young children or strollers?
It’s a family-friendly trail that’s very popular with kids, but it isn’t accessible by wheelchair or stroller. If you’re traveling with very young children, you’ll need to carry them in a baby carrier, especially on the final stretch by the waterfall.
What else is there to do near the Churrón de Borleña?
Nearby you’ll find Borleña Park, with a playground and picnic area, the Puente Viesgo Caves (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Alceda Park with its spa, and Cabárceno Natural Park just over half an hour away by car.
Where can I eat gluten-free near the Churrón de Borleña?
The restaurant at the Puente Viesgo Spa offers options for celiacs, as does Restaurante La Unión in Puente Viesgo, with varied menus according to customer reviews. For dessert, Heladería López in Ontaneda has flavors suitable for restrictive diets. None of them belong to the Cantabria Celiac Association, so it’s best to confirm cross-contamination measures on site.
