Easy cycling routes in Asturias

Asturias is a region that lends itself to being explored in a thousand different ways: on foot, by bike, on a motorbike, by car, on horseback, and so on. Depending on your circumstances, your tastes, your fitness level or whatever takes your fancy at that moment, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Without a doubt, cycling is one of the healthiest and most enjoyable ways to get about, and Paraíso Natural offers all sorts of routes – some easy and very pleasant for exploring, whilst getting a bit of exercise at the same time, whether on your own or in a group. And along these routes, you’ll always find interesting places of historical, cultural or natural significance.

For all these reasons, here are a few suggested routes where you can enjoy different landscapes without too much effort!

The village of San Tirso de Abres, at the westernmost tip of Asturias, is the starting point for an easy walking route known as the Eo Greenway – Railway Route (PR AS-300), which is ideal for families, whether on foot or by bike. This pleasant walk, which is a ‘Vía Verde’, follows a repurposed old railway line, where you are surrounded by nature as you discover industrial architecture, waterfalls, tunnels, salmon ladders and beautiful suspension bridges along the way.

The route’s characteristics make it ideal for a leisurely walk without too much physical exertion, as it is a straight, virtually flat path. The route from San Tirso de Abres to the border with the province of Lugo is 7 kilometres, plus another 7 on the return journey, making a total of 14 kilometres, with an elevation gain of just 45 metres, and a duration – taking it at a leisurely pace – of around three and a half hours.

The path is a dirt track, and if you don’t have a bike to hand, there are active tourism companies in the area where you can hire one.

This is a route of great ecological value, set amongst the Eo River, where you’ll see plenty of trees and hear the murmur of the river. You’ll also pass through numerous tunnels; the lights usually come on as you walk through, but it’s important to bring a torch just in case, and to be aware that there are sometimes puddles inside them.

The Senda del Oso is a former mining railway line that has, quite deservedly, become one of Spain’s most popular greenways.

It runs through the municipalities of Santo Adriano, Proaza, Quirós and Teverga, and is ideal for everyone, as it doesn’t require you to be particularly fit – just a desire to enjoy nature. So you can go on your own, with friends, with your family, with children, and so on.

And although you can walk the route, it’s best to hop on a bike for a ride that’s sure to be unforgettable.

For a leisurely walk, it is best to start the route in Entrago (Teverga), and from there head steadily downhill – which makes for a very pleasant walk – to Buyera (Santo Adriano), the lowest point on the route, where you’ll find a picnic area very close to the bear enclosure, where, with a bit of luck, you might spot Molina the bear.

The 18-kilometre downhill stretch from Entrago to Buyera can be covered at a leisurely pace in around two to two-and-a-half hours. However , as the path forms a ‘Y’ shape, you can take other routes extending the walk to 28 kilometres or even further, depending on the option you choose.

But however many kilometres you cover, one thing is certain: you’ll be passing through beautiful landscapes featuring forests, gorges, tunnels, bridges and villages.

All in all, an enjoyable and straightforward route, perfect for exploring this central part of Asturias.

The La Camocha Greenway follows the route of the old mining railway line that linked the La Camocha mine with Veriña and Puerto del Musel, in Gijón. Ideal at any time of year, it is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

It begins in Tremañes, and after running parallel to the Ferrol–Gijón railway line, it soon reaches the village of Santa Bárbara, one of Gijón’s earliest working-class neighbourhoods, near which lies the La Mortera spring, whose waters were already revered in Roman times as a source of health and well-being.

Along the route, you’ll see farms and stately homes, woods, tunnels, bridges and stunning views of the green countryside and mountains surrounding the municipality of Gijón. The route ends at the site of the old La Camocha mine, which stands out for the beauty and height of its winding tower.

The routeis just over 7 kilometres long, with very little elevation gain, and you can cover it at a leisurely pace in around two hours. You can either turn back along the same route, covering a further 7 kilometres, or join the Piles river path, where you’ll also enjoy some beautiful scenery.

This old railway line will take you from the city to the countryside in a gentle transition. It’s a journey of almost 9 kilometres, during which the landscape changes constantly, immersing you in the tranquillity of the lush greenery and the sound of the river.

The Fuso Greenway starts at the Parque de Invierno in Oviedo/Uviéu; it is practically flat and well-paved, so you can explore it on foot, by bike or on rollerblades. It also has the advantage of having picnic areas at various points along the route where you can take a break or have a bite to eat.

After passing over bridges, through woods, past old mills and through several tunnels – some of which are quite long – as well as spotting birds and other native species and catching sight of peaks and mountains in the distance, you’ll reach your destination in Fuso de la Reina, where you can admire the waters of Asturias’ longest and most abundant river, the Nalón, and with the Les Caldes hot springs, featuring its refurbished spa and health centre, just a short distance away.

In total, it’s about 18 kilometres there and back, and a lovely walk where you can stop off whenever you like.

The coastal path that runs through the municipality of Llanes – and which, in some sections , follows the Northern Way or Coastal Way – is a magnificent route to enjoy by bike.

We suggest an easy walk of around 9 kilometres, between Poo Beach and the Niembru estuary. The route takes you through stunning coastal scenery, featuring cliffs and beaches, always with the Sierra del Cuera and the Picos de Europa as a backdrop.

A unique setting where you’ll pass close to beaches such as San Martín, Celoriu, Borizu, Troenzo, Sorraos and Barro, before ending your excursion at the port of El Vao, in Niembru, with its beautiful estuary, which is always bustling with bathers and people enjoying various water sports, particularly stand-up paddleboarding. The church of Santa María de los Dolores, right on the banks of the estuary, completes this truly beautiful setting, which has inspired artists and filmmakers alike.

And when you fancy it, cycle back to Po, or you can also catch the train from Celoriu to return to Llanes.

As you can see, Asturias is a real paradisefor cycle tourism!Discover more cycle tourism routes in Asturias!