This northern part of Spain is famous for its impressive Natural Parks, wild breathtaking beaches and above all – to all cyclist – for stunning steep hills, passes and mountainous roads to heaven.
The weather in Asturias is affected by Atlantic, so changes are common every day. But during the summer and autumn even the rainy days are warm enough to enjoy lovely landscape from bike saddle.
Index
- Llanes – Cortines – Carreña – Panes – Unquera – Llanes (95 KM)
- Ribadesella – Arriondas -COVADONGA LAKES – Cangas de Onís – Ribadesella (95 KM)
- Pola de Lena – GAMONITEIRU PEAK – Pola de Lena (32 KM)
1. Llanes – Cortines – Carreña – Panes – Unquera – Llanes
Distance: 95 KM
Elevation Gained: 1.600 M
Pit Stops: Parres, Cortines, Ortiguero, Carreña, Panes, Unquera and others….
Lovely loop starting in beautiful port of Llanes city heading up to mountains Sierra de Cuera with pass Alto de la Tornería at any 471 m.a.s.
Starting in port of beautiful city of Llanes just take local road LLN-7 to Parres and Debores and withing the 10 KM you reach the highest point pass Alto de la Tornería (471 m.a.s.). Then comes descent to crossroad with AS-115 on km 18. Turn left to climb 2nd highest point of the loop. In 7 KM comes another important crossroad with AS-114, so turn left heading to Panes.
Stay on this road until Panes. Firstly the pass pass might be climbed and then it´s long descent to town. In Panes take left again to shoreline over N-621. While coming to Unquera, ride through the town and on roundabout take last exit to continue along the highway. The road is NA-624, all the time undulated one along the Pendueles back to Llanes.
2. Ribadesella – Arriondas – Cangas de Onís – COVADONGA LAKES -Arriondas – Ribadesella
Distance: 95 KM
Elevation Gained: 1.700 M
Pit Stops: Arriondas, Cangas de Onís, Soto de Cangas, Covadonga Lakes.
Stunning ride up to glacial lakes Enol and Ercina, part of National Park Picos de Europa.
It´s a MUST for all bike lovers + nature lovers as being part of LA VUELTA many times during the modern era of the race.
Being part of LA VUELTA a ESPAÑA many times during the last years, there is no reason to describe COVADONGA LAKES so profoundly, but even though is suitable to mention its spectacular blue glacial lakes Enol and Ercina surrounded by peaks of N.P. Picos de Europa. Simply ultra-beautiful place.
From estuary in Ribadesella town take road N-634 to Arriondas. It´s a bit busy road and takes almost 20 KM against the stream of Sella river – invisible ascent. In Arriondas carefully ride around huge roundabout to take direction Cangas de Onís over road N-635. In town is possibility of refreshment, if required, or just avoid center and take AS-114 to Soto de Cangas where is the important turn to lakes.
Here comes the last section divided in two parts: the 1st part to Covadonga and sanctuary is still false flat but passing this place the real climb of any 12 KM to lakes starts. It´s simply lovely and beautiful, and charming when reaching plateau around lakes. The route back takes same way you have climbed.
3. Pola de Lena – GAMONITEIRU PEAK – Pola de Lena
Distance: 32 KM
Elevation Gained: 1.450 M
Pit Stops: 2 fountains on main road only.
A southern brother of Alto L´Anglirú, same massif just climbed from other part.
Maybe less demanding but still pretty hard one, a climb without any relaxing part but always under 20% in compare to L´Anglirú.
Being part of LA VUELTA a ESPAÑA in 2021, the peak has gotten a new asphalt so the ride is smooth and still up. Starting in Pola de Lena take directly local road A-230 over Palaciós and Piedraceda. In 10 KM the sign for Gamoniteiru shows to turn right from main road and the climb become even harder.
Narrow but well asphalted section leaves the trees behind and appears rocky landscape with stunning views around. The closer is the broadcast station the steeper the gradient is. But the view over antenna makes the mind stronger. It worth climb it. The descent is danger so might be taken gently.
TRAVELLING SPAIN 