Montaña Central
- Aller, Lena, Mieres, Morcín, Ribera de Arriba, Riosa Centro de Asturias
Less than an hour's drive from Oviedo/Uviéu, the most mythical climbs of the Vuelta, witnesses of great sporting feats, await cyclists seeking to write their own history on the asphalt.
The great reference is undoubtedly the Angliru, an epic ascent with more than 12 km and an average gradient of 10%, which challenges the limits of endurance and the determination of the most daring cyclists. Every pedal stroke is hard work, but the reward comes when you reach the summit for the breathtaking views and the feeling of accomplishment that comes over the cyclist who makes it.
Those brave enough to take on this summit will be rewarded with the satisfaction of having conquered one of the greatest cycling challenges in Spain, linked to legends such as José María Jiménez, Roberto Heras and Alberto Contador, as well as enjoying mountain landscapes of incredible beauty.
Beyond the Angliru: Other Asturian peaks
Montaña Central have more options for those who want to test their skills and enjoy the most spectacular mountain passes in Asturias. The route that links the Alto del Cordal, the Cuchu Puercu and the ascent to La Cobertoria, at an altitude of 1173 m, offers imposing slopes and landscapes of great beauty. From Campomanes there is a route to the Alto de La Cubilla, in the heart of Las Ubiñas - La Mesa Natural Park, and another section to Pajares and Cuitu Negru (stage finish of La Vuelta in 2024 and with a cumulative height gain of 1835 m).
The route from La Pola, in Lena, to the highest peak of the Aramo mountain range, El Gamoniteiro (in Quirós, Camín Real de la Mesa), is one of the most demanding routes that can be done in Asturias. Its ascent, with a gradient of no less than 10%, is a challenge only for the brave, which is compensated by the extraordinary mountain scenery it passes through.
For lovers of mountain bike touring and of moderate complexity, the Cordal de Coto Bello in the council of Aller is an essential route, which takes the cyclist to a natural viewpoint with panoramic views of the Murias Valley that are well worth a stop.
Those who decide to cycle along the peaks should always remember to take some waterproof clothing and, in winter, warm clothing is essential for tackling the ascent to the highest peaks in good conditions.
Relaxed cycle touring in Montaña Central
This region also has more accessible routes, perfect for those who want to enjoy a relaxing cycling tour. The greenways pass through valleys surrounded by stunning scenery through tunnels, bridges and gorges, making the journey on two wheels a real experience. Among the most popular cycle touring routes in Montaña Central are the Loredo Valley Greenway, which runs along old mining roads in a peaceful setting next to the course of the Nalón river, and the Fuso Greenway, which connects with the famous Senda del Oso (Bear Trail) in a gentle and charming route for those who want to complement their cycling with bear watching in semi-freedom in the Proaza enclosure, while cycling in the Camín Real de la Mesa region.
Two more routes go deep into the mining basins and are the perfect combination of cycle tourism and industrial heritage. The Vía Verde del Valle de Turón invites you to make a stop at the old installations of the Santa Bárbara well, in Mieres, or the Pozo Fortuna interpretation centre. On the route, the pre-Romanesque church of Santa Eulalia de Ujo is also worth a stop. On the other hand, the Rioturbio Greenway enters the protected landscape of the Cuencas Mineras.
In Montaña Central, cycle tourists will find a variety of specialised accommodation, repair workshops and local guides who know the routes and their secrets inside out. After a day's cycling, whether on the peaks or the plains, it is essential to enjoy Asturian gastronomy in the restaurants and cider bars of the area to recover your strength with local products in stews, pots or sweets.
From emblematic mountain passes to kilometres of cycling for all levels, the majesty of this region and its landscapes will make the experience of riding along its routes an unforgettable memory for lovers of cycle touring in Montaña Central of Asturias.
