Cycle tourism route. The Casielles zigzag

This climb to the little village of Casielles, with its 23 bends in just 3 kilometres, is also known as the ‘Petit Alpe d’Huez’ and is a real challenge, both because of the elevation gain and the gradient, set in an unrivalled landscape in the heart of the Picos de Europa.

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Distance Distance: 4 kms
Difficulty Difficulty: Fácil
Total ascent Total ascent: 490 m
Maximum altitude Maximum altitude: 807 m
Minimum altitude Minimum altitude: 365 m
IBP index IBP index: 48

Route Mythical mountain passes
Type of bicycle Type of bicycle: Road
Type of route Type of route: Linear
Return by Train Return by Train: No

Starting point Starting point: La Huera Bridge
Ending point Ending point: Casielles
Estimated duration Estimated duration: Half day

This short but intense route starts at the junction of the N-625, near Puente La Huera, right in the heart of the Los Bellos Gorge, with the road to Casielles and Viboli, and begins by winding its way through the Foz de Los Andamios.

For one kilometre, the road – which is very narrow and carved out of the rock – climbs steeply until it reaches the bridge crossing the River Viboli, from where the ascent to Casielles proper begins.

The climb, consisting of extremely steep gradients and continuous hairpin bends, has an average gradient of around 12.3 per cent; however, is deceptive, as there are frequent sections with gradients of 17 per cent, 18 per cent and, in some cases, over 20 per cent, until you reach the church of San Juan, at the highest point of the village.

As a reward for this gruelling climb, as we gain altitude, the landscape opens up, allowing us to appreciate the magnitude of the Los Bellos gorge and the mountain ranges that flank it, offering simply spectacular views.

Given its short length, it is common to incorporate this route into longer day trips, starting from Cangues d’Onís/Cangas de Onís, for example, and saving this lovely, beautiful ascent as the grand finale of a memorable journey.