This spectacular tour will take in the very best roads of the the beautiful Picos de Europa and the mighty challenge of the Alto de l’Angliru too.
Our riding will start on the gorgeous Cantabrian coast before we head inland to explore this stunning mountain range.
This trip will include a host of climbs that are regular inclusions in the Volta a Espana.
7 stunning days of riding taking in the beauty and challenges of Cantabria, Asturias and Castilla y Leon.
The schedule, cycling the Picos de Europa and Angliru
Saturday, June 28
Arrival at either Bilbao or Santander airports and transfers to our hotel near the coastal town of Llanes.
Sunday, June 29
San Vicente de la Barquera to Cangas de Onis – 120kms and 2300m climbing (challenge route)
We’ll start our first day of riding with some magnificent coastal rides with superb views over the Cantabrian Sea. Then we’ll head inland to tackle the superb climb of Jito de Escarandi before reaching our overnight stop near Cangas.
Monday, June 30
Cangas de Onis to Pola de Lena – 125km and 2200m climbing
Straight out of Cangas we head up the climb to the Lagos de Covadonga, an absolute ‘must do’ ride and a climb often featuring in the Vuelta. After this we’ll ride westwards to Pola de Lena near the foot of Angliru.
Tuesday, July 1
Pola de Lena to Pola de Lena – 100km and 3300m climbing (challenge route)
3 nights in Pola de Lena means we can concentrate fully on exploiting the big and iconic climbs in this area. First we’ll head up the Alto de l’Angliru with it’s fearsome gradients in it final kilometres. Our afternoon will be devoted to the ascent of the Alto de Gamoniteiro, a tough and dramatic ascent with incredible views at the top.
Wednesday, July 2
Pola de Lena to Pola de Lena – 80kms and 1600m climbing
The beautiful Alto de la Cubilla is one of the most beautiful climbs you will ever do. Known by locals as the ‘Galibier of Asturias’, we reckon it’s even better than the Galibier! Riders can choose to just ride this epic climb or in the afternoon head up to the Cuitu Negru, which was used as a very tough summit finish in the 2024 Vuelta.
Thursday, July 3
Pola de Lena to Riano – 110kms and 2000m climbing
The climbs of Alto de la Colladona and Puerto Tarna will keep us busy today as we head toward the stunning lakeland scenery around Riano
Friday, July 4
Riano to Potes – 125kms and 2500m climbing
Puerto de Panderruedas provides the day’s first climb followed by the pretty ride to Cain de Valdeon. Up and over the Puerto de Pandetrave and the Puerto San Glorio and then a great descent to Potes. For riders looking for more there will be the chance to complete the day with the big climb to Fuente Dé.
Saturday, July 5
Potes to San Vicente de la Barquera – 110kms and 1900m climbing
A gorgeous route to complete this trip will take us up the Puerto de Piedrasluengas before we head through fabulous gorges and smaller climbs to return to where our trip started near the coast.
Sunday, July 6
Transfers to either Santander or Bilbao airports.
Who would enjoy this trip?
The Picos and Angliru trip includes some tough, steep climbs that deliver a great challenge to any level of rider
Each day will involve a ‘standard’ ride to reach the next destination that will typically be in the region of 80km and 1800m of climbing. Stronger riders will have ‘challenge’ options to add distance and climbs midway and at the end of rides to significantly increase the distance and elevation ridden.
This flexibility means each day riders will have route choices to create the amount of challenge needed.
Distances and amount of climbing will vary daily, but as a guide, each day will be between 80 – 125 kilometres with 1800 – 3000 metres of climbing.
Those riders taking the ‘standard’ routes can expect to ride around 500 kilometres in the seven days with about 10,000 metres of climbing.
Those taking on all the ‘challenge’ options will end up riding about 750 kilometres and 15,000 metres of climbing.
Contact us to learn more or to book.
What we include
- Transfers from and to Bilbao or Santander airports.
- 8 nights twin share accommodation in carefully selected 2-star and 3-star hotels.
- 7 days of supported rides (mechanical assistance, vehicle support and guidance on all days).
- All breakfasts and dinners.
- Informal evening lectures from a qualified cycling coach offering training advice in preparation for cycling events.
- Energy drinks and snacks are available at all times.
What we don’t include
- Flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Lunches.
VAM rating
To enjoy this trip riders on this trip ought to be capable of climbing at a rate of around 700 metres/hour on a long climb, when working hard.
The measurement certainly does not mean that riders have to ride at this level for the duration of the trip, but it gives a guide as to the level of rider who will enjoy trip and not simply survive it!
Find out more about VAM in our Frequently Asked Questions.
Contact us to learn more or to book.
Important travel information
We collect and drop off riders at Bilbao and Santander Airports at the beginning and end of the trip. Ideally flights should arrive morning or early afternoon and departing flights at the end of the trip should be lunchtime or later. Please contact us to discuss flight times before booking any flights so that we can confirm that we’ll be able to collect you and drop you off promptly and without excessive waits.