Day 1 Transfer to Llanes

Pick up from arrival point and transfer to the charming Asturian fishing village of Llanes.

Introduction to bikes and tour leader. We may also have time to explore the nearby coastline and Llanes itself. We should also try the locally produced cider, so typical of Asturias.

Day 2 Llanes - Lakes of Covadonga - Cangas de Onís

Today's ride takes us through the Sierra de Cuera, the foothills of the Picos. A climb shortly after leaving Llanes, gives us magnificent views of the coastline and of the Picos themselves. Finally we descend to the ancient Asturian capital of Cangas de Onís. A trip extension takes us to the Lakes of Covadonga, within the Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa. This is a climb to some of the most beautiful and famous scenery in the Picos. Cyclists who do not wish to do the climb may take advantage of our backup vehicle to get a lift to the top.









Distance short 45 km - 28 miles
85 km - 53 miles with Covadonga extension

Day 3Cangas de Onís - Posada de Valdeón

This stage takes us from Asturias to the province of León in Castile. We take an easy ride along the River Sella and then through the Desfiladero de los Beyos, a spectacular gorge which takes us into León with the Western Massif of the Picos to our left.

We then climb over two passes with beautiful scenery before descending to Posada de Valdeón.

As we approach our destination, we see the village nestling in the valley surrounded by the most incredible sheer rock peaks of the Massif Central
of the Picos.

Distance 61 km - 38 miles

Day 4 Posada de Valdeón - Riaño - Posada de Valdeón

As we stay 2 nights in Posada, today we can choose from 2 options, or even do both! Our first is a circuit which takes us away from the Picos through the equally beautiful Cantabrian Mountains and the village of Riaño, rebuilt on the shores of its reservoir after the original village was flooded. From here we return to Posada to be greeted with even more spectacular views of the Picos.

For our second option, we leave the bikes behind and put on our walking boots for one of the most famous walks in Spain, La Ruta del Cares. We follow the River Cares from Valdeón down through its so-called divine gorge and more fantastic scenery to the village of Puente Poncebos from where we transfer back to Posada.

Distances - Cycle circuit - 73 km - 45 miles
Cares walk - 20 km - 12 miles

Day 5Posada de Valdeón - Potes

Leaving Posada behind, we turn our back on the Picos and cycle towards the pass of San Glorio. Here we enter the neighbouring province of Cantabria. A 27 km / 17 mile descent takes us back towards the Picos and into the valley of Liébana ending in its capital, Potes.



If we wish to cycle more, we can cycle up a beautiful and little-known valley to Cucayo and enjoy the descent down to Potes again. Later we can enjoy the hustle and bustle of this charming mountain village.



Distance 58 km - 36 miles
82 km - 51 miles with Cucayo extension

Day 6Potes - Fuente Dé - Potes

Fuente Dé is one of the most emblematic sites in the Picos. After a climb from Potes, we are suddenly confronted with its enormous sheer rock amphitheatre.



From here, a cable car takes us to the top from where we can enjoy marvellous views over the surrounding mountains. We can take advantage of this privileged position to enjoy a walk through some of the high Picos and be impressed by the starkly beautiful limestone scenery before descending through the pastures of Áliva to the village of Espinama. We then return to Potes to enjoy another evening before beginning the final stage of our journey.

Distance 46 km - 29 miles

Day 7 Potes - Carmona

Leaving Potes, we head towards the coast along the River Deva. After a short distance, we enter another impressive gorge carved through the mountains, La Garganta de La Hermida.

A descent of the gorge takes us to the village of La Hermida. Here we finally bid farewell to the Picos and journey through equally beautiful scenery to the village of Carmona.

This is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved in Cantabria and is a fitting place to enjoy our last evening before the return journey the next day.





Distance 54 km - 34 miles