Bajo Nalón
- Muros de Nalón, Pravia, Soto del Barco Centro de Asturias
In addition to its natural wealth, the Bajo Nalón has a cultural heritage that adds a special attraction to the cycling experience.
A couple of routes run along the coast from Avilés to Luarca/Ḷḷuarca, one of moderate difficulty and the other more demanding. Both routes run through this region, offering spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea.
It is well worth a visit to Los Quebrantos beach and the fishing village of L'Arena, in Soto del Barco, known as the angular capital of Spain. The medieval jetties and the castle of San Martín are not to be missed there either.
Another obligatory stop, after rounding the San Esteban estuary and visiting the industrial archaeological remains of what was the country's first coal port, is the Espíritu Santo viewpoint; from this point, the seascape unfolds in all its splendour, stretching from Cabo Peñas to Cabo Vidio. This panoramic balcony forms part of the Senda Costera de los Miradores de Muros de Nalón (Coastal Path of the Viewpoints of Muros de Nalón), which can be covered on foot and also by bicycle.
From Muros de Nalón to Grau/Grado on two wheels
From Muros de Nalón starts the route that links the touring of the coast with Grau/Grado, inland, in the Camín Real de la Mesa region. On the route, of low difficulty, it is advisable to set aside some time to stroll through Somáu, a picturesque village where the Indian architecture tells the story of those who made their fortune in America and returned to build their dreams.
In Pravia, history enthusiasts will find vestiges of a glorious past, such as the pre-Romanesque temple of Santianes de Pravia, which dates from the time when Silo reigned in the Kingdom of Asturias. Those who enjoy combining gastronomy and cycle touring should know that in the Bajo Nalón region they are in the heart of the Asturian market gardens.
Beans, the main ingredient of the typical dish of the whole region: fabada, are grown in the rich fertile plains of the river Nalón. The kiwis are also of excellent quality, but salmon and trout are the stars of the main local recipes. Whichever you choose, tasting any of them will be the best end to a day of fun on two wheels.
Just an hour from Oviedo/Uviéu, the capital of Asturias, Bajo Nalón is an ideal destination for those looking to escape the urban hustle and bustle and explore the coastal area on two wheels.
