Alto del Cordal–Cuchu Puercu–Cobertoria
- La Pola
- Distance: 27 kms
- Difficulty: Muy Dura
- Total ascent: 1175 m
- Maximum altitude: 1178 m
- Minimum altitude: 288 m
- IBP index: 136
- Mythical mountain passes
- Type of bicycle: Road
- Type of route: Circular
- Return by Train: No
This route, starting in La Pola (Lena), takes in the mountain passes of Alto del Cordal (788 m), Cuchu Puercu – Espines (1,036 m) and La Cobertoria (1,173 m), and offers a chance to explore the Sierra del Aramo via a little-used route of great beauty.
The climb to Alto del Cordal is a short ascent, around five and a half kilometres long, but with an average gradient of over 9 per cent, exceeding 11 per cent in several sections. Its difficulty has often been used as a warm-up for other summits such as the Angliru or the Gamoniteiro.
About a hundred metres before reaching the summit of the Cordal, there is a turn-off leading towards Espines – Cuchu Puercu; the road narrows and the tarmac is at times worn and potholed along a route that proves tough and demanding, with extremely steep gradients set amidst lush natural surroundings and an increasingly rugged landscape.
The road joins the climb to La Cobertoria at the Valle de Peral recreation area, from where the route continues along tarmac in perfect condition until reaching the summit of the pass, offering spectacular views of Peña Rueda, Las Ubiñas and many other prominent peaks of the Cantabrian Mountains.
