Coal Trails. Flow Trail
- La Pola Llaviana/Pola de Laviana
- Distance: 16 kms
- Difficulty: Muy Dura
- Total ascent: 787 m
- Maximum altitude: 931 m
- Minimum altitude: 289 m
- IBP index: 105
- Flow trails
- Type of bicycle: MTB
- Type of route: Circular
- Return by Train: No
This flow trail is a circuit designed specifically for mountain biking. It is an incredible three-and-a-half-kilometre descent featuring countless bends, turns, jumps, bumps and drops. It is Spain’s first Flow Trail to be certified under the standards of the IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association Spain).
The circular route begins at Molín de La Chalana, from where it heads towards Entrialgo. The route crosses the footbridge that spans the road and continues along the local road to Canzana, where it takes a concrete track that climbs up some steep gradients, alternating with sections of dirt track as it gains altitude, until it reaches the vicinity of Pico La Vara and from there to Campa La Taza, where a replica mine entrance marks the start of the path leading to the actual start of the Flow Trail descent at Campa L’Españeu, marked by another replica mine entrance.
At this point, the views are magnificent and the descent down the slopes of Mount Carrio – with its bends and sweeping sections, bumps and jumps – is pure fun, although it’s worth watching out for mud in winter and lush vegetation in summer.
The Flow Trail section ends before reaching La Brañueta, but the path winding through the gallery forest provides the perfect setting to unwind after the descent before emerging onto the tarmac track leading to the town centre, which, after passing through the industrial estate, crosses the River Nalón and returns via the lovely tree-lined promenade running alongside the river to the starting point next to La Chalana Bridge.
