Fuentes del Narcea
- Cangas del Narcea, Degaña, Ibias Occidente de Asturias
Cycle touring in Fuentes del Narcea is a journey for the senses, where each pedal stroke challenges the cyclist to reach new goals that will remain in their memory for a long time.
The pedalling is accompanied by the sound of the water of the extensive river network that runs through the deep valleys of this region. The tough climbs are rewarded by the sight of spectacular landscapes and unique places such as the Munieḷḷos Integral Nature Reserve - the largest oak forest in Europe and one of the green lungs of Asturias. The great wealth of wildlife in the area also allows the observation of unique specimens such as capercaillies or brown bears in spring and autumn.
H2: The most spectacular mountain passes of Fuentes del Narcea
With a cumulative difference in altitude of more than 2,000 metres, the cycle touring routes of Fuentes del Narcea require good physical and mental preparation, as well as prior planning. At the Alto del Acebo, at 1206 metres and a stage finish in the Vuelta a Asturias on more than twenty occasions, it is advisable to stop to get to know the second most important sanctuary in the Principality and to admire its impressive views. Other highlights include the climbs to the Puerto del Connio pass, one of the most beautiful for cycling, at an altitude of 1,315 metres, and the Pozo de Las Mujeres Muertas, at 1,098 metres.
After kilometres of effort, it is crucial to recover your energy by tasting some of the region's traditional dishes, made from excellent quality raw materials, such as sausages, veal, beans and vegetables, and try the local wine, with Protected Geographical Indication. The empanadas (pasties) and the homemade wood-fired bread are excellent, but Cangas del Narcea is the first certified gluten-free destination in Spain. Cyclists with gluten intolerance should know that under the Cangas gluten-free seal, they can find up to 55 establishments, where they can enjoy the local gastronomy without worries.
Fuentes del Narcea. A cyclotourist route to pedal at a slow pace.
The route that reaches Cangas del Narcea from Tinéu, in the Comarca Vaqueira, offers a short, accessible route for those interested in relaxed cycle touring in Fuentes del Narcea that allows you to discover the land of the wood craftsmen known as cunqueiros or tixileiros, an ancestral tradition that is about to disappear, as well as the palaces and rural mansions in the historic centre of Cangas del Narcea or the Monastery of San Juan Bautista de Corias, which can be enjoyed as a Parador Nacional.
To get to this region you have to take into consideration that Cangas del Narcea is located 1 hour and 15 minutes by car west of Oviedo/Uviéu; the forest of Munieḷḷos, 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The breathtaking scenery, the tranquillity of the small villages and the hospitality of the people will delight the most experienced road cyclists who accept the challenge of the mountains of this exceptional Biosphere Reserve.
